Read the Kia Sorento HTX A test drive review covering ride comfort, petrol hybrid vs diesel performance, premium features, pricing and upgrade potential from the Seltos.

Kia Sorento HTX A Test Drive Review: Is It a Worthy Upgrade From the Kia Seltos?

The Kia Sorento HTX A could be an interesting upgrade for existing Kia Seltos owners looking for a bigger, more comfortable and premium SUV. A Seltos GTX+ owner recently test-drove the new Sorento, experiencing both its petrol strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains to understand whether moving to the larger SUV makes sense.

According to the owner’s experience shared , the Sorento feels like a genuine upgrade, particularly in terms of ride comfort, cabin refinement and overall driving experience. However, its styling remains one of the owner’s biggest concerns.

Kia Sorento HTX A: Ride Comfort and Driving Experience

The biggest highlight during the test drive was the ride quality. Compared with the Seltos, the Sorento felt more settled over rough roads, potholes and uneven surfaces.

The suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The owner believes the SUV would be particularly suitable for long-distance highway journeys.

The Kia Sorento HTX A also offers a more premium driving environment, making it attractive for buyers who prioritise passenger comfort.

Petrol Hybrid vs Diesel: Which One Is Better?

The owner drove both powertrain options back-to-back.

Feature	Petrol Strong Hybrid	Diesel
Engine	1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid	2.2-litre diesel
Combined power	Not officially specified	193 PS
Torque	Not officially specified	442 Nm
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8-speed DCT
Driving character	Smooth and quiet	Strong and relaxed

The petrol hybrid feels better suited to city driving because of its smooth and quiet operation. Meanwhile, the diesel offers relaxed performance and should appeal to buyers who frequently travel on highways.

Features and Premium Cabin Experience

Coming from a Seltos GTX+, the owner expected a noticeable improvement in equipment and cabin quality.

The Kia Sorento HTX A offers several premium features, including:

Dual 12.3-inch displays.
Panoramic sunroof.
Bose premium sound system.
Ventilated second-row seats.
Head-up display.
Digital inside rear-view mirror.
Front and rear dashcams.
All-wheel-drive system.
Advanced driver assistance features.

The HTX(A) also gets an upgraded Level 2+ ADAS package.

What the Owner Did Not Like

Despite the positive driving experience, the owner had one major concern: the exterior and interior styling.

According to the owner, the newer-generation Seltos looks fresher and more modern. The Sorento, despite being positioned higher, feels slightly dated in comparison.

This styling difference is important for existing Seltos owners considering an upgrade.

Kia Sorento HTX A Price in India

The 2026 Kia Sorento HTX(A) is available with petrol strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains, both featuring AWD.

Variant	Ex-showroom price
HTX(A) Diesel 7-seater	Rs 38.49 lakh
HTX(A) Diesel 6-seater	Rs 38.69 lakh
HTX(A) Hybrid 7-seater	Rs 39.99 lakh
HTX(A) Hybrid 6-seater	Rs 40.19 lakh

Prices are introductory and may change.

Conclusion

The Kia Sorento HTX A appears to be a meaningful upgrade from the Seltos in terms of ride comfort, refinement, performance and premium features.

The owner’s experience suggests that both hybrid and diesel versions have their own advantages. However, the slightly dated styling remains a concern.

As Harikesh Tiwari, the article’s author, concludes, the Sorento deserves consideration from existing Seltos owners who want a more comfortable and premium SUV.

FAQs

1. Is the Kia Sorento bigger than the Seltos?

Yes, the Sorento is a larger three-row SUV with six- and seven-seat configurations.

2. Which engines are available?

A 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid and a 2.2-litre diesel.

3. Does the Sorento HTX(A) get AWD?

Yes, the top HTX(A) variant gets all-wheel drive.

4. Is the hybrid suitable for city driving?

Its smooth and quiet operation makes it suitable for city usage.

5. Is it a good upgrade from the Seltos?

It offers improvements in comfort, refinement and space, making it worth considering.

Disclaimer

This article is based on an individual owner’s test-drive experience shared available vehicle information. Driving impressions are subjective. Prices and specifications may change.