Kia has revealed specifications for 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 Carnival hybrid uses the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Sorento SUV but utilises a more powerful electric motor.
- 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 180hp and 265Nm
- Electric motor churns out 8.4hp and 40Nm more than the Sorento’s
Kia India’s upcoming Carnival hybrid is part of its broader push to expand its electrified line-up. 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 strong hybrid version will be offered alongside the diesel one
The strong hybrid Carnival will be offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 180hp and 265Nm – both the 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 about the powertrain, it is expected to be offered with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (AT), just like the Sorento.
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).
What community is saying on the Carnival?
The exterior and interior designs and the feature list are the same as those of the diesel-powered version. The 3-row MPV gets dual 12.3-inch screens (one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment), 3-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and powered, ventilated and heated front seats. Safety features include 8 airbags, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), disc brakes on both ends and a 360-degree camera.
Currently, the Kia Carnival is available in a single, fully loaded Limousine Plus trim, priced at Rs 59.65 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be interesting to see whether Kia prices the strong hybrid version higher than the diesel, as it has done with the Sorento.
Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda have been offering hybrid models in India for quite some time. However, this hasn’t been a mainstream segment. That could be changing. The Kia Sorento and MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV were launched just days apart, while the Kia Carnival hybrid and Renault Duster hybrid are on their way. Kia and other manufacturers also plan to grow their electrified portfolios.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
