After recently teasing its upcoming HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) strategy and following multiple rounds of road testing of Sorento on Indian roads, dealer sources have now informed RushLane that select Kia dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings for Sorento Hybrid.
Kia India is yet to announce official bookings, prices or launch dates for Sorento Hybrid.
The development comes just days after Kia India shared teaser images highlighting its upcoming HEV and BEV plans for the Indian market.
While the company did not reveal the products in those teasers, Sorento Hybrid is widely expected to be the first strong hybrid SUVs from Kia for India.
With unofficial bookings now reportedly underway and testing activity continuing, an official announcement from Kia India regarding Sorento Hybrid may not be far away.
Dealer sources suggest bookings have started even before Kia’s official announcement, with booking amounts varying across dealerships
Kia India appears to be gearing up for the launch of Sorento Hybrid in the country. After recently teasing its upcoming HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) strategy and following multiple rounds of road testing of Sorento on Indian roads, dealer sources have now informed RushLane that select Kia dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings for Sorento Hybrid. While Kia India has not made any official announcement regarding bookings or launch timelines, the move indicates that dealerships are preparing for the SUV’s arrival in the coming months.
Unofficial bookings underway
According to dealer sources, booking amounts are not standardized at this stage and vary from one dealership to another. Some dealerships are accepting bookings against a token amount of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, while others are reportedly asking for Rs 50,000.
Since these are dealer-level unofficial bookings, customers are advised to check refund terms and conditions before making any payment. Kia India is yet to announce official bookings, prices or launch dates for Sorento Hybrid. The development comes just days after Kia India shared teaser images highlighting its upcoming HEV and BEV plans for the Indian market. While the company did not reveal the products in those teasers, Sorento Hybrid is widely expected to be the first strong hybrid SUVs from Kia for India.
Multiple sightings indicate launch preparations
Sorento has already been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times over the past few months. Test mules carrying temporary registration plates from Pune have been seen undergoing validation on public roads, suggesting that development for the Indian market is progressing steadily.
When launched, Sorento will become Kia India’s first premium three-row SUV positioned above Seltos and Carens. It is expected to rival monocoque SUVs such as Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian and top variants of Innova Hycross, Mahindra XUV7XO, etc, while also attracting buyers considering traditional body-on-frame SUVs like Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor.
Premium SUV with hybrid power expected
Globally, Kia Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase. It is expected to be offered with three rows of seating in either 2+2+2 or 2+3+2 configurations. Feature highlights are expected to include dual digital displays, premium upholstery, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, Bose premium sound system, electronic parking brake and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite.
Powertrain details for India are yet to be confirmed officially. However, based on Kia’s recent HEV teasers and earlier test mules, Sorento Hybrid is expected to be the first variant introduced in India. A conventional petrol version is also expected, while the chances of a diesel version are even lower.
With unofficial bookings now reportedly underway and testing activity continuing, an official announcement from Kia India regarding Sorento Hybrid may not be far away. Pricing, variant details and the launch timeline are expected to be revealed closer to the SUV’s market debut.
