Kia cars in India (13)

Kia is a sister entity to Hyundai, operating worldwide as part of the Hyundai Motor Group. It entered the Indian automotive market in 2019 with the Seltos, and soon became recognized for its interiors that feel more premium than their cost, extensive feature lists, and providing diesel engines at a time when several rivals were dropping them from their line-ups. This standing has carried on with newer models such as the Sonet, Syros, EV6 and, most recently, the Sorento. As of now, there are 12 Kia cars in India, out of which 11 are available for purchase, and one is yet to be launched.

Kia Cars in India Highlights

What Types of Kia Cars are Available in India?

Kia's India line-up consists only of SUVs and MPVs and their electric counterparts. There is no sedan or hatchback available.

How Many Engine Types Are Available in Kia Cars in India?

There are five engine options available: 

Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine 

• Models: Seltos, Sonet, Syros, and Carens
• Best Suited For: Buyers who want the lowest running cost and a simple engine that’s easy to maintain

Turbo-Petrol Engine

• Models: Seltos, Sonet, Syros, Carens Clavis, and Sorento (as part of its hybrid system)
• Best Suited For: Buyers who want stronger performance without opting for diesel 

Turbo-Diesel Engine

• Models: Seltos, Sonet, Syros, Carens, Carens Clavis, Carnival, and Sorento 
• Best Suited For: Buyers with high monthly mileage or frequent highway driving, where diesel's efficiency pays off

Strong-Hybrid Engine (turbo-petrol + electric motor)

• Models: Sorento
• Best Suited For: Buyers who want to drive a flagship SUV with lower fuel consumption in comparison to a pure-petrol engine 

Electric

• Models: Syros EV, Carens Clavis EV, EV6, and EV9 
• Best Suited For: Buyers who have reliable charging access and want the lowest running cost per kilometre

How Many Types of Transmissions Does Kia Offer in India?

The brand offers six transmission options: Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque-converter, and Single Speed. And, as per us at Autocar India, you should:

• Opt for a manual transmission if you want the lowest purchase price and are comfortable with a clutch pedal.
• Go for an iMT if you want manual-like running costs, but without having to operate a clutch pedal, i.e., the convenience of an automatic.
• Pick a CVT if you want a smooth and fuel-efficient automatic for city use.
• Opt for a DCT transmission option if you want quicker and sportier shifts from your automatic Kia car.
• Pick a torque-converter transmission if you want the smoothest transmission, especially for highway use.
• Go for a Single Speed Transmission if you want instant, seamless power delivery with no gear shifts.

How Safe Are Kia Cars in India?

Note:

• The Seltos is the only Kia car in India with a confirmed, India-specific crash-test rating.
• The Sorento hasn’t been tested by BNCAP and GNCAP. But the model has earned a 5-star rating globally across all major vehicle testing authorities.
• Sonet, Syros, Syros EV, Seltos, Carens, Carens Clavis, and Carens Clavis EV have 6 airbags as standard. 
• Kia Carnival and EV6 have 8 airbags as standard. 
• Kia Sorento and EV9 have 10 airbags as standard.

How is Kia’s After-Sales Service Experience?

Questions from real customers through our advice section suggest that Kia’s after-sales service is well regarded. Several readers have switched to Kia for a more dependable ownership experience.