The upcoming Kia Sorento 7-seater hybrid SUV has been spied testing in India once again. The test mule is heavy camouflaged, concealing most of its design details. However, its upright and boxy silhouette along with massive body-built, is clearly noticeable. The prototype features thick body cladding on the sides and large alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV is likely to get LED taillamps.
Other expected design elements include vertically stacked LED headlamps connected via a slim LED DRL strip, a sporty grille and bumper, flush-type door handles, sliver roof rails and wraparound LED taillamps in split design. Similar to the global-spec version, the India-bound Sorento is expected to measure 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,700mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,815mm.
Premium Cabin & Features
Previous spy images hint that the Kia Sorento will offer a cabin layout similar to the globally sold model. The SUV is expected to offer following features
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Bost premium sound system
- Digital key
- Navigation system with live updates
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- Dual/Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- Multiple airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic stability control
- Hill start assist and downhill brake control
- 360-degree camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- ADAS
New Hybrid Powertrain For India
Globally, the Kia Sorento is offered with three engine options – a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid, a 1.6L turbo petrol plug-in hybrid and a 2.2L diesel hybrid. An AWD system is available as standard. For India; however, the SUV is expected to feature an electrified version of Kia’s proven 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol hybrid powertrain. This setup will also be used in the upcoming Kia Seltos hybrid, which is due for 2027.
Competition
When launched, the Kia Sorento 7-seater SUV will be positioned against the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 700 and Hyundai Alcazar. It will also face competition from the upcoming 7-seater SUVs from Renault, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Nissan.
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