Kia is one of the leading car brands in the Indian market. The company recently launched its second made-in-India electric vehicle, the Kia Syros EV. In a recent interview with Autocar Professional, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Kia India, revealed that the company is planning to expand its lineup by introducing 10 new models in India by 2030. These models will be spread across electric, strong-hybrid, and CNG powertrains, with eight of them expected to feature some form of electrification. Based on the information shared by Mr. Sood, here is a list of 10 upcoming Kia cars that we believe are likely to arrive in India by 2030.
Kia recently released a teaser for the upcoming Sorento Hybrid SUV. This is expected to become the first strong-hybrid SUV from Kia in India. While the Sorento is already available in international markets, the Indian version is likely to receive a hybrid powertrain specifically developed for our market. Instead of the globally available 1.6-litre strong-hybrid setup, the India-spec Sorento is expected to feature a new 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an automatic transmission.
The Sorento is a premium seven-seater SUV and is expected to become Kia’s flagship SUV in India. In terms of design and features, it is likely to remain largely identical to the international model.
Kia launched the new-generation Seltos in India this year, and it has received a positive response from buyers. The company is expected to introduce the strong-hybrid version of the SUV next year, after Hyundai launches the next-generation Creta Hybrid.
The Seltos Hybrid is expected to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a strong-hybrid system and an automatic transmission. Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the SUV is likely to remain largely unchanged in terms of design and features. However, the boot space may be slightly reduced due to the battery pack.
Kia is also working on the next-generation Sonet. The upcoming sub-four-metre SUV will be based on the K1 platform, which also underpins the Syros. It is expected to feature a heavily revised exterior design, updated dimensions, and a more premium cabin with additional features, including Level 2 ADAS.
Mechanically, the next-generation Sonet is likely to continue with the existing petrol and diesel engine options.
The current-generation Kia Carnival was launched in India in 2024 and is currently available only with a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Kia has already confirmed that the Carnival will receive a hybrid powertrain before 2030.
The international-spec Carnival is already available with a 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain. However, it remains to be seen whether Kia will bring that setup to India or develop a new 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain specifically for our market.
Kia is also expected to introduce a hybrid version of the Carens Clavis in India. The hybrid MPV is likely to arrive by 2029 and is expected to use the same 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain that will also power the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
The hybrid version is also expected to eventually replace the diesel variant in the lineup.
Apart from the regular petrol and diesel versions, Kia is also expected to introduce a strong-hybrid version of the Sonet. The hybrid model is likely to arrive after the launch of the next-generation Sonet in 2027.
While technical details are still under wraps, the Sonet Hybrid is expected to be launched sometime between 2028 and 2029.
Alongside the Seltos Hybrid, Kia is also evaluating the possibility of launching an all-electric Seltos. The company has stated that there is currently no concrete plan for the Seltos EV, but it remains under evaluation depending on future market demand and business viability.
If the market evolves as expected, the Seltos EV could become part of Kia India’s long-term electrification strategy.
Kia currently does not offer factory-fitted CNG variants with any of its models in India. However, with the increasing demand for CNG vehicles, the company is expected to introduce a CNG version of the next-generation Sonet.
It remains to be seen whether Kia will pair the CNG kit with the naturally aspirated petrol engine or the turbo-petrol engine.
The Carens Clavis is also expected to receive a factory-fitted CNG option in the future. As the MPV is still relatively new, Kia is unlikely to make any cosmetic changes when introducing the CNG version.
It will be interesting to see whether Kia adopts Hyundai’s twin-cylinder CNG setup or opts for an underbody-mounted CNG tank to maximise boot space.
The facelifted Kia EV6 is currently on sale in India after being introduced in 2025 with an updated battery pack, revised styling, and additional features.
Although an all-new generation is not expected anytime soon, we expect Kia to introduce the next-generation EV6 in India before 2030 as part of its expanding EV portfolio.