Anantpur, India, August 20, 2026: Kia India has unveiled the first official images of the Kia Sorento ahead of its India launch, with production of the premium three-row SUV now underway at the company’s Anantapur manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The first locally produced Sorento rolled off the production line on August 20, marking a significant milestone for Kia’s India operations.

The Kia Sorento India launch is scheduled for September 4, 2026, while pre-bookings for the SUV are already open through Kia India dealerships and the company’s official website.

Positioned as Kia India’s new premium flagship SUV, the Sorento will enter the premium three-row SUV segment with a choice of hybrid and diesel powertrains. The hybrid version will also become Kia India’s first hybrid SUV with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Kia Sorento production begins in India

The start of Sorento production at Kia India’s Anantapur plant marks an important step towards the SUV’s market launch.

The Anantapur facility has been central to Kia’s India manufacturing operations since production began in 2019. With the Sorento now being built locally, Kia is bringing its global flagship SUV closer to Indian customers while strengthening its premium product portfolio.

The official images released by Kia showcase the Sorento’s commanding SUV stance and bold design language. The SUV features confident proportions, distinctive exterior detailing and a contemporary interior designed to deliver a more premium experience for occupants.

Kia describes the India-specification Sorento as its most advanced Sorento, built in India for India.

Kia Sorento to get hybrid AWD and diesel options

One of the biggest highlights of the new Kia Sorento for India will be its powertrain choice.

The Sorento will be offered with a hybrid powertrain paired with All-Wheel Drive, making it Kia India’s first hybrid SUV with AWD. The electrified powertrain is expected to appeal to buyers looking for a combination of performance, efficiency and enhanced traction.

Kia will also offer the Sorento with a diesel engine, giving customers the option of choosing between hybrid and diesel powertrains based on their driving requirements and ownership preferences.

The introduction of the Sorento represents another step in Kia India’s multi-powertrain strategy as the company expands its premium SUV line-up.

Kia Sorento to debut Live Generative AI in India

Technology will be another major highlight of the upcoming Kia Sorento.

The India-bound Sorento will introduce the Kia AI Assistant powered by Live Generative AI, marking the global debut of this technology in the Sorento and the first introduction of Live Generative AI across Kia’s global product line-up.

Kia also claims that the Sorento will be the first vehicle in the Indian automotive industry to introduce Live Generative AI.

Unlike conventional voice assistants that typically respond to predefined commands, Kia says its Live Generative AI system will enable more dynamic and conversational interactions. It will also provide access to real-time and continuously updated information, with the aim of making journeys more personalised and informative.

Kia Sorento positioned as premium flagship SUV

The Sorento will expand Kia India’s presence in the premium three-row SUV segment, combining its large SUV proportions with a more sophisticated cabin and technology-focused feature package.

Speaking about the reveal and start of production, Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said the Sorento’s arrival represents an important milestone for the company’s premium portfolio.

Lee said the first locally produced Sorento rolling off the Anantapur production line was an important step towards bringing Kia’s globally acclaimed flagship SUV to Indian customers.

He also highlighted the Sorento’s hybrid and diesel powertrain options, along with its Live Generative AI technology, as key elements of the SUV’s India proposition.

Kia Sorento India launch date and pre-bookings

The Kia Sorento will officially launch in India on September 4, 2026.

Pre-bookings are already open at Kia India dealerships and through the official Kia India website.

The Sorento’s combination of three-row seating, premium positioning, hybrid AWD technology, diesel powertrain availability and advanced AI-based technology will make it one of Kia India’s most significant new launches of 2026.