Kia Sorento production begins in India ahead of September 4 launch; bookings open for hybrid SUV
/ 2 min read
The South Korean carmaker has started local production of its premium three-row SUV at Anantapur, with the Sorento set to be offered with hybrid and diesel powertrains.
Gwanggu Lee, MD & CEO, Kia India along with Kia India Management for the All-New Seltos Production Roll-out Ceremony at Anantapur Plant. | Credits: Kia India
Kia India has commenced production of the Sorento at its Anantapur manufacturing facility, ahead of the premium three-row SUV’s India launch on September 4. The company also released the first official images of the India-spec model on Thursday, with the first locally produced unit rolling off the assembly line.
Pre-bookings for the Sorento are already open through Kia India dealerships and its website. The SUV will be offered with hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the hybrid version featuring all-wheel drive (AWD). The model marks Kia’s entry into the premium three-row SUV segment in India and expands its product portfolio at the higher end of the market.
Sorento to debut Kia’s Live Generative AI technology
The Sorento will introduce Kia AI Assistant, powered by Live Generative AI capabilities. Kia said the India-bound Sorento will be the first model globally to introduce the technology, marking its debut across the company’s global product lineup.
The technology is designed to enable conversational interactions and provide access to real-time information, going beyond conventional voice-command-based systems. Kia said the feature will also mark the first introduction of Live Generative AI in the Indian automotive industry.
“The Sorento has long stood as a global symbol of Kia's SUV leadership, earning the trust of customers across international markets and becoming one of Kia's most established flagship SUV nameplates,” Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said.
“Its arrival in India marks a defining moment for our premium portfolio. With the first locally produced Sorento rolling off the production line at our Anantapur facility today, we are taking an important step in bringing this globally acclaimed premium flagship SUV to Indian customers,” he added.
Kia expands powertrain options
The Sorento will be Kia India’s first hybrid SUV and will be available alongside a diesel-powered version. The company has positioned the two powertrains as alternatives for customers with different driving and ownership requirements.
Kia has not yet disclosed the SUV’s India pricing or complete technical specifications. These details are expected to be announced at the official launch on September 4.
Meanwhile, Kia’s Anantapur facility has been the manufacturing base for the automaker’s India operations since production began in 2019. The company said it has so far dispatched nearly 1.9 million vehicles from the plant, including more than 1.5 million domestic sales and over 367,000 exports.
NEXT STORY