Kia India to Launch 4 New SUVs - Syros EV, 7-Seat Sorento, New Sonet

The Korean automaker, Kia is planning to launch multiple new SUVs in the Indian market in the next couple of years. It will launch two new hybrid SUVs, one electric SUV and the next-gen version of the existing Kia Sonet. In fact, the new Syros EV and Sorento 7-seater SUV have already been caught testing on the Indian roads. Moreover, the new Seltos is already on sale in our market and its hybrid version is expected to arrive sometime in 2027. 

Kia Syros EV

The new Syros EV is expected to be launched by mid-2026, before Diwali. It will be built on the K1 platform that also underpins the Hyundai Inster EV, and will be positioned below the Kia Carens Clavis EV. Spy images reveal that the new electric SUV carries a Syros-like boxy silhouette; however, Kia designers will make multiple EV-specific changes to give it a different look. It will share its cabin layout and features with the Syros ICE. This front-wheel-drive electric SUV is expected to borrow the Hyundai Inster’s 42kWh and 49kWh battery pack options. We expect the new Syros electric to offer a certified range of up to 400km on a single charge. 

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The new Sorento 7-Seater hybrid is expected to be launched in early 2027. It will take on the likes of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. The Sorento will be the first Kia hybrid SUV in our market. In the global markets, the hybrid SUV is available with 3 engine options, including a 238hp, 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid, a 288hp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid and a 2.2L diesel hybrid. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available with petrol engines, while the diesel is paired with an 8-speed DCT. 

If media reports are to be believed, the India-spec model could debut a 1.5L, 4-cylinder, NA petrol hybrid. The same engine will also power the new Kia Seltos and the next-gen Hyundai Creta. However, we believe that the India-spec could get the 1.6L hybrid powertrain offered with the global-spec Kia Seltos. 

Kia Seltos Hybrid

Kia is expected to launch the new Seltos hybrid in 2027; however, the global debut could take place this year. While the International-spec model will get a more powerful hybrid system with 1.6L petrol engine, the India-bound Seltos hybrid is likely to get a hybrid engine based on 1.5L, 4-cylinder, NA petrol engine. This hybrid engine is likely to use two electric motors and a small battery pack. Kia is planning to heavily localise the new hybrid powertrain to achieve competitive pricing. It will directly rival the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid, Toyota Hyryder Hybrid and the upcoming Renault Duster hybrid. 

Next-gen Kia Sonet

First launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet has been one of the best-selling SUVs from the Korean brand in our market. The company has reportedly started working on the next-gen Sonet and we could see the first glimpse in 2027. The subcompact SUV is likely to carry the same urban and sporty design language. It is expected to receive massive changes structurally, including sheet metal changes and a more upmarket interior along with a longer list of features. The small SUV will retain the existing engine options. Adding to it, the small SUV could also receive a hybrid powertrain, which could be based on the new 1.2L turbo petrol engine.

Also See - Maruti Suzuki to Launch 2 New Hybrid SUVs