At its 2026 Kia CEO Investor Day event, Kia announced plans to expand its line-up to 10 models, of which eight would be electrified, including the Syros EV, Sorento Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid. The models are expected to arrive by 2030.
“In India, one of Kia’s core emerging markets, the strategy includes expanding its line-up to 10 models, offering eight electrified vehicles (xEVs) – including the Syros EV, Sorento HEV and Carnival HEV – and expanding the dealer network to 800 locations,” said Kia in a press statement.
Kia Sorento Hybrid: What to expect?
The Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos as a three-row SUV to rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Previously, we reported on Kia developing a three-row SUV codenamed the MQ4i, which would have a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine. The SUV would share the global-spec Sorento’s underpinnings, but it is yet to be seen if it actually carries the Sorento name and the same top hat.
Going by the global-spec Sorento’s dimensions, the incoming three-row SUV is expected to be about 4.8 metres long, with a wheelbase of around 2.8 metres. The carmaker plans to produce around 50,000 units of the SUV annually for the domestic and overseas markets. Its sister company, Hyundai, is also developing its own three-row SUV with similar underpinnings. Expect the Sorento Hybrid to be priced around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Carnival Hybrid: What to expect?
The current iteration of the Carnival premium MPV has been on sale in India since 2024 in diesel guise. While the exact specifications of the India-bound Carnival Hybrid have not been confirmed, the current-generation MPV does get a hybrid powertrain in the US. It uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a parallel hybrid system. The total power output is rated at 272hp and 367Nm of torque, with the engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It remains to be seen if the same configuration and spec are brought to India.
Kia Syros EV: What to expect?
Kia will also launch an EV counterpart to the Syros, expected sometime this year itself. It will be positioned below the Carens Clavis EV, making it the most affordable EV in the carmaker’s line-up. Camouflaged test mules have been spied on our roads, and its design is expected to mirror that of the ICE-powered counterpart but with EV-specific revisions for distinction. Its cabin layout is also expected to be similar.
The Syros EV sits on the K1 platform shared with the Hyundai Inster EV. Powertrain specifications have not been confirmed yet, but for reference, the Inster EV is offered with 42kWh and 49kWh battery pack options with a maximum claimed range of 369km. The Syros EV could be priced from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh and rival the likes of the Tata Nexon EV and MG Windor.
Additionally, the carmaker said it will localise production of the above models and is targeting annual sales of 4.1 lakh units by 2030, along with a 7.6 percent market share.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
