Autocar India

Kia cars in India (12)

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

Highlight

Model

Detail

Cheapest Kia car

Sonet

Rs 7.41-14.27 lakh

Most expensive Kia car

EV9

Rs 1.30 crore

Newest model in the line-up

Sorento

Launched on 4 September 2026

Upcoming Kia car in India

New Sonet

Expected launch in 2027

Cheapest Kia electric car

Syros EV

Rs 13.50-20.00 lakh

Longest-range Kia electric car

EV6

663 km claimed range

Only Bharat NCAP 5-star rated Kia car

Seltos

Scored 31.70/32 in adult occupant protection

Widest gearbox choice on one model

Seltos

Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT and torque-converter automatic, across variants

Models with a 7-seat option

Carnival, Carens, Carens Clavis, Carens Clavis EV, Sorento

Only Kia SUV/MPVs offering 3-row seating

Where Kia cars are made

Penukonda plant, Andhra Pradesh

Kia's manufacturing base for India

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.

Group

Models

Why Consider It?

Compact and urban SUVs

Sonet and Syros

These Kia cars have light steering, efficient engines, and smaller footprint. Hence these are quite easy to drive in city traffic. Also these models offer the most affordable way into the Kia. 

Lifestyle and flagship SUVs

Seltos and Sorento

These modes act as step-up in terms of almost everything, whether its space, features, or powertrain. These models also allow you to experience luxury at a reasonable price. 

MPVs for families

Carens, Carens Clavis, and Carnival

These models offer 3-row seating.

Electric vehicles

Syros EV, Carens Clavis EV, EV6, and EV9

These Kia electric cars offer instant power delivery and no gear shifts, high-tech features and more distinctive interiors.

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?

Kia car

Testing body

Adult occupant protection

Child occupant protection

Seltos

Bharat NCAP (5-star)

31.70/32

45/49

Sonet

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Syros

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Carens

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Carens Clavis

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Sorento

ANCAP (international-spec, 5-star)

82%

85%

Carnival

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Syros EV

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

Carens Clavis EV

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

EV6

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

EV9

Not tested

Not tested

Not tested

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. 

Show more
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
8
15.6-20.7 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento
Aurora Black Pearl color image
Dark Gun Metal color image
Petrol-Electric Hybrid, Diesel
6-7 seater
SUV
Kia Syros EV
Kia Syros EV
Kia Syros EV
Kia Syros EV
Ivory Silver Matte color image
8
443-526 km
Electric icon
Electric
5 seater
Kia Sonet Front View
Kia Sonet Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Sonet Rear View
Kia Sonet Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Sonet Rear View
8
18.6-24.1 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Kia Carnival Front View
Kia Carnival Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carnival Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carnival Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carnival Rear View
7
14.8 kmpl
Petrol-Electric Hybrid, Diesel
Automatic
Kia EV6 Front Right Three Quarter
Kia EV6 Front Left Three Quarter
Kia EV6 Front Left Three Quarter
Kia EV6 Front Right Three Quarter
Kia EV6 Front View
8
663 km
Electric icon
Electric
5 seater
Kia Syros
Kia Syros
Kia Syros
Kia Syros
Kia Syros
9
17.6-20.8 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Kia Carens Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carens Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carens Front View
Kia Carens Front Right Three Quarter
Kia Carens Front Left Three Quarter
8
15.7-21.3 kmpl
Diesel, CNG, Petrol
Manual
Kia Carens Clavis
Kia Carens Clavis
Kia Carens Clavis Color Sparkling Silver
Steering Mounted Controls
Steering Mounted Controls
8
15.3-25.0 kmpl
Diesel, CNG, Petrol
Manual
Upcoming
Kia New Sonet
2027
Exp. Launch
Petrol
Manual
SUV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Carens Clavis EV Front View
8
404-490 km
Electric icon
Electric
6-7 seater
Kia EV9
Kia EV9
Kia EV9 Front Right Three Quarter
Kia EV9 Alloy Wheels
Snow White Pearl color image
7
561 km
Electric icon
Electric
6 seater

Kia Cars - FAQs

Kia car price in India start at around ₹7.50 lakh and go up to ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom).

The Sonet is the cheapest among all Kia cars in India. Its price starts at around ₹7.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

The EV9 is the most expensive model in the current Kia India lineup. It is priced at ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom).

The Kia cars in India that are currently on sale are: Seltos, Carnival, Sonet, Syros, EV6, Carens Clavis, Carens Clavis EV, Carens, and EV9.

Yes. The upcoming Kia cars in India include 3 models: the New Sonet, the Syros EV, and the Sorento. These models are going to be launched in between 2026-2027. 

