The Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV sold in global markets, has been spotted testing in India for the first time. Kia is developing a hybrid SUV based on the Sorento, codenamed MQ4i, which will rival the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. The spied vehicle is likely a test mule of this upcoming model.
Kia Sorento spy shots
The camouflaged Kia Sorento test mule, spotted in a parking facility, revealed 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 tyres and a boxy silhouette. A rotary gear selector inside hints at a hybrid powertrain. Despite the covers, its three-row proportions are evident with squared wheel arches, a tall bonnet, a flat tailgate, and a wide rear section. Vertical lighting suggests T-shaped DRLs, while the rear is expected to feature connected tail lamps, consistent with Kia's latest design language.
Kia Sorento
A look inside the SUV revealed a centre console with a rotary gear selector and buttons for the electronic parking brake, closely resembling the global-spec version. For India, expected highlights include dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass for rear windows and tailgate, powered and ventilated front seats, along with advanced tech such as a 360-degree camera and a head-up display for enhanced convenience and safety.
Talking about the powertrain, the Kia Sorento available in the international market comes with three engine choices: a 238hp 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, a 288hp 1.6-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid, and a 2.2-litre diesel hybrid. While the petrol units are paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the diesel gets an 8-speed DCT. All variants feature an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.