Kia has introduced the Sorento HEV in the Vietnamese market, retaining its existing powertrain while incorporating changes to design, equipment and safety technologies.

The price has not yet been announced. On April 18th, Kia unveiled the Sorento HEV for the first time in the Vietnamese market. The vehicle is imported from South Korea, while the price and official launch date remain unconfirmed.

In Kia Vietnam's current product range, both the petrol and diesel versions of the Sorento have been updated to facelift versions since September 2025, with prices ranging from VND 1.199 billion to VND 1.419 billion. Meanwhile, the Sorento HEV and PHEV versions remain in their original form, priced between VND 1.149 billion and VND 1.399 billion.

Upon its official launch, the Sorento HEV is expected to be priced higher than the existing petrol variant. Based on international market data, the Sorento HEV retains the same engine specifications, with the HEV variant equipped with a 1.6L self-charging hybrid engine producing 230 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

As the petrol and diesel versions have discontinued their lower-end trims, the Sorento HEV is expected to be offered only in the Signature trim. This variant features a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, along with four driving modes (comfort, eco, sport, smart) and three off-road modes (snow, mud, sand).

Following the introduction of the Sorento HEV and Carnival HEV, hybrid variants of the Sportage and Seltos are also expected to be introduced in Vietnam.

According to the South Korean automaker, the SUV is equipped with E-VMC motion control technology, similar to that in the Carnival Hybrid. The E-VMC system includes three functions. E-Ride reduces vibrations when the vehicle passes over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. E-Handling adjusts braking force and torque during cornering to support traction and steering control.

E-EHA assists with emergency steering in situations that require quick manoeuvres. Other changes are expected to be similar to those in the petrol and diesel variants. The front fascia includes vertically oriented LED headlights similar to those on the Carnival, slimmer LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned grille. The taillights and wheels have also been revised.

Inside the cabin, the vehicle includes a dual 12.3-inch display setup, consisting of a digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment screen. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The conventional gear selector has been replaced with an electronic unit, and a two-spoke steering wheel has been introduced.

The ADAS suite has been updated to version 2.0, incorporating additional side sensors and two warning functions: front and rear collision avoidance assistance. Existing ADAS features from the current version have been retained.

The 2026 Sorento HEV falls within the D-segment SUV category, which currently includes approximately 10 models. Its direct competitor is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, priced at VND 1.369 billion. At the end of the first quarter, the D-segment SUV market in Vietnam was led by the Ford Everest. The CX-8 ranked second, followed by the Hyundai Santa Fe in third place. The Sorento ranked fifth among D-segment SUVs in the first quarter.