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.

Boot space with the third row seats in use stands at 179 litres. Tumbling them down, it expands to 608-813 litres.

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.

On the side, the door handles with a keyless entry sensor, and the ORVMs get an integrated camera.

The Sorento rides on large 19-inch 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.

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 Kia Sorento prioritises occupant protection with a comprehensive 26-feature standard safety package.

Core systems include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), multi-collision braking, Emergency Stop Signal, and a high-line Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

All-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts (second and third rows on relevant variants), impact and speed-sensing door locks, and three-point seatbelts with reminders across rows are standard.

Higher variants offer up to 10 airbags (dual front, side, curtain, driver knee, rear side, and centre side airbag) and Level 2+ ADAS offering 30 autonomous safety functions.

The Sorento HEV and diesel take on the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian and MG Majestor.

The Toyota Fortuner is the long-standing benchmark in this segment in terms of proven reliability, strong resale, body-on-frame toughness and genuine low-range 4x4 capability with a locking differential.

Its 2.8-litre diesel offers more low-end torque for heavy towing or serious off-roading. It falls behind the Sorento in overall premiumness, cabin technology, refinement, hybrid efficiency, safety tech, and pricing.

The Skoda Kodiaq shines with European build quality, polished ride and handling, solid materials and a refined 2.0-litre turbo-petrol paired to a DSG and 4x4. It feels premium inside and planted on the road.

It trails the Sorento with a single powertrain choice, higher starting price, and third-row practicality in some configurations.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Kodiaq, the Volkswagen Tayron prioritises dynamic driving, strong 2.0 TSI performance, 4MOTION AWD and a high-quality, spacious cabin with large boot volume when the third row is folded.

It is more expensive especially in its higher, R-Line trim, lacks a diesel or hybrid option, and its third-row access/space is tighter than the Sorento’s more flexible 6/7-seat layouts.

The Jeep Meridian offers distinctive Jeep styling, solid build, 4x4, a competitive entry price and a capable 2.0-litre diesel.

It feels characterful and practical for everyday use, but falls short of the Sorento in overall refinement, efficiency, ADAS sophistication, and modern cabin tech.

Additionally, the Meridian's platform is older and engine options are limited to a single diesel.

The MG Majestor brings imposing size, a potent 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel, advanced 4WD with multiple off-road modes, differential locks, high ground clearance and water-wading ability, plus Level 2 ADAS and dual screens. Being a body-on-frame SUV, it is stronger for serious off-roading and boasts significantly more presence.

The Sorento counters this with a lower starting price, strong-hybrid option, better on-road refinement in many scenarios, more advanced AI/voice tech and a more car-like monocoque driving experience.

None of the Sorento's rivals currently combine a strong-hybrid powertrain with AWD, and most of them are priced higher as well. This gives the Kia a clear advantage in efficiency and technology while undercutting several rivals at entry level.

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.

It undercuts several established rivals while matching or exceeding them on technology, safety equipment and powertrain flexibility..

It does not match the Fortuner or Majestor for extreme off-road hardware or the pure body-on-frame toughness some buyers prioritise, nor does it equal the pure European driving dynamics of the Kodiaq/Tayron in every scenario. Third-row and boot space with all seats up is modest compared with some body-on-frame rivals.

For buyers seeking a more sophisticated, future-ready, feature-rich and efficient alternative in the premium three-row segment, especially those who value hybrid efficiency, advanced driver aids and cabin tech without paying the highest prices, the Sorento presents a compelling and differentiated choice.