Kia Sorento Gets AWD For India
Kia is set to launch its flagship Sorento SUV in India on September 4, 2026, and the company has confirmed that the three-row premium SUV will be offered with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
The Sorento will become the first internal-combustion engine Kia model in India to offer AWD, giving the company a new entrant in the premium SUV segment.
First Kia Hybrid SUV In India
The Sorento will also introduce Kia’s strong-hybrid technology to the Indian market.
The global version uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid system paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, producing around 238 hp and 380 Nm of torque.
Kia is also expected to offer a diesel engine in India.
The expected diesel powertrain is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel producing around 202 hp and 440 Nm of torque.
Kia has not yet confirmed whether AWD will be available with both powertrains in India.
Seven-Seater Premium SUV
The Sorento will be positioned as Kia’s flagship SUV in India and will feature three rows of seating.
The SUV is aimed at buyers looking for a larger and more premium alternative to models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
Its combination of seven-seat practicality, premium features and AWD is expected to make it one of Kia’s most expensive and technologically advanced products in India.
AI-Powered Voice Assistant
Kia has also confirmed that the Sorento will feature Live Gen AI, an AI-powered voice assistant designed to enable more natural conversations between the driver and the vehicle.
The system can also execute commands to control selected vehicle functions.
The addition of generative AI reflects the growing shift towards connected and software-driven features in premium cars.
Expected Price
Kia has not yet announced the official price of the Sorento.
However, expectations currently put the India-spec SUV in the ₹30-35 lakh ex-showroom range, although some estimates suggest the starting price could be closer to ₹40 lakh depending on localisation, variants and equipment.
The final price will be revealed closer to the launch.
Kia Takes On Premium SUV Rivals
With its large dimensions, three-row layout and AWD capability, the Sorento will enter a competitive premium SUV market.
It will face rivals such as the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq, while the Jeep Meridian will also compete for buyers looking for a capable SUV with four-wheel-drive capability.
The Sorento’s strong-hybrid option could give it an additional advantage among buyers looking for better efficiency without moving to a fully electric vehicle.
September 4 Launch
Kia has already begun building anticipation around the Sorento through teasers and pre-launch announcements.
The confirmation of AWD, hybrid technology and AI-powered features gives the SUV a strong technology and performance proposition.
The September 4 launch will finally reveal the India-spec variants, features and pricing, giving buyers a clearer idea of how Kia plans to position its new flagship SUV.
Summary
Kia will launch the three-row Sorento SUV in India on September 4, 2026, with AWD confirmed for the Indian market. The SUV will introduce Kia’s strong-hybrid technology in India and is also expected to offer a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. It will feature an AI-powered Live Gen AI voice assistant and compete with premium SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq. Pricing is expected to start around ₹30-40 lakh.
