Kia’s global 3-row SUV, the Sorento, has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time, hinting at the company’s plans to expand its premium hybrid SUV lineup. The India-bound model—codenamed MQ4i—is expected to become Kia’s next major product after the new-gen Seltos and will compete directly with the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari.
First Spy Shots Reveal Key Design Elements
Despite being heavily camouflaged, several details of the India-spec Sorento test mule are visible:
Front Design
- Vertically stacked LED headlamps, matching the global Sorento
- Slim LED DRL strip
- Visible front camera and parking sensors
- Radar sensor absent on the test mule, though likely on the production model (given that ADAS is already available on the Seltos)
Side Profile
- 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with 235/55 tyres
- Flush-fit door handles
- Silver roof rails
Rear Section
- Split LED tail-lamps with wraparound design
- Rear bumper covered under heavy camouflage
- Rear parking sensors visible
Globally, the Sorento measures 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide, 1,700mm tall, with a 2,815mm wheelbase—dimensions that put it squarely in the full-size 3-row SUV category.
Interior: Premium and Feature-Rich
A peek inside the cabin reveals a centre console identical to the international Sorento, featuring:
- Rotary dial gear selector
- Buttons for electronic parking brake and drive functions
Expected features for the India-spec Sorento include:
- Dual 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster + infotainment)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear privacy glass + tailgate privacy function
- Powered & ventilated front seats
- 360-degree camera
- Head-up display
These features suggest Kia will position the Sorento above the Carens and alongside premium 3-row SUVs in the Indian market.
Powertrain: New Hybrid Engine for India
The global Sorento is sold with multiple powertrain choices, including:
- 238hp 1.6L turbo-petrol hybrid
- 288hp 1.6L turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid
- 2.2L diesel hybrid
- 6-speed AT (petrol) and 8-speed DCT (diesel)
- AWD standard on all powertrains
However, the India-spec model is expected to introduce a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol hybrid engine, which will also debut on the new-generation Kia Seltos. This powertrain is likely chosen for better localisation, efficiency, and competitive pricing.
Launch Timeline and Competition
Kia is expected to launch its 3-row hybrid SUV in India by 2027. The Sorento-based model will take on:
- Mahindra XUV700
- Tata Safari
- Upcoming Hyundai 3-row hybrid SUV (platform sharing expected)
With a strong hybrid system, advanced features, and premium positioning, the Sorento could become a major contender in India’s fast-growing 3-row SUV segment.