Kia has begun local production of the Sorento at its Andhra Pradesh facility, with the first unit already off the line.
The hybrid version of the three-row SUV has been confirmed to come with four-wheel drive, alongside a separate diesel engine option.
Kia's much-awaited Sorento is finally taking shape on Indian soil. The carmaker has confirmed that assembly of the three-row SUV has begun at its manufacturing base, putting the model on track for its scheduled launch on September 4, 2026.
The first India-built example has already rolled off the line, and with it, Kia has released the earliest official images of the car in its domestic guise.
Local Assembly Confirmed At Andhra Pradesh Plant
The Sorento will be built at Kia's existing plant in Anantapur, the same facility responsible for the brand's higher-volume models sold in the country. Until now, local assembly had been widely anticipated but not officially verified. That uncertainty has been cleared up, with Kia confirming the SUV will indeed be manufactured domestically rather than brought in as a fully imported unit.
This shift matters for buyers eyeing a premium three-row SUV, since local production typically allows for sharper pricing than a completely built-up import would permit.
Bookings for the Sorento are already live through Kia's dealer network and its official website, giving early interested customers a head start before prices are announced.
Hybrid Sorento Gains Four-Wheel Drive
Kia had previously confirmed that the India-spec Sorento would be offered with both hybrid and diesel powertrains. The latest update adds an important detail, confirming that the hybrid variant will also feature four-wheel drive, a first for any Kia hybrid sold in the country.
Exact power, torque and efficiency figures for the India market have not yet been disclosed. As a reference point, international versions of the Sorento are offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid setup and a separate 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.
New Live Generative AI Assistant Onboard
Alongside the powertrain update, Kia has revealed that the Sorento will introduce its new Live Generative AI assistant, a system built to handle natural, conversational queries rather than a fixed set of pre-programmed commands.
The company states this will be its first global model to receive the technology, and also the first instance of Live Generative AI being used in a car sold in India. Fuller details of what the assistant can do are expected closer to launch.
Design Details And Rivals
Early images show vertically stacked LED headlamps, T-shaped daytime running lights, Kia's familiar Tiger Nose grille and upright tail lamp units, all wrapped around the tall, imposing stance typical of a full-size three-row SUV. Precise dimensions and variant-specific design differences have not been shared yet.
Positioned above the Seltos, the Sorento will become Kia's flagship combustion-engined SUV in India. Depending on how it is eventually priced, it could go up against rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian, Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor. A combination of local assembly and dual powertrain choices could help Kia carve out a distinct space in this segment.
Full pricing, variant details and complete specifications are expected to be announced on launch day.
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