The South Korean automotive giant Kia is planning to phase out the diesel powertrain in the Indian market and internationally as well. In order to make the transition smooth, the company, at its 2026 CEO Investor Day event, revealed its plan to launch 4 new hybrid cars in India. Now, if you are someone who likes hybrids and Kia, then read till the end to know which four hybrid Kias are coming to India.
Kia’s first hybrid vehicle for the Indian market will be the premium three-row SUV, Sorento Hybrid. It will sit above the Kia Seltos in the Kia lineup. The Sorento will help Kia in entering into the full-size family SUV segment. As for the base, it will utilise the same global Sorento architecture.
In terms of length, it will be around 4.8 metres, and the wheelbase will be approximately 2.8 metres. The Sorento Hybrid boasts a large road presence and a spacious cabin. Design-wise, it will get the signature Kia Tiger-nose grille, vertically stacked LED headlamps, sharp bumper design, 19-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps.
Meanwhile, on the inside, the Sorento will offer a feature-loaded cabin. These features will include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, an ADAS suite, and premium materials.
As for the powertrain options, it will get an India-specific 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will come paired with an electric motor and a battery. This hybrid system, compared to international versions, will offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It is expected to launch by the end of 2026, with a starting price of around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Currently, the Kia Seltos is offered with three powertrain options, including two petrols and one diesel. Now, to make the Seltos more competitive in the mid-size SUV segment, the company is planning to launch a hybrid version of this SUV. It will use the same hybrid tech that will be seen on the next-gen Hyundai Creta.
The overall design on the outside and inside is expected to be the same as the current-generation Seltos, which was recently launched. However, to differentiate between the two, it will be getting ‘Hybrid’ badging, a new alloy wheel design, and some minor cosmetic changes.
Now, coming to the main highlight, it will be its strong hybrid powertrain, which will comprise a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery pack. Launch is expected in the first half of 2027, and its pricing will be around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom).
Currently, the Kia Carnival is the most premium MPV sold in India by the South Korean automaker. And to make it even more premium and efficient, the company is planning to introduce it in India with a hybrid powertrain. Presently, the Carnival is only sold with a diesel powertrain. However, the new model, which is expected to make its debut around 2030, will be offered with a petrol hybrid powertrain.
There are reports which have highlighted that the company could be launching the new Carnival with either the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that comes paired with a parallel hybrid system and makes 272 bhp and 367 Nm torque, as the international-spec model, or it could get the same 1.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain as the Sorento. At the moment, there is no confirmation. What we do know is that it will be priced around Rs 60–70 lakh.
Recently, Kia has confirmed that it has commenced the development of the hybrid version of the Kia Sonet. It will target the mass-market compact SUV segment, and it has been codenamed QY2E. The new second-generation model now uses the reinforced K1 platform.
This platform will offer improved safety (more ultra-high-strength steel), better interior space, and an advanced electronics architecture. We can also expect a complete design overhaul on the outside as well as the inside. Its list of features will include larger 12.3-inch screens, improved cabin space, Level 2 ADAS, and many others.
The main highlight of this SUV will be its strong hybrid powertrain, which most likely will utilise the same powertrain as the Seltos. Presently, the exact specifications of this powertrain have not been revealed. It is believed that the new Sonet Hybrid will be launched around 2028–2029, after the new-generation model has been launched in 2027. Pricing of the hybrid version will be around Rs 15 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).
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