Kia is getting ready to enter the premium 7-seater SUV segment in India, and the first big hint has arrived — the Kia Sorento Hybrid has been spotted testing on Indian roads. This shows that Kia may soon take on powerful SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, making the 2026 launch one to watch.

The Sorento sits above the Seltos and Carens in the global market and is expected to become Kia’s new flagship SUV in India.

Hybrid Powertrain: Kia’s Big Weapon

The spy shots reveal a rotary dial gear selector, a feature offered only on hybrid models globally. This clearly suggests that Kia is planning to bring the Strong Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version to India.

Expected Engine Output

1.6-litre Turbo-Petrol Plug-in Hybrid

Read Also

Hyundai Returns to the Pitch: Confirmed as ICC Premier Partner for 2026–2027

Combined Power: 261 BHP
Gearbox: 6-speed Automatic

This makes the Sorento almost 60 BHP more powerful than the Toyota Fortuner’s 201 BHP diesel engine — a big advantage on paper.

Other Global Engines

2.5-litre petrol
2.2-litre diesel (200 BHP, 8-speed DCT)

However, with India shifting toward hybrid technology, the hybrid variant is the most likely option for our market.

Big Dimensions and Strong Road Presence

The Sorento is built to look and feel like a full-size SUV.

Read Also

Tata Motors: The 2.5 Lakh EV Sales Milestone & Future Roadmap

Length: ~4.8 metres
Wheelbase: ~2.8 metres
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (235/55 R19 tyres)

These dimensions give the Sorento a powerful road presence, along with a spacious cabin that families will appreciate.

Premium Interior With High-Tech Features

Kia is known for offering rich, feature-loaded interiors, and the Sorento is expected to continue this trend.

Expected Features

Dual 12.3-inch curved displays
Level 2 ADAS (lane keep, adaptive cruise, emergency braking)
Panoramic sunroof
Ventilated seats
Multi-zone climate control
Premium soft-touch materials
Bose audio system

This makes the Sorento a more modern and luxurious option compared to the rugged, traditional Fortuner.

Price and Competition

Kia is clearly aiming at the premium 7-seater SUV market. Expected rivals include:

Toyota Fortuner
Skoda Kodiaq
MG Gloster

Expected Price

The Kia Sorento is likely to be priced between ₹35 lakh and ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, depending on the variant and powertrain.

The success of the Sorento will depend on how Indian buyers react to its mix of hybrid performance, premium features, and modern design, especially when compared to the Fortuner’s strong reputation and reliability.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think — can the Kia Sorento Hybrid challenge the Toyota Fortuner in India? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Hyundai Motor Company has officially announced its return to international cricket, confirming a new Premier Partner agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the 2026–2027 cycle.

The partnership was formally announced at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, marking Hyundai’s comeback to the sport after nearly a decade. The move underlines the brand’s renewed focus on cricket’s massive global reach—especially in cricket-first markets like India.

Two Years, Six ICC Tournaments

Under the agreement, Hyundai will be present across six major ICC tournaments spread over the next two years. The deal ensures brand visibility across:

ICC Men’s tournaments (ODI & T20 formats)
ICC Women’s tournaments, supporting the sport’s rapid global growth
ICC U19 World Cups, connecting with younger audiences and future fans

This wide coverage gives Hyundai access to a combined global cricket audience of over 2 billion viewers.

Read Also

Tata Motors: The 2.5 Lakh EV Sales Milestone & Future Roadmap

More Than Just Logo Placement

As an ICC Premier Partner, Hyundai’s role goes far beyond boundary boards and broadcast graphics.

Key activations include:

Exclusive matchday integrations, including high-visibility moments like the pre-match coin toss
Fan engagement zones inside stadiums and via digital platforms
Vehicle showcases featuring Hyundai’s latest models at match venues
Globally aligned campaigns, coordinated across Hyundai’s international markets

The strategy is designed to create deeper fan engagement rather than just passive brand exposure.

Read Also

New-Gen Renault Duster: Design Details and Launch Timeline

Why India Is Central to Hyundai’s Cricket Push

Hyundai’s earlier ICC association between 2011 and 2015 proved highly successful, particularly in India. This renewed partnership highlights the growing importance of India in Hyundai’s global growth plans.

Commenting on the announcement, Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO Designate of Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the brand is preparing a 360-degree activation strategy spanning PR, digital platforms, on-ground experiences, and dealerships to maximise impact.

Expect Hyundai showrooms to double up as fan hubs once the ICC calendar kicks off in 2026.

The Bigger Picture

By aligning itself with the ICC, Hyundai is tapping into cricket’s emotional pull—especially in countries where the sport is part of everyday life rather than just entertainment. This partnership places Hyundai at the centre of cricket’s biggest moments, right when fan engagement is at its peak.

With the 2026 ICC season approaching, Hyundai’s return signals one of the largest automotive–sports partnerships of the decade.

So, what do you think — is cricket still the strongest platform for car brands to connect with Indian buyers, or are digital-first strategies taking over? Share your thoughts in the comments below!