Hyundai and Kia to Launch 7-Seater SUVs to Rival Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari

Hyundai has officially announced to launch 26 cars in the Indian market by FY2030. The company will introduce 20 ICE-powered models and 6 EVs to further strengthen its market position. Hyundai will focus on introducing strong hybrid cars, as demand for such cars is on rise in India. A new 7-seater SUV could be the first Hyundai to feature a strong hybrid engine. 

Hyundai is reportedly working on an all-new 7-seater SUV, which will be positioned between the Alcazar and the Tucson. Similarly, Kia is also developing a new 7-seater SUV for the Indian market. Both SUVs are expected to be offered with a strong hybrid engine. Moreover, the next-gen Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta will also receive a strong hybrid engine. 

Hyundai 7-seater SUV

Internally codenamed Ni1i, the new 7-seater Hyundai SUV is likely to enter production cycle by 2027. It will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Talegaon facility. It is expected to be equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain that powers the global-spec Hyundai Tucson. The SUV will sit on a longer wheelbase than the Tucson. Hyundai is also reportedly developing a new hybrid powertrain based on the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. This strong hybrid engine is also likely to be offered on the next-gen Creta. 

Kia 7-seater SUV

Internally called Project MQ4i, the new Kia SUV will be launched as a direct rival to the likes of the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. This SUV will be based on the same platform that underpins the Sorento SUV on sale in global markets. It will come with a petrol-hybrid powertrain, which could be based either on a 1.6L or  1.5L petrol engine. This 7-seater SUV will be manufactured at Kia’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh.

Also See - Next-gen Kia Seltos Partially Leaked