Kia redefines Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape with all-new 2026 Sorento Hybrid & exciting EV5

The past meets the future as top carmaker unveils two powerful statements of design, innovation, and intelligent mobility

 Kia Motors Lanka has set the stage for a new era in Sri Lankan motoring with the simultaneous unveiling of two landmark models – the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Kia EV5 – at an exclusive preview in Colombo. 

This dual launch marks Kia’s most significant introduction to the local market since the lifting of Sri Lanka’s import restrictions on motor vehicles, and comes at a time when the industry is being reshaped by a wave of electrification. In a market awash with new entrants and electric options, Kia Motors said it has chosen to make a statement of substance – uniting heritage and innovation in two vehicles that together embody the brand’s evolution from admired SUV maker to innovator in sustainable mobility. 

Speaking at the event, Kia Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mr Mahen Thambiah said: “Today’s unveiling symbolises the bridging of two worlds, the trusted Kia legacy that Sri Lankans know and love, and the bold, electrified future that defines our global direction. The Sorento Hybrid continues the story of an icon, while the EV5 opens a new chapter in Kia’s journey towards full electrification.” 

He disclosed that in addition to the internal combustion engine (ICE) models in the market, Kia will be launching three all-new Hybrid models besides the Sportage, Sorento and Carnival already offered, as well as three new electric models in 2026 to supplement the EV9, EV6 and EV5 offered to the market. 

The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid – Intelligent power and timeless appeal 

A familiar name in Sri Lanka’s premium ‘D’ segment, the Kia Sorento has built its reputation as a versatile, high-performing SUV that rivals leading European and Japanese marques for capability and comfort, but without the inflated price tag. The fifth-generation 2026 Sorento Hybrid (HEV) continues this legacy, combining bold design, advanced hybrid technology, and a remarkably human-centred interior to deliver a driving experience that is as intelligent as it is instinctive. 

The new Sorento’s exterior is defined by its confident stance and sophisticated detailing. Vertically-oriented tail lamps, muscular rear contours, and a distinctive black cladding and skid plate reinforce its commanding presence, while the interior introduces a new benchmark for refinement and space. With seating for up to seven, the cabin embodies Kia’s philosophy of ‘natural intelligence’ – minimalist design, clean horizontal lines, and flowing surfaces that calm the senses and maximise usability. 

An integrated 12.3-inch driver cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display anchor the cockpit, offering an immersive, connected experience enhanced by intuitive controls and a premium 12-speaker Bose® sound system. The driver’s Integrated Memory System, Smart Power Tailgate, and generous cabin configuration further accentuate comfort, practicality, and luxury. 

Under the hood, the Sorento Hybrid’s 1.6L petrol-hybrid powertrain combines efficiency and agility with the option of 2WD or AWD drivetrains. The ride quality benefits from new bushings and frequency-sensitive dampers for smoother control and dynamic responsiveness on varied terrain. 

Safety and vigilance are integral to the Sorento Hybrid’s DNA. A suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — including Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist — keeps the driver supported and secure in all conditions. 

From its sophisticated form to its hybrid heart, the 2026 Sorento Hybrid reflects Kia’s commitment to human-centred innovation and sustainable performance — an evolution of an icon, re-engineered for a new era. 

The EV5 – Kia’s electric vision arrives in Sri Lanka

Debuting alongside the Sorento, the Kia EV5 marks the brand’s first electric vehicle introduction to the Sri Lankan market and a bold step into Kia’s fully electrified future. 

Positioned as a compact electric SUV designed for millennial families, the EV5 draws inspiration from its larger siblings, the EV6 and EV9, while bringing the brand’s visionary ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy to life. Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the EV5 blends versatility, advanced technology, and class-leading efficiency to redefine what electric mobility means for everyday drivers. 

Its performance credentials speak for themselves. The EV5’s standard variant houses a 64kWh battery with a 160kW motor, delivering a range of up to 400km per charge (CLTC standard), while the long-range version extends this to 555km. Kia’s acclaimed heat pump system ensures consistent battery performance even in extreme conditions, while the regenerative braking and i-Pedal system enable drivers to accelerate and slow using a single pedal, maximising convenience and energy efficiency. 

Inside, the EV5 reimagines space itself. With an interior designed to feel more like a home lounge than a car cabin, it offers a serene environment of recycled PET fabrics and Bio-PU leather, three-zone climate control, and Panoramic Wide Display technology combining dual 12.3-inch screens with a 5-inch climate display. Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system provides real-time connectivity and over-the-air software updates, while the Kia Connect Store allows owners to upgrade and personalise features without visiting a dealership. 

Safety remains uncompromising, with seven airbags, reinforced structure, and Kia’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Together, they create an electric SUV that is not just futuristic in concept, but deeply practical and family-oriented in execution. 

“The EV5 isn’t just an addition to Kia’s global electric line-up,” Mr Thambiah noted. “It represents our vision of where mobility is headed — efficient, connected, and emotionally engaging. The arrival of the EV5 in Sri Lanka is not just a launch, but a signal that the electric future has arrived.”

Kia’s vision – where inspiration meets innovation 

With this dual unveiling, Kia Motors Lanka bridges the brand’s storied past and its electric future. The 2026 Sorento Hybrid reinforces Kia’s legacy of powerful, people-focused SUVs, while the EV5 introduces a new era of intelligent, connected electric mobility. Together, they reflect the brand’s philosophy of ‘Movement that Inspires’ and reaffirm Kia’s long-term commitment to offering Sri Lankan motorists vehicles that combine style, substance, and sustainability. 

Both models come with Kia’s five-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever occurs first), with the EV5 battery covered by an eight-year warranty, underscoring the brand’s confidence in the quality, reliability, and innovation of its products. 

Since 1996, Kia Motors Lanka has been synonymous with global design, technology, and quality leadership in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. The arrival of the Sorento Hybrid and EV5 signals not just a continuation of that legacy — but the beginning of its next great chapter.