Kia Sorento 7-Seater and Syros EV India Launch Details Out

After launching the new Seltos SUV, Kia is now preparing to launch two new SUVs in the Indian market. The company has started testing the new 7-seater Sorento and the Syros based electric SUV in India. Both SUVs are expected to be launched in 2026-27. Interestingly, the 7-seater Kia Sorento will be a hybrid SUV, codenamed MQ4i and is likely to be locally developed. 

Kia Sorento 7-Seater

The new 3-row hybrid SUV will take on the likes of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. The exact launch details are yet to be revealed, but media reports suggest that the launch could take place by the end of this year or early next year. The big update is that the Sorento will be the first Kia hybrid SUV in our market. In the global markets, the Sorento is available with 3 engine options - 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. All powertrains come with an all-wheel-drive setup.

It is reported that the India-spec model could debut a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol hybrid, which will also power the new Kia Seltos and the next-gen Hyundai Creta. However, we believe that the India-spec Kia Sorento could get the 1.6L hybrid powertrain offered with the global-spec Kia Seltos. 

Kia Syros EV

It is expected to be launched by mid-2026, most probably around June-July. Estimated to be priced around Rs 14 lakh and Rs 18 lakh, the Kia Syros EV will take on the likes of the MG Windsor EV, Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. It will look similar to the regular ICE model, except for the few EV-specific changes. The electric SUV will come with a blanked-off front profile, NEO or Lime Green colour brake callipers and front-fender mounted charging port. 

The new Kia Syros EV is likely to be based on the K1 platform that underpins the Hyundai Inster EV. This front-wheel-drive SUV could borrow the Hyundai EV’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.