Kia India has shared a video online hinting at an upcoming all-electric model and a hybrid-powered model. The models will debut in the latter half of July 2026. According to the teasers and our previous reports, the electric model will most likely be the Syros EV, while the hybrid-powered model will be the Sorento. In fact, earlier this year, the carmaker had announced at its global investor day event that it would launch the Syros EV and Sorento Hybrid in India.
Kia Syros EV and Sorento Hybrid: What to expect?
The Syros EV will essentially be the electric counterpart to the ICE Syros and utilise its K1 platform. Test mules of the EV have been spied on our roads. Kia is likely to introduce EV-specific design changes to set it apart from the ICE-powered model and equip it with a long feature list.
While powertrain specifications of the Syros EV remain unconfirmed, it is likely to utilise the globally sold Hyundai Inster EV’s battery packs. The Inster EV is available with 42kWh and 49kWh battery pack options and offers a claimed range of up to 369km. With an expected price ranging between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, it will take on the likes of the Tata Nexon EV, and the MG Windsor. Once launched, it will be the most affordable EV in Kia India’s lineup, as it will be positioned below the Carens Clavis EV.
The Sorento is a premium three-row SUV in Kia’s global car lineup. For India, though, the SUV we would get will utilise the global Sorento’s underpinnings, but it's yet to be known if it bears the Sorento name and its top hat. We had previously reported that the SUV, codenamed MQ4i, was under development by the carmaker and would have a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine. While dimensions have not been confirmed, for context, the global-spec Sorento has a length and wheelbase of 4.8 metres and 2 metres, respectively. The Sorento Hybrid is expected to have an ex-showroom price of around Rs 30 lakh. Positioned above the Seltos, it will aim for the likes of the Mahindra XUV 7XO.
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
