Kia is expanding its multi-powertrain strategy in India with CNG, flex-fuel and hybrid models, alongside the introduction of the Sorento with diesel and hybrid powertrains.

The Sorento has been introduced with prices starting at Rs. 2.8 million (US$ 29,630) for the seven-seat diesel HTE, while the range extends to Rs. 4.1 million for the six-seat hybrid HTX Auto Black Line AWD. The Sorento range comprises 2.2-litre diesel and 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid powertrains, with six- and seven-seat configurations depending on the variant. The diesel range uses a Smartstream D2.2 8DCT powertrain, while the hybrid is powered by a Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi HEV 6 Auto. The six-seat versions feature a captain-chair layout, and the range includes front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants.

The Sorento forms part of Kia India's wider approach of offering different powertrain technologies to address changing customer requirements and the country's evolving fuel mix. Alongside hybrid models such as the Sorento, Kia is pursuing factory-fitted CNG models and a flex-fuel model for India.

The Sorento's introduction follows Kia India's decision to enter a segment it had previously considered limited in size. The company said the model was initially not part of its India launch plan and required approval from its headquarters before the launch could proceed.

Kia Sorento price in India

The Kia Sorento diesel is priced from Rs. 2.8 million to Rs. 3.9 million, depending on seating configuration, trim and drivetrain. The seven-seat HTE starts at Rs. 2.8 million, while the six-seat diesel range starts with the HTK at Rs. 3.27 million.

The seven-seat diesel range is priced at Rs. 2.8 million for the HTE, Rs. 2.95 million for the HTE(O), Rs. 3.25 million for the HTK, Rs. 3.35 million for the HTK Auto and Rs. 3.37 million for the HTK Auto Black Line. Prices increase to Rs. 3.75 million for the HTX, Rs. 3.77 million for the HTX Black Line, Rs. 3.85 million for the HTX Auto AWD and Rs. 3.87 million for the HTX Auto Black Line AWD. For the six-seat diesel, prices start at Rs. 3.27 million for the HTK and increase to Rs. 3.89 million for the HTX Auto Black Line AWD.

Kia Sorento hybrid price starts at Rs. 2.95 million

The Kia Sorento hybrid starts at Rs. 2.95 million for the seven-seat HTE and extends to Rs. 4.1 million for the six-seat HTX Auto Black Line AWD. The seven-seat hybrid is Rs. 150,000 higher than the equivalent diesel HTE.

The seven-seat hybrid is priced at Rs. 3.1 million for the HTE(O), Rs. 3.4 million for the HTK, Rs. 3.5 million for the HTK Auto, Rs. 3.52 million for the HTK Auto Black Line, Rs. 3.9 million for the HTX and Rs. 3.92 million for the HTX Black Line. The HTX Auto AWD costs Rs. 4 million, while the HTX Auto Black Line AWD is priced at Rs. 4.1 million. The six-seat hybrid range starts at Rs. 3.42 million for the HTK and reaches Rs. 4.1 million for the HTX Auto Black Line AWD.

Kia Sorento six-seat and seven-seat versions

The Sorento is offered in six- and seven-seat configurations. The six-seat version uses captain chairs, while the seven-seat version provides an additional seating position. The six-seat configuration is not available in the HTE and HTE(O) variants and starts with the HTK at Rs. 3.27 million for the diesel and Rs. 3.42 million for the hybrid. Kia has positioned the Sorento as an option for existing customers looking to move up from the Seltos, while the company also sees potential among customers seeking a larger SUV and a hybrid powertrain.

Kia Sorento diesel and hybrid powertrain strategy

The Sorento's India range combines a 2.2-litre diesel engine with a 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid powertrain. Kia India indicated that the diesel powertrain will be imported, while it plans to produce the hybrid engine locally from next year.

The company has also linked localisation to its plans for the Sorento in India, saying that local production would be increased over time rather than reaching full localisation from the outset. The Sorento's hybrid powertrain is part of Kia's wider expansion of alternative powertrain options in India, which also includes plans for factory-fitted CNG and flex-fuel models.

At the entry level, the Sorento's Rs. 2.8 million diesel price is Rs. 150,000 lower than the starting price of the hybrid range. At the other end, the six-seat HTX Auto Black Line AWD diesel is priced at Rs. 3.89 million, while the equivalent hybrid costs Rs. 4.1 million.