- Kia Sorento will be showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo.
- If launched, it will rival the Toyota Fortuner in the Indian market.
- Let's find out how these 7-seater SUVs stack up against each other based on various parameters.
Kia India will showcase the Sorento at the 2023 Auto Expo. The SUV is Kia's counterpart of the Hyundai Santa Fe, which was discounted in the domestic market a long time back. Now as the Sorento is set to arrive at the motor show, its India launch is not confirmed as of now and the Korean carmaker may take a call based on customer interest. So if the Sorento is launched in the country, it will directly rival other 3-row premium SUVs in the segment, and its main opponent will be the Toyota Fortuner. So here is a quick spec comparison between the Toyota Fortuner VS Kia Sorento.
Also Read: Top Highlights Of Kia Sorento SUV Coming In 2023 Auto Expo
Toyota Fortuner VS Kia Sorento: Exterior Design
In terms of exterior appearance, the Kia Sorento sports a modern design language, while on the other hand, Fortuner is the more mature-looking vehicle of the lot with a typical boxy design. Talking about the design language, the Kia Sorento features the brand's typical tiger nose grille, accompanied by a pair of three-pod LED headlamps and integrated DRLs. Upfront, the Fortuner sports an uplifted bonnet that runs down on the front grille and there is a subtle use of chrome, well integrated into the sleek LED headlamps.
Overall the design outlook of the Fortuner is more SUVish and rugged as compared to the Sorento, although the Sorento looks more inclined towards creating a contemporary appeal.
Toyota Fortuner VS Kia Sorento: Interiors and Features
Inside the cabin, a similar story is continued as Sorento's cabin layout looks more premium and up-to-date with the use of a 10.25-inch infotainment unit and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display. The AC vent design looks modern and the multi-layer dashboard sits well with the ravishing centre console. On the other hand, Fortuner's interiors are quite simple with a comparatively smaller 8-inch infotainment system and an analogue instrument cluster.
In terms of features, the Sorento is quite tech-laden and gets features such as connected car tech, panoramic sunroof, ADAS, 360-degree parking camera, Bose sound system and more. The Fortuner, on the other hand, gets an electronic tailgate, wireless charging, front parking sensors and a JBL sound system amongst others. Clearly, the Sorento gets more modern tech features as compared to the Fortuner.
Toyota Fortuner VS Kia Sorento: Dimensions
| Specifications | Toyota Fortuner | Kia Sorento |
| Length | 4,795 mm | 4,810 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,835 mm | 1,700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,780 mm |
As it is quite clear from the table above, the Sorento is the longer and wider car with a longer wheelbase, while the Fortuner is the taller vehicle of the lot.
Toyota Fortuner VS Kia Sorento: Powertrain
| Specifications | Toyota Fortuner | Kia Sorento |
| Displacement | 2.8-litre Turbo Diesel/ 2.7-litre Petrol | 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel/ 2.5-litre Petrol |
| Power | 204 bhp/ 166 bhp | 202 bhp/ 191 bhp |
| Torque | 420 Nm (MT), 500 Nm (AT)/ 245 Nm | 440 Nm/ 246 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT, 6-Speed AT/ 5-Speed MT | 8-Speed AT |
Having a look at the powertrain specification, both the SUVs are at par in terms of power and torque figures. The only difference here is the option of a manual transmission in Fortuner, which Sorento does not offer. Apart from these engine options mentioned in the table, the Sorento also offers strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. However, these are highly unlikely to make it to India as the local production of the hybrid components is a constraint, thus increasing the overall cost.
Also Read: All New Toyota Innova Hycross VS Kia Carnival: The Premium MPV Battle
Verdict: This comparison is intended to highlight the basic differences between the Toyota Fortuner and Kia Sorento, which may or may not be launched in the Indian market. The Sorento will be showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo and it sits in the premium 7-seater SUV segment. If Kia considers launching the SUV here, we will do a proper comparison between the two.
