Kia India has dropped another teaser for its upcoming Hybrid SUV. While the company is yet to officially reveal the model, the latest teaser makes it fairly obvious which product is coming next. Kia has shared an image of Sorrento, Italy, using the city’s name as a direct clue to Sorento.
The teaser confirms that the India-spec name will also be Sorento. It comes at a time when Sorento has already been spotted testing multiple times in India. Select Kia dealers have also started accepting unofficial bookings, suggesting that preparations for its India launch are gathering pace.
Kia Sorento teased through Sorrento, Italy
With their Syros EV now launched, Kia India is now getting ready to launch their next car, Sorento Hybrid. Kia India’s latest social media post features a picturesque location with the message, “If you know which city this is, you could guess what’s coming next. Just google it.” The location in question is Sorrento, a coastal city in Italy. Kia has further encouraged users to identify the location using Google Lens or an AI assistant.
With Sorrento differing from Sorento by just one letter, the teaser leaves little doubt about the upcoming model. This follows Kia’s earlier teaser confirming plans to introduce new HEV and BEV models in India. Sorento is widely expected to be the hybrid model referred to in that announcement.
Sorento Hybrid launch preparations underway
Sorento test mules have been spotted on Indian roads multiple times over the past few months. More recently, dealer sources informed RushLane that select dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings. Token amounts reportedly range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 depending on the dealership.
Kia India has not officially opened bookings, so these remain dealer-level bookings for now. The latest teaser, however, indicates that an official announcement could be approaching. Sorento will enter Kia’s portfolio as a premium three-row SUV, positioned above Seltos and Carens. Globally, the SUV measures 4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm.
Strong hybrid powertrain expected
India-spec powertrain details have not been announced yet. However, Sorento is expected to arrive primarily with a strong hybrid setup, making it Kia’s first strong hybrid offering in India. A conventional petrol option could also be introduced, whereas a diesel version appears less likely. Expected features include dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, premium upholstery, multi-zone climate control, Bose audio system, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.
Upon launch, Kia Sorento will compete in the premium SUV space with models such as Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian, etc. It could also attract buyers considering Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor and even top spec variant customers of Innova Hycross.
