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Kia Sorento Hybrid will more likely introduce a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid petrol powertrain enabling around 238 hp in standard form
Kia appears to be advancing its plans for a new premium SUV for India as the Sorento Hybrid has now been sighted undergoing road tests near Delhi. The heavily camouflaged prototype shows that development is underway for local conditions but it is yet unknown whether the global Sorento is heading to India or a brand new three-row SUV is specifically developed for our demanding marketplace.
Nevertheless, the prototype points towards a possible launch in the coming years. The timing of this sighting sticks with Kia’s long term plans revealed at its 2026 CEO Investor Day where the brand confirmed an expansion to ten models in India by the end of the decade. Notably, eight of these will feature electrified powertrains – hybrids and EVs.
Among the key highlights are the Sorento Hybrid, a hybrid version of the Carnival and an all-electric Syros. Positioned in the full-size SUV category, the Sorento Hybrid is expected to go up against established rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster and Jeep Meridian. Based on its international dimensions, the SUV could measure close to 4.8 metres in length and offer a wheelbase of around 2.8 metres.
Also Read: Kia To Launch 5 New Cars In India By 2027 – Syros EV To Sorento Hybrid
Under the bonnet, Kia will more likely introduce a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain which would make the Sorento the brand’s first hybrid SUV in India. In global markets, the setup delivers around 238 hp in standard hybrid form while a plug-in hybrid variant pushes output to around 288 hp. Transmission choices are expected to include a six-speed automatic and an eight-speed dual-clutch unit with all-wheel-drive configurations also likely to be offered.
As for the design, despite the camouflage, the test mule reveals a familiar silhouette with an upright stance. The squared-off proportions and vertically oriented headlamp elements suggest that it closely follows the latest Opposites United design language. Kia is reportedly targeting an annual production volume of around 50,000 units targetting both domestic sales and export markets.
Also Read: New Kia Seltos Hybrid Debuts, India Launch Likely Next Year
Hyundai is also said to be working on a similarly positioned three-row SUV using shared underpinnings and it could use a localised 1.5-litre NA petrol/hybrid engine . With an expected price tag in the vicinity of Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sorento Hybrid could become an alternative for those looking beyond traditional diesel SUVs.
The post 7-Seater Kia Sorento Hybrid Caught Testing In India, Launch Soon? appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.
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