Kia India has been in a clear transformation phase since its blockbuster entry in 2019 with the Seltos. Over the years, the brand has steadily expanded both its mainstream and premium portfolio. The next big step in Kia’s premium strategy for India is expected to come in the form of the Sorento SUV (internal codename MQ4i). While the Sorento’s India launch has been anticipated for some time, fresh information now reveals a crucial twist—one that significantly changes how this SUV could be positioned in the Indian market.
Kia Sorento To Be Manufactured in India
Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Kia is planning to manufacture the Sorento locally in India, instead of importing it as a CKD model. This is a notable departure from Kia’s current premium strategy, where the Carnival is the only model assembled in India using CKD kits.
For the Sorento, Kia is said to be betting big on full localisation, with an eye not just on competitive pricing but also potential exports in the future. Production will take place at Kia’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, which already manufactures high-volume models such as new gen Seltos, Sonet and Carens.
Unlike the Carnival, which uses a dedicated CKD assembly setup, the Sorento will reportedly roll out from Kia’s main production line, often referred to as the “mother line.” This line has been upgraded to accommodate Kia’s upcoming flagship ICE SUV, with changes made to welding points, body dimensions, stamping parameters and paint processes.
In simple terms, this means the Sorento will be made in India from the ground up, not merely assembled from imported kits. There is also a possibility that the India-spec version could feature subtle design tweaks or even a different nameplate to better suit local market positioning.
Positioning and Size
Once launched, the Sorento (or its India-specific counterpart) will sit at the very top of Kia’s ICE SUV lineup in the country. Globally, the Sorento measures around 4.8 metres in length, nearly 1.9 metres in width, stands about 1.7 metres tall, and rides on a 2,815 mm wheelbase—dimensions that place it firmly in the premium three-row SUV category. Kia is said to be targeting annual volumes of around 50,000 units, which underlines the brand’s confidence in local manufacturing and aggressive pricing. It will sit above the new Seltos in company lineup, which is 4,460mm long.
The SUV is expected to be offered with a three-row seating layout. Globally, the Sorento offers about 190 litres of boot space with all rows up, expanding to roughly 800 litres with the third row folded, and up to nearly 2,000 litres with the second row down. Similar practicality figures are expected for the India-spec model.
What To Expect From the India-Spec Sorento
In terms of design, the Sorento is likely to carry over its global styling—bold yet refined—which should resonate well with Indian buyers looking for a premium family SUV. Under the hood, Kia is expected to offer a self-charging hybrid powertrain, likely based on Hyundai–Kia’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. An AWD layout could also be on the cards, further strengthening its appeal. A plug-in hybrid, however, seems unlikely at this stage.
When it arrives, the Sorento is expected to take on Toyota Innova Hycross and its Maruti counterpart, given the shared focus on hybrid technology, space and long-distance comfort. The Sorento has already been spotted testing in India, and pricing is expected to hover around the Rs 30-40 lakh bracket, made feasible largely due to local manufacturing. If this strategy materialises, the Sorento could mark Kia’s most ambitious India product yet—one that blends premium positioning with high localisation, something rarely seen in this segment. Launch is expected sometime later this year.
