Kia India announces Carnival hybrid specifications

Kia has revealed specifications of the upcoming strong-hybrid version of the Carnival MPV on the sidelines of the Sorento launch. Expected to launch in India in the coming weeks, the strong-hybrid Carnival version uses the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Sorento SUV, but utilises a more powerful electric motor. 

1. 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 180hp and 265Nm
2. Electric motor churns out 8.4hp, 40Nm more than Sorento's motor

Kia India’s upcoming Carnival hybrid is part of its broader push to expand its electrified lineup. At its 2026 CEO Investor Day, the company said it plans to introduce eight electrified vehicles (xEVs) in India, including the Syros EV, Sorento HEV and Carnival HEV. The Seltos, which was recently launched in a new generation, is also expected to be a part of this broader electrification plan. 

2026 Kia Carnival strong-hybrid version: What was revealed?

New 1.6L strong-hybrid turbo-petrol engine will be offered alongside the 2.2L diesel

The current-spec Carnival's image is used for representative purposes only.

The strong-hybrid Carnival will be offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 180hp and 265Nm (same as the Sorento) and an electric motor that churns out 73.4hp and 304Nm (8.4hp and 40Nm more than the Sorento). While the Korean manufacturer is yet to reveal further details on the powertrain, it is expected to be offered with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (AT) like the Sorento. 

Kia Carnival

₹59.65 Lakh (Ex-showroom price)

Range/Mileage

14.85 kmpl

Specifications

Engine Type: TurbochargedEngine Displacement: 2151Number of Cylinders: 4+ 45 more

Features

Power Windows: Front and RearAccessory Power Outlet: YesDigital Instrument Cluster: Fully Digital+ 160 more

Variants

Limousine Plus 2.2 Diesel AT

Currently, the Carnival is offered with a 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 190hp and 441Nm. It is mated to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (AT) that sends power to the front wheels (FWD).

With the Kia Sorento and MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV already launched, the Kia Carnival hybrid and Renault Duster hybrid on their way, and plans from Kia and other manufacturers to grow their electrified portfolio reflect the rising mainstream appeal of hybrid technology in India – a space where Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda have already had a head start.

The current-spec Carnival's dashboard image is used for representative purposes only.

The exterior design will be the same, and the interior design and feature suite are also expected to remain largely unchanged from what Kia offers with the Carnival. 

Currently, the Kia Carnival is available in a single, fully-loaded Limousine Plus trim, which is priced at Rs 59.65 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be interesting to see if Kia offers the strong hybrid version at a lower price than the diesel, as it does on the Sorento.