Available in both 6-seat and 7-seat configurations, Kia Sorento is being offered in the price range of Rs 27.99 lakh to Rs 40.39 lakh
Kia recently launched the Sorento, positioned as a strong contender in India’s premium 3-row SUV segment. Sorento is Kia’s No. 3 global bestselling model and is available in more than 132 countries. Over 4.8 million units have been sold globally since it was first introduced in 2002. In India, Kia Sorento will primarily compete with Toyota Fortuner. Let’s compare specs and features to better understand the options.
Sorento vs. Fortuner – Dimensions
Kia Sorento is 4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. In comparison, Toyota Fortuner is 4,795 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,835 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,745 mm. As is evident, Sorento is longer and wider than Fortuner and also has a longer wheelbase. However, Fortuner has a taller profile, which could mean enhanced headroom for passengers.
Sorento vs. Fortuner – Engine options
Kia is offering the Sorento with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a petrol strong hybrid powertrain. The diesel engine generates 193 PS and 442 Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission. Sorento’s strong hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, used in combination with an electric motor.
Output with the turbo petrol engine is 180 PS and 265 Nm, whereas the electric motor generates 65 PS and 264 Nm. The hybrid powertrain uses a 6AT transmission. Coming to Fortuner, the SUV has engine options of a 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.8-litre diesel. The latter is also available in a 48V mild-hybrid configuration.
Toyota Fortuner petrol generates 166 PS and 245 Nm of torque. It is paired with transmission options of 5MT and 6AT. The diesel engine generates 204 PS of max power. Torque output is 420 Nm with the 6MT (iMT) transmission and 500 Nm with the 6AT transmission. Fortuner diesel variants are more widely preferred than the petrol variants.
Its performance numbers are higher in comparison to Sorento 2.2-litre diesel. However, Sorento petrol hybrid has better numbers than Fortuner petrol. The hybrid version is also expected to have better fuel efficiency than Fortuner petrol.
Sorento vs. Fortuner – AWD, chassis, off-road capability
Kia Sorento has a unibody (monocoque) construction, whereas Toyota Fortuner uses a body-on-frame chassis. The latter is better engineered in terms of genuine off-roading. Sorento has AWD option with both the diesel and petrol hybrid variants. Fortuner uses part-time 4WD, which is offered with only diesel variants.
Fortuner has dedicated off-road features such as a tough frame with high torsional and bending rigidity. 4WD variants have High (H4) and Low (L4) Range, active traction control, downhill assist control and lockable differential. Fortuner 4WD variants also get electronic drive (2WD/4WD) control.
Sorento misses out on these off-road features. However, the SUV has drive modes of Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart. AWD variants have terrain modes of Snow, Sand and Mud. These modes ensure a better grip by adjusting throttle response, gear shifts and torque distribution. Fortuner has Multi-Terrain Select with modes of Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, and Deep Snow.
In terms of off-roading, Fortuner also excels in ground clearance. It has 225 mm of ground clearance, as compared to around 176 mm of Sorento. Fortuner has an approach angle of 29 degrees and departure angle of 25 degrees. Water wading capability is 700 mm. In comparison, Sorento has 16.8 degrees of approach angle and around 22 degrees of departure angle. Water wading depth is not announced officially.
Sorento vs. Fortuner – Exterior profile, equipment, safety features
Kia Sorento has a sharper, more contemporary profile in comparison to the Fortuner. Sorento’s larger dimensions also ensure a strong presence, although Fortuner has the upper hand in terms of height. Inside, Sorento appears to be better equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced features.
Equipment available with Sorento includes dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. Other highlights include a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, 10-way power driver seat and dual zone automatic climate control. Sorento also has an AI assistant, OTA updates, digital key and ventilated seats.
Sorento also has a better safety package, especially with its ADAS Level 2+ that has 29 autonomous features. While Fortuner also has good safety credentials, it currently does not have ADAS. Sorento is a better choice in terms of safety also because it has 26 safety features as standard across all variants.
Sorento vs. Fortuner – Prices
Kia Sorento diesel variants are available in the price range of Rs 27.99 lakh to Rs 38.89 lakh. In comparison, Toyota Fortuner diesel variants are available in the price range of Rs 35.40 lakh to Rs 50.46 lakh. Sorento petrol hybrid variants start at Rs 29.49 lakh, with the top variant priced at Rs 40.39 lakh. Fortuner petrol is available at a starting price of Rs 34.76 lakh.
