Kia Sorento India Testing Begins: New 7-Seater Spied

The Indian SUV segment is growing at an accelerated pace, and now, Kia has joined the bandwagon, as the Sorento has been spotted testing on the roads. Although the launch is still likely a few years away, approximately 2027, testing could indicate Kia is planning for a robust new family-oriented entry to the premium three-row SUV marketplace. The Sorento has found success in European, North American, and Middle-Eastern markets, and upon its arrival in India, could begin to shift customer expectations at the ₹20–30 lakh price point. Its focus on comfort, technology, and hybrid efficiency could make it a segment leader.

Global Reputation with a Strong India-Focused Strategy

The Sorento is regarded as Kia's flagship family SUV across the globe, bringing luxury to its driving dynamics and hybrid technology. In India, it appears that Kia is generating a more value-led version of the Sorento, offering some global standards of quality combined with an Indian perspective such as better fuel consumption, updated suspension tuning, and price. Kia is also considering what worked so well for the Seltos and Carens to elevate the Sorento's brand into a premium price target, which makes a lot of sense considering how Indian consumers are becoming much more focused on richer-featured and spacious SUV type vehicles.

Exterior Highlights: Practical, Premium, and Clearly Global

The Sorento’s exterior is easy to pick out, even with camouflage. The tall, upright stance lends itself to an SUV character, while the clean body lines appear more premium than many of its rugged counterparts. The LED headlamps are stacked vertically and are wide to match the design of the global model, hinting that even in India, Kia wants to remain contemporary and identifiable. The door handles and roof rails were flush-fitting, and the alloy wheels were substantial at 19-inch with wide tyres, contributing to the strong road presence we expect to have. The rear LED cluster was thin and looked sleek in augmenting the sophisticated and SUV identity.

Large Dimensions That Suit Indian Families Well

Measuring 4,815mm in length and 1,900mm in width, the Sorento is significantly larger than most potential Indian competitors. This provides the Sorento with a considerable edge in cabin packaging and third-row comfort — both are elements Indian customers are increasingly interested in having more of. The long (2,815mm) wheelbase is advantageous for ride comfort and legroom, and will be quite practical for families who have the regular need to accommodate six or seven people, or lug a lot of luggage. It will also serve as a compelling upgrade for current owners of the Creta, Seltos, and Hector.

Interior Experience: Premium Cabin with Tech-Focused Features

The interior of the test vehicle does share many similarities with the global version that is recognized for its clean layout and a premium feel on the whole. The rotary gear selector instantly elevates the experience to luxury, and dual digital screens, soft-touch materials, and a more simplified button layout add usability. Expected top-end features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, a large infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, and a head-up display. All of these features should provide buyers with many attributes of near-luxury without the price of a premium vehicle in the ₹40–50 lakh price range.

Hybrid Powertrain: A Smart Fit for India’s Future

The Sorento is offered with several hybrid and plug-in hybrid options globally but, in India, Kia is expected to offer a budget-oriented, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol-hybrid engine. The advantages are likely to be better fuel economy, lower emissions, and long-term durability – all are viable for the Indian driving environment. Kia may also have a diesel-hybrid variant depending on future regulatory norms by or around 2027. Given the volatile fuel prices and ongoing transitions to cleaner technologies, there is likely to be an opportunity for a hybrid three-row SUV, especially in urban families and long-distance travel for lower running costs.

Expected Specifications (India-Spec Projection)