The new Kia Sorento hybrid 7-seater SUV has been spotted testing in India and is expected to be launched next year.
Kia’s new 7-seater SUV has once again been spotted testing in India and this time many of its important designs are clearly visible. The tall glasshouse and straight tail design make it clear that the company is planning to launch a true premium 7-seater SUV above the Seltos. The dual-tone 19-inch alloy wheels given in it look exactly like the wheels that are found in the Sorento Hybrid sold abroad.
For this reason, it is being speculated that Kia is preparing to launch Sorento in India next year. The global Sorento Hybrid recently received an update, which adds sharper LED lighting, starmap DRLs and new color options. Several new exterior colors have been added to it, which include Interstellar Grey, Mineral Blue, Cityscape Green and Sand Shade. At the same time, a new dust blue theme has also been included as an option inside the cabin.
The hybrid model is distinguished by its distinctive 19-inch alloys and a focus on the larger screen setup inside. The base variant gets a 4.3-inch MID and 12.3-inch infotainment, while the top trim gets two 12.3-inch screens in one panel. The SUV runs on Kia’s new ccNC software, which offers faster responses, better graphics and over-the-air feature updates depending on the trim.
The global model gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from the start, along with multiple USB-C ports in all three seating rows. Premium features like ventilated seats, suede finish roof liner and Advanced Digital Key 2.0 are available only in the top SX-P variant. It is not yet clear whether the company will make the upcoming model available for India in multiple variants or only the top model will be available.
The Sorento Hybrid has a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which works in conjunction with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.5 kWh battery pack. Both together produce 227 HP power and 250 Nm torque. It also has a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Most variants in international markets come with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an option or standard in some trims.
Despite its large size and weight, the new Sorento Hybrid is capable of delivering excellent mileage. The EPA has recorded a combined mileage of around 15.1 km/l for its FWD variant. It has machine-learning based smart cruise control, which understands the driving style of the driver and works accordingly. Additionally, its new Highway Driving Assist feature can also help with lane changes in the right circumstances. Once launched in India, the Sorento Hybrid could give tough competition to large SUVs like Jeep Meridian, Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and MG Gloster.