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Kia Sorento AWD Confirmed For India Ahead Of September Launch
South Korean carmaker Kia has confirmed that the upcoming Sorento SUV will be offered with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system in India. The three-row Kia Sorento SUV is scheduled to launch on September 4, 2026, and will become Kia's largest ICE SUV in the Indian market.
The Sorento will also be Kia India's first internal-combustion-engine model with AWD. The company has previously offered AWD on its electric models, but the Sorento will bring the drivetrain to its ICE range for the first time.
Kia Sorento AWD: What We Know So Far
Kia has confirmed AWD availability through a new teaser, but has not yet released the complete technical specifications of the India-spec SUV. The Sorento will be offered with two powertrain options in India, including a strong-hybrid petrol engine and a diesel engine.
The diesel version is expected to use Kia's 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is also used by the Carnival. The engine produces 190bhp and 441Nm in the India-spec Carnival and is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. According to reports, the Sorento diesel will combine this engine with AWD.
The AWD system on the Sorento will be accompanied by selectable drive modes and terrain modes. These features will allow the driver to alter the vehicle's drivetrain and traction settings according to different road and surface conditions.
The Sorento will also be Kia's first strong-hybrid model in India. The global-spec SUV uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic gearbox. In global markets, this system produces 238hp and 380Nm, although Kia has not confirmed these figures for the India-spec model.
Kia has not yet confirmed whether the Indian hybrid version will also be available with AWD. The global Sorento is offered with AWD in combination with both hybrid and diesel powertrains in some markets, but the final India-spec drivetrain combinations are yet to be announced by Kia.
Kia Sorento India Launch And Expected Features
The Kia Sorento will launch in India on September 4, 2026, with pre-bookings already open. It will sit at the top of Kia's ICE SUV range and will be positioned as a premium three-row SUV against models such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian.
The India-bound Sorento is based on the latest global model and features Kia's current design language. International versions get vertically stacked LED headlamps, a large grille, connected LED tail lamps and large alloy wheels, while the cabin uses a three-row layout.
Expected equipment for the India-spec SUV includes dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control and Level 2 ADAS. Kia has also confirmed its Live Gen AI voice assistant for the Sorento.
The Live Gen AI system allows occupants to interact with the in-car assistant using natural-language commands. The system can also operate selected vehicle functions through voice commands.
Kia is expected to assemble the Sorento locally in India. The company has not announced the SUV's final price, variants or complete specifications, with these details expected closer to its September 4 launch.
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