India-Bound Kia Sorento SUV (Fortuner Rival) Arrives In The UK

Kia Sorento SUV India Launch Date, Price, Specs, Features, Review

Kia Sorento midsize SUV would throw tough challenge to Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour upon arrival; expected launch in 2020

Kia is gearing up to enter the Indian market with its range of exciting products. This Hyundai owned South Korean auto major is setting up its production plant in Andhra Pradesh that is scheduled to roll out 3 lakh vehicles by 2019. The automaker will introduce its products in various segments like the hatchback, sedan and SUV. One of the interesting and upmarket cars from the brand is going to be the Kia Sorento midsize SUV.

As the Indians are showing interest towards the premium cars and considering the domestic buyers’ love for the SUVs and crossovers, Kia Sorento has a good chance to impress the new age customers. It not only comes with an attractive and stylish design, the Sorento offers premium features as well. Now, before the midsize SUV finally launches in the country market, let us take a look at the so-far known facts about this model.

Kia-Sorento-Facelift-4.jpgKia Sorento India Price

Expect the Kia Sorento to be priced aggressively in an attempt to create a place in highly competitive market. This seven-seater SUV is likely to be priced between Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 29 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and it has already been spotted in India during the brand’s roadshows to invite potential dealers.

Kia opened bookings for the facelifted Sorento in the United Kingdom and is offered in five trim levels with the most affordable version being the KX-1 grade. It features standard equipment like LED DRLs, alloy wheels, reversing sensors, seven-seat layout, DAB digital radio, smartphone connectivity and a host of driving assist systems.

Kia Sorento Expected Price Rs. 25 lakh – Rs. 29 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

Kia Sorento India Launch

Kia Sorento is expected to launch in the country market sometime around 2020.

Kia Sorento Expected Launch Sometime in 2020

Kia Sorento Engine and Specification

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Kia has displayed its seven-seater Sorento SUV at the Roadshow event in India with a 3.3-litre MPI petrol engine that is coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This engine is capable of churning out 270 PS of peak power at 6,400 rpm and 317.73 Nm of peak torque at 5,300 rpm. This car delivers around 10.10 kmpl of fuel efficiency and it is capable of running at a top speed of 210 kmph.

However, it is not sure if this petrol engine would be offered under the hood of the India-spec production model. As the premium SUV customers opt for diesel engines, the Kia Sorento could get the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine that does duty in the Hyundai Santa Fe. This engine is capable of kicking out 196 PS of peak power at 3,800 rpm and 421 Nm of peak torque from 1,800 rpm. This engine is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic unit as well. The existence of a 2.4-litre petrol cannot be ruled out either.

Engine 3.3-litre MPI Petrol

2.2-litre Diesel

Transmission 6-speed MT

8-speed AT

Maximum Power 270 PS @ 6,400 rpm

196 PS @ 3,800 rpm

Maximum Torque 317.73 Nm @ 5,300 rpm

421 Nm @ 1,800 rpm

Mileage 10.10 kmpl (Petrol)
Top Speed 210 kmph

Kia Sorento Exterior

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The Kia Sorento sports a very attractive contemporary and muscular design that grabs attention very easily. Up front, it gets a large front grille with the automaker’s signature butterfly silhouette. The sharp swept back headlamps come with dual-beam appearance and incorporate high-intensity HID projector lamps with auto leveling. The chunky bumper becomes more attractive thanks to the black air intake and specially with the quad LED fog lamps at each side. There is a skid plate at the bottom of the SUV.

Moving to the side profile, the Kia Sorento reflects masculinity. It gets electrically operational turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass are with chrome trim highlighting it. The chrome finished door handles come with smart technology that illuminates the handlebar area when the owner reaches the car. The sleek roof rails, muscular tone at the side profile are the other design elements that enhance the SUV’s visual appeal further.

Speaking about the rear profile of this SUV, the Kia Sorento gets wraparound LED taillights, roof spoiler, shark fin antenna and a chunky bumper with chrome finished exhaust tip, skid plate. Overall, the entire SUV reflects a suave and muscular premiumness from every angle. Apart from the attractive look, it comes with a strong road presence as well.

Kia Sorento Dimension

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Dimensionally, the Kia Sorento SUV comes measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,685 mm in width, 1,890 mm in height and it also has a wheelbase of 2,780 mm. The SUV gets a huge 71-litre capacity fuel tank that ensures a long range without refueling.

Length 4,780 mm
Width 1,685 mm
Height 1,890 mm
Wheelbase 2,780 mm
Fuel Tank 71-litre
Gross Weight 2,510 kg

Kia Sorento Ground Clearance

Kia Sorento gets a very impressive 195 mm of ground clearance that ensures the SUV will be able to run on rough roads without much trouble.

Kia Sorento Ground Clearance 195 mm

Kia Sorento Boot Space

Kia Sorento SUV has a boot space of 142-litre. The storage capacity can be expanded up to 605-litre with the third row seat folded.

Kia Sorento Boot Space 142-litre (605-litre)

Kia Sorento Wheel Size

Kia Sorento runs on large 19-inch alloy wheels.

Front Tyre 235/55R – 19”
Rear Tyre 235/55R – 19”

Kia Sorento Variants and Features

Apart from the KX-1 entry-level trim mentioned above, the Sorento gets four other variants. The KX-2 gets sat-nav with 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, chrome exterior door handles, leather/faux upholstery, heated front and outer rear seats and others.

The KX-3 comes equipped with keyless entry & go, hands-free tailgate, a premium sound system, wireless phone charger, LED dynamic bending headlights and taillights, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, alloy pedals, 7-inch TFT color instrument display, and Lane Keep Assist.

Kia-Sorento-Facelift-4.jpgOver the KX-2 and adding a smart key, engine start/stop button, Speed Limit info, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, 7-inch LCD supervision cluster, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning is the brand new GT-Line trim.

The top-of-the-line GT-Line S gains 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera system, Autonomous Emergency Braking, premium sound system from Harman/Kardon, Smart Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a panoramic roof.

Kia Sorento Interior

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Kia Sorento is not only attractive at exterior, inside the cabin too it reflects premiumness through its style, features and high quality material as well. The black themed cabin gets a multifunction steering wheel, analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster, a large 7-inch touchscreen MirrorLink infotainment system at the centre console with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is a 10-speaker Infinity audio system that delivers premium quality music experience to the occupants.

The centre console and steering wheel sport silver accent around them enhancing the style further. The premium quality seat and upholstery materials, electrically operational sunroof help in making the cabin more appealing. It also gets power adjustable ventilated seats with memory, dual zone fully automatic climate control, ambient lighting, alloy pedals, powered tailgate etc. In terms of space too, the Sorento offer plenty of room for seven occupants. Kia says in terms of riding comfort too, Sorento comes very satisfactory.

Kia Sorento Safety Features

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In terms of safety, the Kia Sorento is equipped with top notch features. It gets 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Assist Control, Blind Spot Detection, electric parking brake, rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, lane marking sensor, rear cross traffic alert etc. The car is built with 53% advanced high strength steel structure that offers protection and makes the car lightweight.

Kia Sorento Rivals

Kia Sorento would lock horn with rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq as well.

Kia Sorento Gallery