The Sorento HEV is powered by a 1.6-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine that delivers close to 180 bhp and 265 Nm, working in tandem with an electric motor contributing an additional 65 bhp and 264 Nm. Power is sent through a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. Kia has not released a combined system output figure for the hybrid.

The 2.2-litre diesel option produces 190 bhp and 442 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

All-wheel drive is standard on HTX and higher variants. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart, while AWD models also offer terrain modes for Snow, Mud and Sand.

The Sorento's cabin features a black and grey or black and brown interior theme, depending on the exact variant and package chosen.

A panoramic curved display that incorporates a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument cluster dominates the dashboard. A windshield-projected head-up display is available, along with a dial-type shift-by-wire gear selector. The rotary control sits on the centre console and feels genuinely premium, rather than a simple rebadged manual shifter.

Standard equipment includes navigation-based smart cruise control, Digital Key 2.0, and the Kia AI Assistant. The AI system draws on Perplexity for its intelligence and SoundHound AI for voice recognition, functioning as a real-time conversational assistant instead of a rigid, command-based interface.

Seating is offered in both six and seven-seat layouts. The second row features captain’s chairs with built-in ventilation and an ergo-motion function. Wing-type headrests and relaxation seats are fitted throughout the cabin. A remote power-release mechanism allows the front seats to slide forward, simplifying access to the third row.

The Sorento gets a broad, upright profile.

Up front, a large geometric dark-chrome grille stretches across the entire width of the nose, bookended by stacked triple-unit LED headlamp clusters and a continuous DRL strip that runs along the bonnet line. The amber turn signal is housed in the upper projector unit.

It gets flush-fitted door handles with a keyless entry sensor, and the ORVMs get an integrated camera.

At the rear, vertical LED taillamps pair with a full-width light bar and an integrated spoiler that conceals the rear wiper. AWD variants get a “4X” badge on the tailgate.

The vehicle rides on large multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels shod with Vredestein tyres, an uncommon choice compared with the more typical MRF or Bridgestone rubber fitted to most Indian-market SUVs.

The Sorento is equipped with a 26-feature standard safety package including 10 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, vehicle stability management, multi-collision braking, and TPMS as standard.

It also comes with Level 2+ ADAS offering 30 autonomous safety functions.

The Sorento HEV takes on rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, MG Majestor and Jeep Meridian.

None of these competitors offer a hybrid powertrain combined with all-wheel drive, giving the Sorento a strong advantage, especially at the price at which it is offered.

The new Kia Sorento arrives in India as a well-rounded, feature-packed SUV that stands out with its hybrid-AWD combination, premium cabin tech, and strong safety credentials.

While it faces tough competition from established names, its unique powertrain mix, refined interiors, and comprehensive equipment give it a clear edge for buyers seeking a more sophisticated and future-ready alternative in the segment.