Kia India has unveiled the first official images of the Kia Sorento ahead of its India launch, marking the arrival of the brand’s flagship premium SUV in the country. The Sorento will be Kia India’s first hybrid SUV and will introduce the automaker to a new premium three-row SUV segment.
Designed to bring Kia’s global SUV design philosophy to Indian customers, the Sorento combines a commanding road presence, distinctive styling, refined interiors and a premium three-row cabin. The SUV is positioned to strengthen Kia’s presence in the premium family SUV market.
The India-spec Sorento also marks an important step in Kia’s localisation strategy, with production commencing at the company’s Anantapur manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The SUV is being developed as a product tailored for the Indian market while retaining the design and premium character associated with Kia’s global SUV lineup.
The official images showcase the Sorento’s bold proportions and contemporary design language. Its exterior features distinctive styling elements aimed at giving the SUV a strong and sophisticated road presence, while the cabin focuses on a modern and premium experience for occupants.
With the Sorento, Kia India is expanding beyond its existing SUV portfolio and entering a higher premium segment. The model’s hybrid powertrain, three-row configuration and upscale positioning are expected to make it an important addition to the company’s India lineup. The launch of the Sorento will further strengthen Kia India’s premium SUV strategy while bringing the brand’s latest global technology, design and electrification expertise to Indian customers.
Marking an important milestone ahead of its India debut, the Kia Sorento has commenced production at Kia India’s Anantapur facility, with the first locally produced unit rolling off the production line today. The commencement of production marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kia in India with the Sorento, bringing the brand’s globally acclaimed premium SUV closer to Indian customers. Kia India’s Anantapur facility has been the manufacturing base for the brand’s India journey since production commenced in 2019.
The Kia Sorento also marks a significant step in Kia India’s multi-powertrain journey. As Kia’s first hybrid SUV with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for India, it brings together electrification and enhanced driving capability in a premium SUV. Sorento will also be available with a Diesel powertrain, giving customers the freedom to choose between Hybrid and Diesel based on their individual driving and ownership needs.
Further strengthening its premium and technology-forward proposition, Sorento will feature the Kia AI Assistant, powered by Live Generative AI capabilities. The Sorento launching in India will be the first Sorento globally to introduce this technology, marking the debut of Live Generative AI across Kia’s global product line-up. It will also mark the first introduction of Live Generative AI in the Indian automotive industry. Unlike conventional voice assistants, Live Generative AI enables dynamic, conversational interactions while providing access to real-time and continuously updated information, making every journey smarter, more informed and more personalized.
Speaking on the reveal and commencement of production, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, “The Sorento has long stood as a global symbol of Kia’s SUV leadership, earning the trust of customers across international markets and becoming one of Kia’s most established flagship SUV nameplates. Its arrival in India marks a defining moment for our premium portfolio. With the first locally produced Sorento rolling off the production line at our Anantapur facility today, we are taking an important step in bringing this globally acclaimed premium flagship SUV to Indian customers. As Kia’s first hybrid SUV for the country, complemented by a powerful Diesel powertrain, Sorento reflects our commitment to offering customers meaningful choice. The Sorento launching in India will also be the first globally to introduce Live Generative AI, marking another important milestone for Kia and a first for the Indian automotive industry. These first images are only a glimpse of what’s to come as we prepare to introduce the Sorento to India.”
Pre-bookings are already open through Kia India dealerships and the official website of Kia India.
The Kia Sorento will make its official India debut on 04 September 2026.
