Kia to Launch 3 Hybrid Vehicles in India - Sorento, Carnival and Seltos

The Korean automaker, Kia is taking multi-powertrain strategy to further boost sales in the highly competitive Indian market. For long, the company built its Indian reputation on petrol, diesels and high-tech features. Seeing the growing demand for greener energy, Kia is bringing Smartstream Strong Hybrid (HEV) technology to three key segments. The second generation Kia Seltos will receive a strong hybrid powertrain in 2027. On the other hand, a brand new 7-seater Sorento and Carnival MPV will also receive a strong hybrid engine.

Sorento Hybrid

Kia will launch a new 7-seater SUV based on the Sorento SUV in the country in 2026-27. It will be a direct rival to the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian and higher variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. The next-gen Kia Sorento is expected to feature a bolder design inspired by the flagship EV9 and the Kia Telluride. It will have a fully digital cockpit, and a more electrified powertrains with extended-range hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. 

The India-spec model is likely to come in 6-and 7-seat layout. 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. 

Seltos Hybrid

Kia has officially announced the second-generation Seltos SUV in the European markets. The SUV gets a new hybrid line-up, which is claimed to offer balance efficiency with rugged capability. The 2026 Kia Seltos features new 154 hp hybrid system and a high-performance 178 hp e-AWD variant. However, the India-spec model will get a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain. It will take on the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid and Toyota Hyryder hybrid along with the upcoming Renault Duster 1.8L hybrid. The new Kia Seltos hybrid is expected to be launched sometime in late 2027. 

Carnival Hybrid

Kia is preparing to launch the new Carnival MPV with a hybrid powertrain that could offer more power and better mileage. The existing Carnival diesel comes to India via the CKD route, and carries an ex-showroom price of around Rs 60 lakh. However, the new hybrid MPV could be priced more aggressively than the existing diesel model. It is likely to use a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The combined power and torque output stands at 242hp and 367Nm, respectively. 

The hybrid system uses a 54 kW electric motor integrated into a full parallel hybrid setup. Power will be sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It is expected to offer three-level regenerative braking for improved efficiency. The hybrid version delivers fuel efficiency figures of up to 14.5kmpl, which is expected to be better than the diesel. 

Also See - 7 New Renault Cars Coming to India – Full Plan Revealed