Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra and Renault to Launch Hybrid SUVs in India

Seeing the growing demand for hybrids, popular mass-market car manufacturers are now planning to introduce cars with strong hybrid engines in India. Currently, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are selling strong hybrid SUVs and MPVs. In fact, MSIL is now planning to add more affordable hybrid cars equipped with in-house developed powertrain in India. Brands like Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Renault and Nissan are also evaluating mass-market hybrid SUVs for India. 

Kia Seltos Hybrid Confirmed

Kia has confirmed that the next-gen Seltos will come with a strong hybrid engine. Internally codenamed SP3i, the new mid-sized SUV will be a direct rival to the Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid and the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid. The company hasn't reveal any technical details of the new Seltos. It is likely to be based on the existing 1.5L, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine coupled to a small battery pack and a front-axle-mounted electric motor. 

The hybrid engine is also likely to be offered on future Kia cars including a new 7-seater SUV, which is reportedly under development. Kia believes that hybrids will account for 25 percent of its sales in India by 2030. Read Full Report

Mahindra Plans Strong Hybrids & Range Extenders

The homegrown UV maker, Mahindra is also planning to introduce hybrid powertrain and range extenders in India. The XUV 3XO will be the first Mahindra SUV to receive a strong hybrid system in 2026. The hybrid system is likely to be based on Mahindra's 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine coupled to a small battery pack and an electric motor. 

Mahindra is also working on range extender hybrids based on the existing INGLO platform models codenamed M130 and M330. The company has already started technical development and design work for range extenders on the INGLO platform. In range extenders, a gasoline engine act as a generator to recharge the battery and extend the electric driving range.

Hyundai 7-seater SUV & Next Creta with Hybrid Engine

Similar to the next-gen Kia Seltos, Hyundai is also working on the next-gen Creta which will be introduced in 2027. Adding to it, the company is also developing a new 7-seater SUV, codenamed Ni1i. Both SUVs will be offered with a hybrid powertrain. The new 7-seater hybrid SUV will slot between the Alcazar and the Tucson. It will be a direct rival to the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. 

Hyundai could use the 1.6L petrol hybrid powertrain to power the 7-seater SUV. This setup consists of a 1.6L petrol engine, an electric motor and a 1.49kWh battery pack. The combined power and torque output stands at 230bhp and 350Nm, respectively. The next-gen Hyundai Creta could receive a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a strong hybrid tech. 

Renault evaluating hybrid engine for Duster and Bigster

The French automaker, Renault will launch the third-gen Duster and a new 7-seater Bigster SUV in India in 2026. Both SUVs will initially come with a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine; however, Renault is also considering a strong hybrid powertrain. In the global markets, the Duster comes with a strong hybrid engine. The powertrain comprising a 94bhp, 1.6L petrol engine, a 49bhp, electric motor and a high voltage starter generator, and a 1.2kWh battery. The combined power output stands at 140bhp. The same could be offered with the India-spec Duster and Bigster 7-seater SUV. Read More...