Even with the launch of the feature-loaded MG Majestor, the Fortuner’s hype seems to be unharmed. After MG, another brand is planning to take on the Fortuner by entering an entirely new segment. Haven’t you guessed it already? We are talking about Kia and its upcoming 7-seater SUV. And the launch of this SUV doesn’t seem too far away. So here is what you need to know about the Kia Sorento-
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Kia Sorento-
Kia Sorento is already being sold overseas. This means Kia is expected to bring some international-spec features to the Indian market. Unlike the Toyota Fortuner, the Sorento would feature the monocoque platform instead of the ladder-on-frame. Indicating that, with the launch of the Sorento, Kia would be focusing more on comfort than on 7-seater capability, and less on off-road capability. Here is what you can expect from the Sorento with the launch-
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Looks-
When we look at the dimensions of the Sorento, they are just below those of the MG Majestor. Yes, the Sorento is slightly longer and wider than the Toyota Fortuner on paper. At the front, it gets vertically stacked LED headlamps along with Kia’s latest digital tiger-nose grille design, which we also see on other Kias. The upright bonnet, squared wheel arches and large dimensions give it strong road presence. To the rear, the Sorento features the connected LED taillamp. To retain the upright SUV stance, the Sorento is expected to come equipped with two alloy wheel options: 18-inch and 19-inch. What about the interior features?
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Interiors & Features-
Being a Kia, the Sorento could offer one of the most premium cabins in its segment. With that being said, we can expect the 24-inch dual-screen for infotainment and instrumentation, power front seats with ventilation, a wireless charger, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and more. In addition to the driver assistance features, the Sorento is expected to feature such as a 360-degree camera and ADAS Level-2. Also, you could choose between the 6-seater layout, which offers luxurious captain seats or the 7-seater layout, which offers practicality.
Considering that safety is becoming a major deal-breaker for most Indian consumers, Kia should aim to achieve a good rating in the Bharat NCAP once it launches. For reference, the Sorento, based on Kia’s N3 platform, has already secured a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Powertrain-
Under the hood, the Sorento is expected to feature a strong hybrid powertrain. This Hybrid powertrain is expected to house a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Producing a combined output of about 140 to 150bhp and 270Nm torque. We can expect an e-CVT gearbox to be offered with this Hybrid powertrain. Additionally, this powertrain could deliver up to 18-20 kmpl. There is a chance Kia could introduce an AWD configuration, but the SUV could miss out on a traditional 4×4 system. What else?
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Rivals-
There is no doubt the major rival to the Kia Sorento, once launched, will be the Toyota Fortuner. But considering Kia’s comfort-oriented approach, the other rivals will be the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq, and the upcoming Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai could be the only rival to feature the hybrid powertrain at launch, giving Sorento a direct competion. Which one would you pick?
Expected Launch & Pricing-
While there is no official word on the launch of the Sorento, based on earlier sightings, we can expect it in the coming months. That being said, Kia could launch the Sorento by the end of 2026 or early 2027. With all the offerings, Kia could price the Sorento between Rs 48 lakh and Rs 55 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). What do you think about the Sorento?
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