Back in April, Kia announced that by 2030, around 25 percent of its total sales will come from hybrid vehicles. Presently, in India, the company does not offer any mild or strong hybrid cars. However, in the coming period, Kia will be launching two hybrid SUVs. These hybrids will also eventually replace the diesel powertrain. Now, if you want to know which new Kia hybrid SUVs are coming to India, then you have come to the right spot.
Kia’s first hybrid SUV in India will be the Sorento 7-seater. Over the last few months, a few test mules of the Kia Sorento hybrid SUV have been spotted testing on Indian roads. It is being speculated that the company will be launching the Sorento hybrid in India later this year. Most likely, it could be making its debut around the festive season.
In terms of positioning, it will sit above the Seltos and the Carens as the premium 3-row D-SUV. The main notable highlights of its exterior design will be its boxy, upright stance, strong road presence, tall bonnet, flat tailgate, squared wheel arches, LED lighting, T-shaped LED DRLs, and the bold Tiger Nose grille. It will also get a long wheelbase, chunky claddings, and large 19-inch alloy wheels.
As for the hybrid powertrain, which will make it unique in the Indian market, it will be a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain. There will be an electric motor and a small battery pack. Most likely, it will either be offered with an e-CVT gearbox or a DCT gearbox. As standard, it will be offered with a front-wheel-drive configuration. However, there could be an optional all-wheel-drive system as well.
This premium SUV will be offered with all the modern amenities. These will include dual 12.3-inch screens, connected car tech, over-the-air (OTA) updates, soft-touch materials, ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a premium Bose sound system, and Level 2 ADAS with smart cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, and many others.
Pricing of the Sorento will be around Rs 25-35 lakh. In this price bracket, it will not directly compete with the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari, and others. However, some variants could overlap.
The second hybrid vehicle from Kia in the Indian market will be the hybrid version of the Seltos mid-size SUV. In terms of the exterior design, it will look largely similar to the current Seltos sold in India. The only few differences that will help in differentiating it will be an HEV badge on the tailgate and a slightly different wheel design. Apart from these, no major cosmetic overhaul in the hybrid version is expected.
What will be the most important part of the upcoming Seltos hybrid will be the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will come paired with a strong hybrid system. This system is expected to get an electric motor and a small battery pack, which is integrated into the drivetrain. The exact power figures of this powertrain have not been revealed, just like the Sorento.
Internationally, Kia offers its Niro SUV with a 1.6-litre strong hybrid setup. Combined, it makes 139 bhp and 265 Nm of torque. However, Kia will not be bringing this powertrain to India, as it will not be able to localise it in a cost-effective manner. As per the reports, the Seltos hybrid could be making its official debut by 2027. As for the pricing, we can expect it to be in the range of Rs 18-25 lakh.
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