Honda and Kia to Launch 7-Seater SUVs to Rival Mahindra XUV 7XO

The rising demand for big-sized 7-seater SUVs is evident from the success of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Scorpio-N. Seeing the growing demand, automakers including Honda and Kia are planning to launch their respective 7-seater SUVs in the Indian market. Kia has officially announced to launch the Sorento hybrid, while Honda is working on an all-new 7-seater SUV based on an all-new architecture. 

Kia Sorento HEV 

To be positioned above the Seltos, the new Kia Sorento will be introduced as a three-row SUV in the Indian market. This 7-seater SUV will directly rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. Codenamed the MQ4i, the next-gen Sorento 7-seater SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain. The same engine will also power the next-gen Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The 3-row SUV will be based on the Sorento’s platform; however, it is early to comment whether the SUV will carry the Sorento name and the design. 

The 7-seater Kia hybrid SUV is expected to measure around 4.8 metres in length, and a wheelbase of around 2.8 metres. The company is aiming to produce around 50,000 units of the 7-seater SUV annually for the domestic and overseas markets. It is estimated to be priced around Rs 30-35 lakh. 

Honda 7-seater SUV

Honda is working on an all-new 7-seater SUV for the Indian market. It will rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO. The Japanese carmaker is developing a new platform, codenamed PF2 to manufacture small and medium range cars. Honda’s Japan and Thailand R&D centres with inputs from India will design and develop the new 7-seater SUV. The new PF2 platform will be hybrid ready from day one and will come with a heavily localised hybrid powertrain. It is expected to be equipped with a new 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a smaller battery pack.

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