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🔥 Hybrid Assault: Kia Sorento 7-Seater SUV SPOTTED in India—Will It Topple the Toyota Fortuner?
Kia India has signaled its most aggressive product launch strategy yet, with the Kia Sorento 7-seater premium SUV recently spied testing on Indian roads for the first time. Positioned as a direct rival to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, and MG Gloster, the Sorento is expected to arrive as Kia’s new flagship SUV, blending robust SUV dimensions with advanced hybrid efficiency and an extensive feature list.
This sighting of the test mule (codenamed MQ4i) confirms Kia’s intent to launch the Sorento, likely in 2026 or 2027, betting heavily on a feature-rich package and a fuel-efficient strong hybrid powertrain to undercut the ladder-frame rivals.
⚡ The Game-Changer: Hybrid Power & Flagship Dimensions
The Sorento’s primary selling point in India will be its modern underpinnings and the efficiency of its electrified engine, a sharp contrast to the diesel-centric competition.
| Aspect | Confirmed/Expected India-Spec Details | Competitive Advantage |
| Powertrain Focus | 1.6L Turbo-Petrol Strong Hybrid (Global Spec: $\approx 230 \text{ hp}$) | Offers superior refinement, punchy performance, and excellent fuel efficiency (unlike bulky diesel rivals). |
| Alternate Engine | Possibility of an entry-level 1.5L Petrol Hybrid shared with the next-gen Seltos. | Enables a lower starting price point to compete with lower variants of the XUV700/Safari. |
| Dimensions | Length $\approx 4.81 \text{ metres}$, Wheelbase $\approx 2.81 \text{ metres}$. | Sizeable road presence, similar to the Fortuner, ensuring proper three-row seating comfort. |
| Drivetrain | Likely FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) standard, with AWD (All-Wheel Drive) possibly reserved for top trims. | Balances cost-efficiency for city buyers with capability for adventure seekers. |
The Hyundai Exter Pricing Strategy
Hyundai India has adopted an aggressive pricing strategy for the Exter, aiming to capture a significant market share in the entry-level SUV segment. With introductory prices ranging between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Exter offers great value for money.
The pricing of the Hyundai Exter varies based on the variant and transmission options. The manual transmission variants, which boast a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.4 km per litre, are priced between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.31 lakh. On the other hand, the automatic variant, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.2 km per litre, is priced at Rs 7.96 lakh. Additionally, Hyundai has introduced a CNG variant of the Exter, priced at Rs 8.23 lakh, with an impressive efficiency of 27.1 km per kg.
💎 Luxury & Technology: Loaded to the Brim
Spy shots confirmed premium interior elements, suggesting the Sorento will inherit the best technology from Kia’s global lineup.
| Key Feature | Detail Spied / Expected | Segment Position |
| Digital Cockpit | Panoramic Curved Display integrating Dual $12.3 \text{-inch}$ screens (Infotainment + Instrument Cluster). | Class-Leading Screen Real Estate, offers superior graphics and responsiveness via Kia’s latest ccNC software. |
| Gear Selector | Rotary Style Dial for gear selection. | Typically reserved for Kia’s hybrid and EV models globally, confirming the electrified focus. |
| Safety System | Level 2 ADAS (Expected features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring). | Matches and potentially exceeds the safety tech offered by the segment leaders. |
| Comfort Features | Ventilated Front Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Bose Audio System, and a Panoramic Sunroof. | Ensures a luxury cabin experience comparable to more expensive European SUVs. |
| Wheels | Large 19-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels (spotted on the test mule). | Contributes to the imposing road presence and muscular SUV stance. |
📊 Expected Positioning and Rivals
The Sorento is designed to fill a significant gap in Kia India’s lineup, sitting well above the Carens MPV and the Seltos SUV.
| Metric | Expected Specifications |
| Expected Launch | 2026 – 2027 |
| Expected Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹28 Lakh to ₹35 Lakh |
| Primary Rivals | Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian |
| Internal Rival | Kia Carnival (Sorento is a true SUV, Carnival is an MUV focused purely on space) |
