Kia Confirms 8 Electrified Models, including 5 Hybrids for India

At the 2026 Investor Day summit, Kia has officially announced 6 new electrified models for the Indian market. The company will launch 5 hybrid electric vehicles, including the Sorento HEV, Carnival HEV, Seltos HEV, Sonet HEV and Carens Clavis HEV. The Korean brand has also announced a new B-segment SUV with electric powertrain for the Indian market. Let’s talk about these upcoming models in detail - 

Kia Sorento HEV

The Korean automaker, Kia will launch the Sorento three-row SUV in the Indian market on September 4, 2026. It will be the brand’s first hybrid electric vehicle in the Indian market. Not just hybrid, Kia has confirmed that the new Sorento will also receive a diesel engine in India. The Hybrid model will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a small battery and a front-axle mounted electric model. This powertrain produced a combined power and torque output of 238PS and 380Nm, respectively.

Kia has also confirmed that the Kia Sorento will be its first ICE powered model to offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities. The hybrid version is likely to get a mechanical AWD system. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 9-seconds before hitting a top speed of 196kmph. 

Its diesel version could get a 2.0L turbo unit that also powers the Kia Carnival, producing 202PS and 441Nm of torque. This engine is expected to be offered with an 8-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. 

Kia Carnival HEV

The Korean automaker, Kia will launch the Carnival hybrid before the end of this financial year in India. It is expected to feature the same 1.6L turbo petrol with a strong hybrid tech, which will be offered with the soon-to-be-launched Sorento. It is expected to offer similar 238PS and 380Nm of torque; however, Kia is yet to announce the official specs. The MPV could also get an AWD setup. The diesel version would continue to be offered with the same 2.0L turbo unit. 

Kia Seltos HEV

The second generation Seltos has been a huge hit for the Korean automaker in India. The company is constantly selling over 10000 units every month. To further boost sales, Kia will launch the Hybrid version of the Seltos. It is expected to be launched by the end of 2027 or 2028. The new SUV will also mark the debut of Kia’s new hybrid engine, which will use the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine clubbed with an electric motor. This engine will first be introduced with the next-generation Hyundai Creta, which is scheduled to be launched by 2027. 

Kia Sonet HEV

Kia will launch the second generation Sonet SUV in the Indian market in 2027. In fact, the SUV has been caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads. At the investor summit, Kia has confirmed that the next-Gen Sonet will be equipped with a strong hybrid powertrain. However, it will initially be offered with the same 1.2L NA, 1.5L turbo diesel and 1.0L turbo petrol engines. The hybrid version of the Kia Sonet is expected to be launched in our market by 2028 or 2029. It is expected to be powered by an all-new hybrid engine, which could be under development. Previous reports claim that Hyundai is developing an all-new 1.2L turbo petrol engine, which will be hybrid ready and the same could be offered with the new Sonet. 

Kia Carens Clavis HEV

Kia has also confirmed that the Carens Clavis will receive a hybrid powertrain by 2029. It is most likely to get a hybrid engine in its next generation. The MPV is likely to get the same 1.5L hybrid engine, which will debut with the new Kia Seltos. 

Kia B-SUV EV

The Korean automaker, Kia is also preparing an all-new B-segment SUV for the Indian market. This new SUV will be positioned between the Sonet and the Seltos, and will come with a pure electric powertrain. The new model could also get an ICE-derivative with a hybrid and petrol engine options. The new electric SUV will rival the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Tata Curvv EV and others in the segment.