The Kia Sorento has arrived in India as the brand’s flagship ICE SUV, bringing a premium three-row package, a diesel engine, strong-hybrid technology and an all-wheel-drive option. For this first-drive review, we experienced the range-topping HTX (A) diesel AWD version to understand how the Sorento performs on Indian roads.
With prices starting at ₹27.99 lakh and going up to ₹40.19 lakh ex-showroom, the Sorento sits in an interesting space between mainstream three-row SUVs and more expensive premium offerings.
Kia Sorento Diesel AWD: Big SUV With Strong Road Presence
The Sorento immediately makes an impression with its size. Measuring around 4.8 metres in length and featuring a 2,815mm wheelbase, it has a substantial road presence.
The 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails and tall stance add to its premium SUV appearance. The roof rails are also functional, supporting up to 100kg while the vehicle is moving and up to 300kg when stationary.
The styling, however, follows an older Kia design direction compared with the newer Seltos and Syros. Conventional pull-type door handles and the headlamp design make the Sorento look less futuristic than some of Kia’s latest products.
Kia Sorento Exterior Design Looks Premium but Different
The front-end design is relatively clean, while the rear gets distinctive two-barrel LED tail lamps. The reverse lamps are positioned low on the bumper, giving the rear a somewhat unusual appearance.
Despite these styling details, the overall size gives the Sorento strong road presence. It looks like a substantial family SUV rather than an oversized crossover.
The design may not have the sharp and aggressive appearance of some newer Kia models, but it gives the Sorento its own identity in the premium SUV segment.
Premium Kia Sorento Interior Impresses
Step inside and the Sorento’s strengths become much clearer. The cabin gets dual 12.3-inch screens positioned within a curved binnacle, along with a four-spoke steering wheel featuring physical controls.
The range-topping HTX (A) gets a Black and Olive Brown interior theme, while soft-touch materials are used across important areas of the dashboard, doors and centre armrest.
The leatherette seats feature a rhombus pattern that continues across all three rows, giving the cabin a consistent premium appearance.
Six- and Seven-Seater Options Available
The Kia Sorento is available with both six- and seven-seat configurations. The six-seat version uses second-row captain seats and costs ₹20,000 more than the corresponding seven-seat layout.
The second row offers good space and multiple adjustment options, while the captain seats provide a more individualised experience for passengers.
The third row can accommodate adults reasonably well, although the low seating position means passengers sit with their knees somewhat raised. The third row also splits 50:50 and can be folded flat to increase luggage space.
Kia Sorento Boot Space Is Practical
With all three rows in use, the Sorento offers 179 litres of boot space. Folding the third row increases available luggage capacity to 813 litres.
This makes the SUV considerably more practical when the third row is not required. Kia has also provided a full-size 18-inch spare wheel, which is useful for long-distance touring.
For a three-row family SUV, the ability to quickly convert the third row into additional cargo space adds to its everyday versatility.
Feature List Is One of the Sorento’s Biggest Strengths
The Kia Sorento features list is extensive, especially on the top-spec HTX (A) variant.
The SUV gets dual 12.3-inch displays, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, second-row seat ventilation, powered tailgate and multi-colour ambient lighting.
Another interesting feature is the digital inside rear-view mirror. A camera mounted near the rear spoiler provides a live view that can be adjusted for brightness and camera angle.
There is also a 220-volt three-pin socket, multiple USB Type-C ports and dedicated third-row AC vents with their own blower controls.
12.3-Inch Infotainment and Bose Audio
The Sorento gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
The infotainment interface is responsive and provides access to vehicle settings, driver assistance functions and various display configurations. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available.
The SUV gets a surround-view camera with clear image quality, built-in navigation, voice commands and connected functionality. Kia has also indicated support for over-the-air updates.
Kia Sorento Diesel Engine Feels Strong and Effortless
The Kia Sorento diesel uses a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing around 190bhp and 442Nm. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The engine is also used in the Kia Carnival, but in the Sorento it feels particularly well suited to the SUV’s character.
Power delivery is smooth and progressive in Normal mode. The strong torque makes highway acceleration effortless, while the engine has enough reserve for quick overtaking even at higher speeds.
