Kia recently confirmed two new models for the Indian market – a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). While the carmaker hasn’t officially announced the names and details of these upcoming products, they are expected to be the Kia Syros EV and Kia Sorento 7-seater hybrid SUV. The electrified Syros is expected to go on sale in August, while the Sorento is likely to arrive during the 2026 Diwali festive season.
Competition & Expected Price
The Kia Sorento will be the brand’s first hybrid offering in India. It’s expected to compete with monocoque 7-seater SUVs such as Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron R-Line and Jeep Meridia also taking on the traditional ladder-frame SUV such as Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor. Its prices are likely to start around Rs 30 lakh.
Dimensions & Seating Capacity
Dimensionally, the new Kia 7-seater hybrid SUV measures 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,700mm in height. The model rides on a 2,815mm long wheelbase and offers a 175mm of ground clearance. The Sorento will be Kia’s first three-row SUV in India. It could be offered with two seating configurations – 2+2+2 or 2+3+2.
Hybrid Powertrain
In India, the Sorento could be offered with an all-new hybridized 1.5L petrol engine. Globally, the SUV is available with a more powerful 1.6L, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup delivers a maximum power of 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and both FWD and AWD drivetrain options.
Premium Features & Advanced Tech
The upcoming Kia 7-seater hybrid SUV comes with a host of several premium features such as a panoramic curved display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, heated & ventilated seats, a 360-degree surround view monitor, a 64-colour LED ambient mood lighting system, quilted leather seats, USB-C charging ports, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, up to 12 parking sensors, 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS and more.