India, Sept. 13 -- The seven-seat diesel SUV segment in India has long been dominated by one name. Toyota's Fortuner has built its reputation on a ladder-frame chassis and proper four-wheel-drive hardware that many buyers still consider the gold standard for toughness. With the Sorento, Kia now has an option for buyers considering SUVs such as the Fortuner, but with a more premium, monocoque-based approach and available all-wheel drive.

The two SUVs take different approaches, but the Sorento now gives buyers an alternative to the Fortuner, making a comparison between the two worthwhile. The Sorento diesel range starts well below the Fortuner's entry point and still manages to deliver greater exterior dimensions in most areas, plus a long...