Eight-Speed DCT Works Smoothly
The eight-speed DCT is one of the highlights of the diesel powertrain. Gear changes are smooth, with little jerkiness during normal driving.
When the accelerator is pushed harder, the gearbox quickly selects the appropriate ratio and the diesel engine delivers strong acceleration.
Paddle shifters are also available for drivers who want greater control over gear selection.
The diesel engine does produce an audible note, particularly during acceleration, but it remains reasonably well isolated from the cabin during normal cruising.
Kia Sorento Diesel AWD Performance
The version tested was the Kia Sorento Diesel Automatic AWD, making it the range-topping diesel configuration.
The AWD system adds additional traction, while the SUV also gets Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart drive modes. AWD versions additionally feature Snow, Sand and Mud terrain modes.
The diesel AWD version has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 15.79kmpl, while the diesel 2WD version is rated at 17.66kmpl.
Ride Quality Is a Major Highlight
The Sorento’s suspension setup is particularly impressive on broken Indian roads.
Potholes, rough surfaces and uneven sections are absorbed with confidence, with limited disturbance reaching the cabin. The SUV also remains composed at highway speeds without excessive bouncing or body movement.
The second-row experience is similarly comfortable, making the Sorento suitable for long-distance family travel as well as chauffeur-driven use.
Steering and Highway Behaviour
The steering remains light at low speeds and gradually gains weight as speed increases.
It is not designed to deliver an extremely sporty driving experience, but it provides sufficient feedback and makes the large SUV relatively easy to place on the road.
At highway speeds, the Sorento feels stable and planted. This character suits the diesel engine particularly well, as the strong torque and relaxed gearing make it a capable long-distance cruiser.
Kia Sorento Safety Features
The top-spec HTX (A) gets a comprehensive safety package. It includes 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear dash cameras, tyre-pressure monitoring and parking sensors.
The SUV also gets Level 2 ADAS supported by five radars. Features include lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward and rear collision warning with avoidance assistance, high-beam assistance and lead-vehicle departure alerts.
The blind-spot monitoring system is another useful feature, particularly considering the Sorento’s substantial dimensions.
Kia Sorento Diesel vs Hybrid
The Sorento is offered with two powertrain choices in India: a 2.2-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre strong-hybrid petrol setup.
The diesel is particularly suited to buyers who frequently travel long distances and want strong low-end torque and relaxed highway performance. The hybrid, meanwhile, provides a different driving experience with an emphasis on electrified efficiency.
The diesel range is available with both 2WD and AWD, while the higher variants get additional equipment and drivetrain choices.
Kia Sorento Price and Rivals
The Kia Sorento price in India starts at ₹27.99 lakh and extends to ₹40.19 lakh ex-showroom for the current range.
The SUV overlaps with several different categories, including the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Toyota Innova Hycross, while its higher variants also move closer to premium SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq and MG Majestor.
This broad positioning is one of the most interesting aspects of the Sorento because it combines three-row practicality with a more premium cabin and extensive equipment.
What Could Be Better?
The Sorento isn’t perfect. The third row is usable for adults but doesn’t offer the most comfortable seating position in the segment.
The exterior design is another area that may divide opinion. Compared with Kia’s newest products, the Sorento’s styling feels less futuristic and more conservative.
The diesel engine is also audible under harder acceleration, although the cabin remains well insulated during relaxed driving.
Market Positioning
The Kia Sorento occupies a distinctive position in India’s premium three-row SUV market. Its combination of diesel power, strong-hybrid technology, AWD, premium equipment and flexible seating gives buyers multiple reasons to consider it.
The diesel AWD version particularly suits customers looking for a powerful highway-oriented family SUV with additional traction capability.
AutoXRoom Verdict
The Kia Sorento Diesel Automatic AWD delivers a strong combination of performance, comfort and premium equipment. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine provides effortless acceleration, while the eight-speed DCT keeps the power delivery smooth.
The SUV’s plush ride quality, spacious cabin, extensive features and capable AWD system make it well suited to long family journeys. The third row could offer a better seating position, and the styling may not appeal to buyers expecting Kia’s latest design language.
Overall, the Sorento’s biggest strength is its ability to combine three-row practicality with premium comfort and strong diesel performance in a single package.