Kia has entered a more premium space in the Indian SUV market with the launch of the all-new Kia Sorento. Starting at Rs 27.99 lakh, the three-row SUV is available with both diesel and strong-hybrid powertrains.
While buyers can choose between six- and seven-seat configurations. Prices for the top-spec version go up to Rs 40.39 lakh, ex-showroom.
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That pricing puts the Sorento in an interesting position against established premium SUV choices such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster and Skoda Kodiaq. However, these SUVs take very different approaches to performance, comfort, technology and four-wheel-drive capability.
So, how does the All-New Kia Sorento Vs Rivals comparison look on paper? Here is a detailed breakdown.
Also Read: Kia Sorento Launched In India At Rs 27.99 Lakh: Price, Variants & Full Details
Kia Sorento Vs Rivals: Price Comparison
The biggest advantage for the Sorento is its starting price. The SUV starts at Rs 27.99 lakh for the 7-seat diesel HTE, while the hybrid range starts at Rs 29.49 lakh.
The Toyota Fortuner currently starts at Rs 34.76 lakh, while the Skoda Kodiaq starts at Rs 36.99 lakh. The MG Gloster is currently listed from Rs 38.33 lakh. All prices mentioned here are ex-showroom.
| SUV | Starting Price | Powertrain | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento | Rs 27.99 lakh | Diesel / Strong Hybrid | 6/7 |
| Toyota Fortuner | Rs 34.76 lakh | Petrol / Diesel | 7 |
| Skoda Kodiaq | Rs 36.99 lakh | Petrol | 7 |
| MG Gloster | Rs 38.33 lakh | Diesel | 6/7 |
On starting price alone, the Sorento has a significant advantage. But the comparison becomes more interesting once we look at the engines and drivetrain options.
Kia Sorento Vs Fortuner: Engine And Performance
The Kia Sorento gets a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 193 PS and 442 Nm, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel powertrain is available with front-wheel drive as well as AWD, depending on the variant.
Kia also offers a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid setup. The petrol engine produces 180 PS, while the electric motor is rated at 65 PS. The hybrid uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and is offered with FWD or AWD depending on the variant.
The Toyota Fortuner follows a more traditional approach. Its 2.8-litre diesel engine produces 204 PS, with torque output reaching 500 Nm with the automatic transmission. Toyota also offers a 2.7-litre petrol engine producing 166 PS. The Fortuner is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations depending on the powertrain and variant.
So, if outright diesel torque is the priority, the Fortuner has the advantage on paper. However, the Sorento has a major differentiator in the form of its turbo-petrol strong-hybrid option.
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Sorento Vs Gloster: More Power Or More Efficiency?
The MG Gloster takes a different route. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is available in turbo and twin-turbo forms. The twin-turbo version produces 215.5 PS and 478.5 Nm, and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD with terrain selection on applicable variants.
That gives the Gloster more peak power than both the Sorento diesel and Fortuner diesel, while its torque figure sits below the Fortuner’s 500 Nm automatic figure but above the Sorento’s 442 Nm.
However, the Sorento counters with its hybrid powertrain. None of these three diesel-focused alternatives offers the same combination of a turbo-petrol strong-hybrid option and six-/seven-seat flexibility in the same way.
For buyers primarily interested in diesel performance and a large SUV experience, the Gloster remains an interesting option. For someone looking at electrified powertrain technology, the Sorento has a clear advantage.
Sorento Vs Kodiaq: Petrol And Premium Appeal
The Skoda Kodiaq is arguably the most different SUV in this comparison because it does not offer a diesel or hybrid option in India.
The current Kodiaq uses a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 150 kW, or around 204 PS, and 320 Nm. It comes with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and 4×4 capability. The SUV is available with seven seats.
This means the Kodiaq has a power output similar to the Fortuner diesel but considerably lower torque than the diesel-powered Fortuner, Gloster and Sorento.
Where the Kodiaq makes its case is through its premium cabin experience, petrol engine refinement, 4×4 capability and road-focused driving character.
The Sorento, meanwhile, offers considerably more choice in terms of powertrain and seating configuration.
