The Kia Sorento was launched in the Indian market last month, with both diesel and petrol-hybrid powertrain options. Priced between Rs 27.99 – 40.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sorento, despite being an SUV, is in direct competition with the Toyota Innova Hycross MPV, which dominates the premium 7-seater segment in this price range. So, in this thread, we’ve compared these three-row offerings to determine which model makes more sense for you.
Let’s start with the prices: –
Kia Sorento vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Price
| Model | Kia Sorento | Toyota Innova Hycross |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Diesel: Rs 27.99 lakh to Rs 38.89 lakh Petrol-Hybrid: Rs 29.49 lakh to Rs 40.39 lakh | Petrol: Rs. 18.70 lakh to Rs 21.12 lakh Petrol-Hybrid: Rs 26.76 lakh to Rs 32.95 lakh |
As is clear from the above table, the Innova Hycross is a more economical choice for buyers and is available only with a petrol engine in both hybrid and non-hybrid versions. On the other hand, the Sorento comes with both diesel and petrol-hybrid powertrain options, catering to a wider section of audiences. However, its top-end trim is much more expensive than the Toyota offering.
Kia Sorento vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Dimensions
| Parameter | Kia Sorento | Toyota Innova Hycross |
| Length | 4815 mm | 4755 mm |
| Width | 1900 mm | 1845 mm |
| Height | 1785 mm | 1785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2820 mm | 2850 mm |
| Boot Space | 179 litres | 300 litres |
| Seating Configuration | 6 & 7-seater | 7 & 8-seater |
The Kia Sorento is a much bigger offering than the Innova Hycross, both in terms of length and width. However, the Innova Hycross has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Sorento, which translates into more cabin space. The Hycross is also available in 7- and 8-seater versions, with the third row offering enough space for three occupants. On the other hand, the Sorento can only accommodate two occupants on its last bench.
Kia Sorento vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Engine Specifications
| Model | Kia Sorento | Toyota Innova Hycross | ||
| Engine | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel | 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with strong hybrid technology | 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol | 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol with strong hybrid technology |
| Max Power | 202PS | 180PS (petrol) + 65PS (motor) | 171PS | 189PS |
| Peak Torque | 441Nm | 265Nm (petrol) + 264Nm (motor)Â | 204Nm | 191Nm (petrol), 206Nm (electric)Â |
| Transmission | 8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT) | 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic | CVT | e-CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD |
FWD: Front-Wheel Drive;Â AWD: All-Wheel Drive;Â DCT: Dual-Clutch Transmission (automatic)
Both the Kia Sorento and Toyota Innova Hycross are offered with self-charging strong-hybrid systems. However, they are targeted for different kinds of buyers. That said, the Sorento hybrid features a turbocharged petrol engine paired with a traditional automatic transmission, making it suitable for those who want decent fuel efficiency without compromising on the performance front. On the other hand, the Innova Hycross aims to strike an optimal balance between performance, fuel efficiency, low maintenance and high reliability, making it a more practical choice for a people mover. Both models are capable of providing an all-electric driving range in low-load conditions, especially in the city.
Buyers with high highway running also have a torquey diesel engine option with the Sorento, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, making it ideal for enthusiasts. Similar to the petrol-hybrid, the oil burner can also be paired with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, making it suitable for those living in hilly areas or who like to explore unpaved terrains. This is a feature you don’t get with the Innova Hycross, simply because of its different target audience.
Kia Sorento vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Key Features
| Common Features | Additional Features In Kia Sorento | Additional Features In Toyota Innova Hycross |
| – Automatic LED headlamps – LED DRLs – LED fog lamps – LED tail lamps – Alloy wheels – Panoramic sunroof – Powered tailgate – Soft touch dashboard – Leather seats – Dual-zone climate control – Rear AC vents – Ventilated front seats – Power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function – Floating touchscreen infotainment – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Connected car tech – Tilt & telescopic adjustments for steering wheel – Smart entry system with push-button start – Auto-dimming IRVM – Wireless charger – Ambient lighting – Rear sunshades – Paddle shifters – Electronic parking brakes with auto-hold – 6 airbags – 360-degree camera – Front & rear parking sensors – Traction control – Hill assist – ISOFIX child seat mounts – Tyre pressure monitoring system – Level-2 ADAS suite | – Driver’s seat massage function – 8-way powered co-passenger seat – Powered BOSS mode function to adjust front passenger seat from rear – 64 colours for ambient lighting – Connected display setup – Digital key support – Driver knee airbag – Remote smart parking assist – Vehicle-to-load (V2L) power supply support – Digital IRVM – BOSE sound system – Ventilated rear seats (in 6-seater) – Heads-up display (HUD) | – Powered Ottoman 2nd row seats / captain seats with walk-in slide + side table – JBL sound system – One-touch up/down function for all windows |
Both the Kia Sorento and Toyota Innova Hycross are well-equipped offerings, with a long list of comfort, safety and convenience features. However, it’s the Sorento that offers a host of additional features over the Toyota that could enhance your in-cabin experience. That said, the Sorento feels more focused on delivering a more upmarket experience for its occupants, whereas the Innova Hycross keeps things relatively practical and functional, with most of its features aimed at making everyday family journeys more convenient.
Our Take
Based on the above comparison, we suggest that your use case should simply define your pick rather than simply giving one model an upper hand. The newly launched Kia Sorento is the more premium, feature-rich and versatile choice, which makes more sense for buyers seeking a performance-oriented 3-row SUV. On the other hand, the Innova Hycross makes more sense as a reliable and practical family mover with a lower entry price, offering great value for money and strong resale value.
