4 Upcoming Kia Hybrid Cars in India: New Sorento to Sonet

Published ByAmit Sharma

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2026-05-14

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4 Upcoming Kia Hybrid Cars in India: New Sorento to Sonet

Kia's first hybrid vehicle arriving in 2027 Next-gen Kia Sonet to get new 1.2L hybrid engine New Seltos and Sorento 7-seat hybrids launch in 2027

Hybrids are not the future, but they are the current necessity. Hybrid technology is being recognised as the essential psychological and infrastructural bridge required to move a billion people toward full electric. After Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda, new car manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Renault and Nissan are planning to introduce strong hybrid vehicles in the Indian market. Moreover, JSW Motors and MG Motor India will also launch plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country.

In a bid to regain lost market share, Kia India is planning to launch multiple new hybrid vehicles in the Indian market. Its first hybrid vehicle is scheduled to be launched sometime in 2027. Adding to it, the company is also developing an all-new 7-seater hybrid SUV for the Indian market. Here is a list of top 4 upcoming hybrid vehicles in the Indian market-

New Seltos

New Seltos hybrid

Kia will launch the new Seltos hybrid in the Indian market by 2027. The hybrid version for the global markets has already been revealed, which gets a refined turbocharged 1/6-litre hybrid powertrain. Transmission choices for the new Kia Seltos hybrid will include a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic and an eAWD setup. The India-spec model is likely to use a newly developed hybrid powertrain.

The India-spec engine is expected to use the existing 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine along with two electric motors and a small battery pack. The company would aim to achieve a fuel efficiency figures of around 25kmpl. The SUV will rival the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid, Toyota Hyryder hybrid, and the upcoming Renault Duster hybrid.

Sorento 7-seater SUV

Kia has started testing its new 7-seater SUV, which is rumoured to be based on the next-gen Sorento SUV. The SUV is expected to be launched sometime in 2027. It will be a direct rival to the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner and higher variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO. The next-gen Kia Sorento is expected to feature a bolder design inspired by the flagship EV9 and the Kia Telluride. It will have a fully digital cockpit, and a more electrified powertrains with extended-range hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

The India-spec model is likely to come in 6-and 7-seat layout. It is likely to get a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol hybrid, which will also power the new Kia Seltos and the next-gen Hyundai Creta. We believe that the SUV could get the 1.6L hybrid powertrain offered with the global-spec Kia Seltos.

New-gen Sonet

Next-gen Kia Sonet Spied

Kia has started testing the next-gen Sonet compact SUV on the Indian roads. It will be based on the K1 platform that also underpins the Kia Syros and the Hyundai Venue. This is a flexible platform, which is compatible with different powertrains including EV, hybrid and ICE. The new model will ride on a longer wheelbase and will offer more space inside the cabin.

The SUV will initially come with the existing powertrains, including a 1.2L NA petrol, a 1.5L turbo diesel and a 1.0L turbo petrol. Kia is also working on a strong hybrid engine for the Sonet based on the 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The next-gen Sonet hybrid is expected to be launched in 2028 or 2029.

Carnival Hybrid

Kia Carnival Hybrid India Launch

Kia is preparing to launch the new Carnival MPV with a hybrid powertrain that could offer more power and improved fuel efficiency. It is likely to get the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The combined power and torque output stands at 242hp and 367Nm, respectively. The hybrid powertrain uses a 54 kW electric motor integrated into a full parallel hybrid setup. Power will be sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

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Amit Sharma

Sub-Editor

Amit is responsible for the content creation on the Carlelo website with an objective to serve the online visitors to the best of his abilities. He has a vast experience of over 12 years in motoring journalism and has worked with multiple automotive brands including CarDekho, IndiaCarNews and Zee Network (India.com Auto)

Education: B-Tech in Information Technology (Rajasthan Technical University)

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