Kia Sorento Spotted Undisguised Ahead of India Launch on September 4

Kia Sorento has started arriving at dealerships in India ahead of its September 4, 2026 launch. A new walkaround video has revealed the SUV in its production-spec form, including its seven-seat layout, diesel engine, 8-speed DCT gearbox and cabin features. Bookings for the new SUV are already open through Kia dealerships and the company's official India website.

Kia is gearing up to expand its premium SUV line-up in India with the Sorento. With the SUV now reaching dealer yards, details of the India-spec model are beginning to emerge ahead of its official launch. The Sorento seen in the latest video is a seven-seater diesel variant. It gets a conventional second-row bench instead of captain seats and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia will also offer the SUV with a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain.

The latest sighting confirms that Kia will offer the Sorento with a 2+3+2 seating configuration. The second row gets a 60:40 split-folding bench, with sliding and reclining functions to help adjust the available space between the second and third rows.

The third row gets its own set of convenience features. These include dedicated AC vents, cupholders and a USB Type-C charging port. The seats can be folded using straps from the luggage area.

The second row can also be electrically folded, while additional buttons in the boot allow the seats to be operated without having to enter the cabin. A powered tailgate is also visible on the spotted SUV.

Kia is expected to offer six- and seven-seat configurations across the Sorento range, giving buyers the option of captain chairs or a conventional second-row bench, depending on the variant.

The Sorento spotted at the dealer yard is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The engine is expected to produce around 190bhp and 440Nm of torque, although Kia is yet to reveal the final India-specification output.

The diesel powertrain will be joined by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid. The hybrid combines the petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack and is expected to produce around 238bhp and 380Nm of torque.

The strong-hybrid Sorento will be offered with all-wheel drive, giving Kia a second powertrain option aimed at buyers seeking improved efficiency without giving up the versatility of an SUV.

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The India-spec Sorento follows the design of the global model. It gets Kia's signature tiger-nose grille flanked by vertically positioned LED headlamps.

The front bumper has a prominent lower section with a skid-plate-style treatment, while the rear gets vertically stacked tail lamps and a squared-off profile. Roof rails and large alloy wheels further enhance its SUV stance.

The Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase. The version seen in the dealer yard rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

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On the inside the cabin of the Sorento gets a technology-heavy dashboard with twin 12.3-inch displays. One screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the other houses the infotainment system.

Kia has also confirmed that the Sorento will introduce its Live Generative AI-powered AI Assistant in India. The system is designed to offer more natural and conversational interactions than conventional voice assistants.

Other features visible on the dealer-spec SUV include powered front seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, Bose audio, wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB Type-C ports.

The equipment list also includes a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, drive modes and a rotary drive-mode selector. A panoramic sunroof adds to the premium feel of the cabin.

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Kia has already started producing the Sorento at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. Local manufacturing is expected to help the company position the SUV competitively in the Indian market. The Sorento is expected to start at around Rs 39 lakh to Rs 49 lakh. The Kia Sorento will compete with SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner.