Kia India to Launch 2 New Hybrid SUVs - MQ4i 7-seater to New Seltos

The Korean automaker, Kia will launch 3 new SUVs, including the Syros EV, next-gen Seltos and an all-new 3-row SUV in India. The next-gen Kia Seltos and a new 7-seater SUV will come with strong hybrid powertrain. Testing of the new Seltos has already commenced in India as well as on foreign soil. 

Second-generation Kia Seltos

The next-gen Kia Seltos is rumoured to be launched sometime in January 2026. It is expected to be launched in Q1, next year in India. This time around, the SUV will receive several comprehensive changes in terms of styling, interior and mechanics. In fact, the Seltos X-Line will carry its own unique identity and will look different from the regular model. 

The International-spec Seltos is reportedly to feature a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with  strong hybrid tech. This is the same powertrain that powers the global-spec Hyundai Kona hybrid and Kia Niro. It will also receive an e-AWD system, which has a rear-mounted electric motor to provide all-weather traction. 

The India-spec second-gen Kia Seltos will also receive a hybrid powertrain. However, this hybrid unit is likely to be based on the existing 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. 

Kia MQ4i 7-seater SUV

Kia has started working on an all-new 7-seater SUV, which will be positioned above the Seltos. Internally called Kia MQ4i, the new 3-row SUV will rival the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. It will be based on Sorento SUV on sale in international markets. This model will measure around 4.7-4.8 meters in length and will come with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. 

The new Kia 7-seater SUV will be manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. It is likely to share the hybrid powertrain with the next-generation Seltos. The new Kia Sorento-based 7-seater SUV is expected to be launched in the country in 2027. 

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