Kia Sorento 7-Seater SUV Spied Testing, Launch Expected In 2026
Kia has been caught testing the Sorento, its premium three row SUV, on Indian roads for the first time, pointing to a likely launch in 2026. The test mule, seen inside a parking facility and covered in heavy camouflage, showed large 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres and an upright, boxy silhouette. Inside, a rotary style gear selector was visible, indicating that the variant on test uses a hybrid powertrain.
The Sorento will sit above the Seltos and Carens in Kia’s line up and is aimed at the premium family SUV segment currently dominated by the Toyota Fortuner and contested by models such as the Skoda Kodiaq. Expected pricing in the ₹32 lakh to ₹40 lakh ex showroom band would place it close to the lower to mid variants of the Fortuner, which is priced between ₹33.65 lakh and ₹48.85 lakh ex showroom. Kia will have to convince buyers who typically place strong weight on long term reliability and resale value, not just features.
Design, dimensions and cabin tech
Even with the camouflage, the Sorento’s overall shape is clear. Squared off wheel arches, a tall bonnet, a flat tailgate and a wide rear section point to proper three row proportions rather than a stretched five seater. Vertical lighting elements under the covers suggest T shaped LED daytime running lights, while the rear is likely to feature connected tail lamps to emphasise width, in line with current Kia design cues.
Multiple sensor cut-outs on the bumpers indicate that the India-spec Sorento is being readied with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. These are expected to include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. Such features are now common in premium SUVs and help support highway and city driving safety.
Inside, the presence of a rotary gear selector matches Kia’s practice of reserving this interface for its electrified models globally. Internationally, the Sorento gets a panoramic curved display that integrates dual 12.3 inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, along with Kia’s latest connectivity suite. Top variants abroad also offer ventilated front seats, soft touch materials, multi zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a Bose audio system. It is reasonable to expect a similar feature mix for the Indian market, with three row seating, multiple charging points and flexible cargo space aimed at family buyers.
The Sorento measures around 4.8 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and 1.7 metres in height, with a wheelbase of about 2.8 metres. These numbers are close to the Fortuner, suggesting comparable cabin space and road presence.
Hybrid powertrain likely for India
Globally, the Sorento is offered with several powertrains, including 2.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol, 2.5 litre turbo petrol, strong hybrid and plug in hybrid options. For India, the strong hybrid set up that pairs a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and produces around 230 hp is the most likely. This configuration promises better fuel efficiency and smoother performance than a pure petrol engine, while avoiding the range and charging constraints of a plug in hybrid in a market where public chargers are still limited.
The output figure of roughly 230 hp would give the Sorento an advantage on paper over the Fortuner’s 201 hp from its 2.0 litre diesel based line up, which is offered in rear wheel drive, four wheel drive and 48 volt mild hybrid forms. However, the Fortuner retains a strong edge in perceived toughness and proven long term durability, both important factors for buyers in this price band.
Can Kia break the Fortuner’s grip?
Kia’s main challenge will be to crack a segment where the Fortuner has been the default choice for more than 15 years. The Toyota’s reputation for reliability, strong resale values and wide service reach has seen off several rivals. Models such as the Ford Endeavour, Isuzu MU X and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace have either exited or settled at low volumes, showing how hard it is to dislodge the leader.
The Sorento’s chief differentiator will be its hybrid powertrain and richer feature list, which can appeal to buyers looking for lower fuel costs and more comfort than a ladder frame diesel SUV usually offers. At the same time, hybrid tech adds cost, so pricing will be critical. Aggressive positioning, extended warranty cover and visible investment in service network strength will be required to build confidence.
If Kia can combine a competitive price gap to the Fortuner with strong equipment, a clear fuel efficiency advantage and credible after sales support, the Sorento has a chance to carve out space in the premium three row SUV segment when it arrives in 2026.
Spyshots courtesy MotorOctane