The New Kia Sorento is just days away from its India launch, and undisguised units have now started arriving at dealer yards.
The SUV is scheduled to launch in India on September 4, 2026, and the latest spy images offer a detailed look at the India-spec model, including its exterior design, cabin layout, seating configuration and equipment.
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Interestingly, the latest spotted unit appears to be a mid-spec version rather than the fully loaded variant seen in earlier sightings. It features a seven-seat layout with a second-row bench and misses out on some of the premium equipment expected on the top-spec model.
Also Read: Kia Sorento India Launch 2026: Diesel, Hybrid & AWD Confirmed
New Kia Sorento Diesel DCT Spotted at Dealer Yard
One of the most important details visible on the latest Sorento is the DCT badge on the tailgate. This indicates that the spotted SUV is powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The diesel powertrain is expected to produce around 202PS and 441Nm. This is the same basic diesel engine family currently used by the Kia Carnival in India.
Kia is also expected to introduce the Sorento with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain. The hybrid setup is likely to produce around 240PS and 380Nm and will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The hybrid powertrain is expected to be another major highlight of the new Kia Sorento, particularly as Kia prepares to expand its electrified vehicle portfolio in India.
India-Spec Sorento Gets a Bold SUV Design
The latest undisguised images provide a clear view of the Sorento’s exterior. The spotted SUV is finished in white and gets 19-inch alloy wheels, while the overall design follows the international model.
The front features an upright fascia with a large grille and vertically arranged lighting elements. The SUV also gets prominent roof rails and a relatively squared-off rear profile, giving it a strong road presence.
The New Kia Sorento has also been photographed alongside SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta and Toyota Fortuner, providing a better idea of its dimensions and proportions. It is expected to sit above the Seltos in Kia’s India portfolio.
New Kia Sorento Gets a 7-Seater Cabin
The latest dealer-yard vehicle gets a three-row, seven-seat configuration. Unlike the higher-spec version spotted previously, this particular SUV uses a second-row bench with a 60:40 split.
The second-row seats can slide and recline, while passengers get dedicated AC vents and Type-C charging ports. Retractable sunshades are also available on the rear doors.
At the front, the dashboard features Kia’s curved panoramic display setup, combining the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single integrated unit.
Other visible features include leather upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, Bose audio system, soft-touch dashboard and door materials, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The centre console gets a rotary gear selector, drive-mode controls, electronic parking brake and Auto Hold function.
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Premium Features and Practical Storage
Kia appears to have paid considerable attention to storage and convenience. The Sorento’s centre console includes multiple cupholders and an armrest compartment, while a sliding section houses the smartphone storage and wireless charging area.
There are also multiple Type-C charging ports throughout the cabin, while a 360-degree camera is among the visible driver-assistance and parking features.
The exact feature list is expected to vary according to the variant, as the latest dealer-yard unit does not appear to be the top-spec version.
Third Row Gets Dedicated Features
The third row has not been treated as an afterthought. Rear passengers get dedicated AC vents, cupholders, a Type-C charging port and a 12V socket.
The third-row seats can be folded using straps accessible from the luggage area. Kia has also provided buttons in the boot that can electrically release and fold the second-row seats, making it easier to increase available cargo space.
Even with all three rows in use, the luggage compartment appears to offer a reasonably practical amount of space. A powered tailgate is also visible on the spotted vehicle.
New Kia Sorento Could Be Offered in 6- and 7-Seater Versions
Earlier Sorento sightings revealed a more premium cabin configuration featuring second-row captain seats, ventilated second-row seats and a brown interior theme.
The latest vehicle, however, uses a conventional second-row bench and a lighter interior colour scheme. This suggests that Kia could offer the Sorento in both six- and seven-seat configurations, depending on the variant.
Multiple equipment levels could also be introduced to provide customers with different combinations of features and pricing.
New Kia Sorento India: Key Details
| Detail | Expected Information |
|---|---|
| India Launch | September 4, 2026 |
| Body Style | 3-row SUV |
| Seating | 6- and 7-seat options expected |
| Diesel Engine | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel |
| Diesel Output | Around 202PS / 441Nm |
| Diesel Gearbox | 8-speed DCT |
| Hybrid Engine | 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid |
| Hybrid Output | Around 240PS / 380Nm |
| Hybrid Gearbox | 6-speed automatic |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloys on spotted variant |
| Key Features | Panoramic display, ventilated seats, Bose audio, 360-degree camera |
| Third-Row Features | AC vents, cupholders, Type-C port, 12V socket |
New Kia Sorento India Launch: What to Expect
With undisguised vehicles now reaching dealer yards, Kia appears to be in the final stages of preparing the Sorento for its India launch on September 4. The latest images also confirm that buyers will have a choice between different cabin configurations and equipment levels.
The combination of a three-row cabin, diesel DCT and strong-hybrid powertrain gives the New Kia Sorento a broad appeal. Its premium interior, extensive feature list and locally assembled status could also help Kia position it competitively against established SUVs.
More details regarding the exact variants, prices, dimensions and India-specific specifications should be revealed at the official launch.
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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.