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All-New Kia Sorento Vs Rivals: Dimensions
Interestingly, the Gloster is the longest and widest SUV among these four.
| Dimension | Kia Sorento | Toyota Fortuner | MG Gloster | Skoda Kodiaq |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,815 mm | 4,795 mm | 4,985 mm | 4,758 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,855 mm | 1,926 mm | 1,864 mm |
| Height | 1,785 mm | 1,835 mm | 1,867 mm | 1,679 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm | 2,745 mm | 2,950 mm | 2,791 mm |
The Sorento is longer than the Fortuner and Kodiaq, while the Gloster remains the largest overall in terms of exterior dimensions. Official specifications confirm the Fortuner’s 4,795mm length and 2,745mm wheelbase, the Gloster’s 4,985mm length and 2,950mm wheelbase, and the Kodiaq’s 4,758mm length and 2,791mm wheelbase.
Seating Options Give Sorento An Edge
The Kia Sorento is available in both 6-seat and 7-seat configurations.
The six-seat version gets individual second-row captain seats, while the seven-seat version uses a conventional second-row bench.
The MG Gloster also offers six- and seven-seat configurations, whereas the Toyota Fortuner and Skoda Kodiaq are offered as seven-seaters in India.
For families who want the flexibility of choosing between maximum passenger capacity and a more premium second-row experience, the Sorento and Gloster are the more flexible options.
Features: Sorento Brings A Lot To The Table
This is another area where Kia has loaded the Sorento with technology.
Depending on the variant, the SUV gets dual 12.3-inch displays, panoramic sunroof, Bose 12-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, head-up display, digital inside rear-view mirror, powered tailgate, Digital Key 2.0 and remote smart parking.
The higher variants also get a Gen AI Assistant, while the top versions feature up to 30 ADAS functions and 10 airbags.
The Kodiaq also focuses heavily on premium equipment, including Ergo seats with massage, ventilation and heating on higher variants, while the Gloster offers features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered driver seat with massage and a 7-mode all-terrain system.
So this is not a simple case of one SUV having all the features. The Sorento’s advantage is the combination of features, hybrid technology, seating choices and relatively aggressive starting price.
AWD And Off-Road Capability
For buyers looking for serious off-road ability, the comparison becomes more complicated.
The Toyota Fortuner has a strong reputation in this space and is available with a proper 4WD system on applicable variants.
The MG Gloster also offers 4WD with terrain selection, while the Skoda Kodiaq comes with 4×4 capability.
The Kia Sorento’s higher variants get AWD, but its positioning is more focused on combining family comfort, premium features and all-weather traction rather than trying to replace a traditional hardcore off-road SUV.
Therefore, buyers who frequently travel through difficult terrain may still prefer the Fortuner or Gloster, while Sorento buyers are more likely to value its premium family-SUV character.
Which SUV Offers Better Value?
If starting price and powertrain variety are the priorities, the Kia Sorento is difficult to ignore. It starts significantly below the Fortuner, Kodiaq and Gloster, while offering both diesel and hybrid choices.
The Toyota Fortuner makes more sense for buyers who want a proven body-on-frame SUV formula, strong diesel torque and a 4WD-oriented package.
The MG Gloster stands out with its large dimensions, powerful twin-turbo diesel, 6/7-seat options and extensive equipment list.
The Skoda Kodiaq is better suited to buyers who want a premium, petrol-powered seven-seat SUV with 4×4 capability and a more road-oriented character.
All-New Kia Sorento Vs Rivals: Auto India Daily Verdict
The All-New Kia Sorento Vs Rivals comparison shows that Kia has not simply brought another large seven-seat SUV to India. Instead, the Sorento tries to combine several different requirements in one package.
Its Rs 27.99 lakh starting price, 6- and 7-seat configurations, diesel and strong-hybrid powertrains, AWD availability and extensive technology give it a strong value proposition.
The Fortuner still has an advantage for buyers focused on traditional SUV capability and high diesel torque. The Gloster appeals with its size, power and equipment, while the Kodiaq remains a strong option for buyers seeking premium petrol performance and 4×4 capability.
But for a buyer who wants modern features, hybrid technology, multiple seating options and a premium three-row SUV without immediately crossing the Rs 35 lakh mark, the Kia Sorento makes a particularly strong case.
In simple terms: Fortuner for traditional SUV capability, Gloster for size and power, Kodiaq for premium road-going performance, and Sorento for the widest mix of powertrain choices, features, seating flexibility and value.
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Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.