Kia's mega planning! Big family SUV will soon come in the market, equipped with hybrid engine

Kia's mega planning! Big family SUV will soon come in the market, equipped with hybrid engine

by with No Comment Car Review

Testing of Kia Sorento Hybrid has started on Indian roads. Its launch is likely to happen at the end of 2026. Recently, a highly camouflaged test mule was spotted near Delhi, which hints at the preparation of a three-row premium SUV. This will be KIA's first hybrid car in India, which will be positioned above the Seltos. The estimated price can be kept around ₹ 30-35 lakh (ex-showroom).

This model will be built on the K1 platform and can be available at a competitive price with local assembly. With hybrid powertrain, it will offer a combination of space, comfort and better mileage for the family. Kia plans to launch several electrified vehicles by 2030, including the Sorento Hybrid and the Carnival Hybrid. Let us know with which features and specialties it can be offered.

Design and interior

The design of Kia Sorento Hybrid is modern and bold. It has upright stance, large alloy wheels (up to 19 inches) and attractive LED headlights-taillights. Like the global model, the Indian version will also have muscular body lines, chrome accents and a premium crossover look. This SUV, approximately 4.8 meters long, will show dominance on the road. Despite the camouflage, it is clear from the test mule that it will be based on the upcoming facelifted version.

The interior is premium and spacious. Panoramic cockpit will be available with dual 12.3-inch display (instrument cluster and infotainment). The rotary gear selector indicates hybridity. Three-row seating (6 or 7 seater) will be available, with second row captain seats and third row with enough space for adults. Features like premium materials, leather upholstery, heated-ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting will increase comfort. The boot space can be quite large with folding seats.

Features and safety

The latest features will be loaded in Sorento Hybrid. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera, head-up display, Bose premium audio, wireless charger and dual-zone climate control will be included. Level-2 ADAS safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control are expected to be available. This family SUV will be ideal for long drives.

There will also be a special focus on safety. Apart from standard airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, multiple ADAS features will be provided. The global model has more than 20 driver assistance features, which are also expected in the Indian version. Safety will also be ensured with the strong body structure and battery of the hybrid system.

Engine and Mileage

The powertrain will be a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid engine, which will give a combined output of 178 bhp (petrol) + 65 bhp (electric motor). Total system output will be 227-238 hp along with adequate torque (265 Nm + 250 Nm). FWD or AWD option will be available with 6-speed automatic transmission. Due to the hybrid engine, its claimed mileage can be around 15-18 KMPL.

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Kia India's mega planning! Will launch 2 new hybrid cars in the market

Kia India's mega planning! Will launch 2 new hybrid cars in the market

by with No Comment Car Review

Kia has confirmed to launch Sorento Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid in India by 2030. The company's target is to achieve 7.6 percent market share in India by 2030, which includes annual sales of more than 4 lakh. Under this, 8 electric cars will be introduced, which include Syros EV, Sorento HEV and Carnival HEV. This step has been taken keeping in mind the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles in India, where Kia is not selling any strong hybrid model yet.

This plan of Kia will promote electrification in India, where hybrid vehicles are an easy way to transition from petrol/diesel. The Sorento is expected to be popular as a hybrid family SUV and the Carnival hybrid as a luxury transport. Better mileage, low emissions and rich features in both the models will attract customers. Let us know with which features it can be offered.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Sorento is a premium 3-row 7-seater SUV that will be positioned above the Seltos in India. It will compete with vehicles like Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq. For India, there is a plan to produce it locally (at Anantapur plant) instead of CKD import, so that the cost remains low and the price remains competitive. The launch is expected to take place in mid-2026 or 2027. Estimated price is around ₹30-35 lakh (ex-showroom).

The India-specific version is likely to use the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol hybrid system, which will also come in the Seltos Hybrid. The global model has a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, which produces 227-238 hp power and 258-350 Nm torque. The FWD version gets 36-37 mpg (about 15-16 kmpl) combined mileage as per US EPA tests, while the AWD gets slightly less (34 mpg).

After ARAI certification in India, mileage is expected to be around 15-18 kmpl, which will be better than models with diesel engines. The system has a 6-speed automatic transmission, AWD option is also available. The PHEV version offers 30+ miles of electric range and 74 MPGe globally, but in India it may start with the HEV.

Sorento will come with EV9-inspired bold design. The cabin will have premium leather upholstery, 12.3-inch curved dual display (infotainment + driver cluster), heads-up display, ventilated and heated seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose or premium audio system, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Good space in the third row and flat folding seats will increase practicality. Safety will include 8 airbags, ADAS level 2 features like forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, smart cruise control, 360-degree camera and tire pressure monitoring. Ride comfort and handling will remain balanced, while the hybrid system will provide silent and smooth driving.

Kia Carnival Hybrid

Carnival is the king of the luxury MPV segment in India, which is popular for family and premium transport. The hybrid version will complement the existing diesel-only model and is expected to be launched this year or soon. It will come in 7 or 8-seater configuration, with ottoman captain seats (ottoman, ventilated, heated) in the second row.

The hybrid model will have a combination of 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor. It generates total 241-245 hp power and 271-367 Nm torque. There will be FWD setup with 6-speed automatic transmission. Combined mileage according to the US EPA is 32-33 mpg (about 13.5-14 kmpl), while some reports say as much as 14.5-23 kmpl. It will give much better efficiency as compared to the diesel version. The range will be long, which is ideal for long drives. Regenerative braking and drive modes will increase efficiency.

Carnival Hybrid will maintain the premium feel. The cabin will have 12.3-inch dual screens, digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, power sliding doors, hands-free tailgate, dual sunroof, three-zone climate control, premium vegan leather seats, Bose 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charger.

The third row seats fold flat to increase space. Safety features include 8 airbags, ADAS (Forward Collision Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control), 360-degree camera, parking sensors and electronic stability control. It is a perfect mix of SUV-like road presence and MPV-like practicality.

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