Kia manufactures its cars at the Penukonda plant in Andhra Pradesh.

The Kia electric car price in India starts at around ₹18 lakh and goes up to ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom). The Carens Clavis EV is the most affordable electric model, while the EV9 is the most expensive.

Among the Kia electric cars in India, the EV6 offers a claimed range of 663 km, which is the highest in the current lineup.

There are four Kia 7 seater cars in India: Carnival, Carens Clavis, Carens Clavis EV, and Carens.

Kia sedan cars are not currently available in India. The Indian lineup mainly consists of SUVs, MPVs, and electric models.

Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?

Trending Questions on Kia Cars - Answered by Autocar Experts

4d

I am planning to buy a car with an automatic transmission and have shortlisted two options: the Kia Seltos HTX IVT and Tata Sierra TGDI Adventure Plus. I am upgrading from a 2018 Maruti Ciaz 1.4-litre. Which one should I choose?

Verified
9h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Coming from a Ciaz, this Kia car will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of refinement, comfort and overall ownership experience. The IVT automatic is smooth and well suited to everyday driving, and Kia's service network and reliability track record are strong. The Seltos also offers a more premium and well-finished cabin, better rear seat space and a more polished ownership experience overall.The Tata Sierra TGDI Adventure Plus is a very interesting product with a strong turbo petrol engine and a more rugged, characterful appeal. However, the turbo petrol is a newer powertrain with a shorter ownership track record, and Tata's service experience is still not quite as consistent as Kia's.The Seltos HTX IVT is the safer and more sensible upgrade from a Ciaz, offering a more refined and hassle-free ownership experience. The Tata Sierra is worth considering only if you specifically want a more rugged, characterful SUV and are willing to accept a slightly less proven ownership proposition.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Sierra
17h

I am planning to buy a new crossover within a month and want to keep it for four to five years. My priorities are good resale value, decent highway acceleration and mileage. My budget is Rs 15-17.5 lakh, and I am considering only cars with a DCT, torque-converter, CVT or IVT automatic. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kushaq Signature, Hyundai Creta S(O), Kia Seltos HTK and Honda Elevate VX. I am also considering waiting for the new Elevate facelift in October. I was thinking of waiting for the Creta facelift as well, but it will take a few more months. I expect to drive 60% in the city, with occasional highway trips. I want a car that performs well on the highway, offers good overtaking ability and delivers decent mileage. I have driven Honda and Volkswagen sedans abroad. Which car would be the better fit for my needs?

Verified
10h

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq Signature 1.0 TSI with the 8-speed torque converter automatic is the best fit. It offers strong mid-range performance for highway overtakes, a proven and reliable powertrain, and a driving experience that will feel familiar and engaging given your experience with VW group cars abroad. The torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited to your 60% city usage, while still delivering the punch you want on the highway. This Skoda car also sits comfortably within your budget and is available immediately, which is important given your one-month timeline.The Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT and Kia Seltos HTK IVT are both excellent alternatives if you prioritise refinement and a more premium cabin experience. The IVT gearbox is exceptionally smooth in the city, but the naturally aspirated petrol engine does not offer the same mid-range punch as the Kushaq for highway overtakes. The Honda Elevate VX CVT is the most reliable long-term ownership proposition, but again, the naturally aspirated engine is not as strong on the highway.Waiting for the Elevate facelift in October is a reasonable option if you are not in a hurry, but the changes are expected to be incremental rather than transformative.Overall, the Kushaq Signature 1.0 TSI torque converter strikes the best balance between performance, reliability, driving enjoyment and immediate availability. It will deliver the highway performance you want while remaining easy to live with in the city.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
6d

I currently own a Creta 1.4 CRDi E+ diesel variant and am looking to replace it. My budget is Rs 15 lakh, and I would prefer an EV, followed by a hybrid or diesel variant.

Verified
17h

We would either Since you are coming from a Hyundai Creta, the Kia Syros EV is worth considering as it offers a more premium experience while still having a surprisingly spacious cabin despite its smaller exterior dimensions. This Kia car is also more comfortable than the MG Windsor, both in terms of ride quality and seating comfort. Its compact dimensions should also make it easier to manoeuvre in the city.The Windsor EV remains a strong alternative if maximum cabin space is the priority. Its spacious and airy interior make it a practical family electric car, and it would be a natural choice if you want to retain the sense of space you are used to in the Creta.

VehicleKia Syros EV
VehicleMG Windsor
VehicleHyundai Creta
1w

Hi team, I booked a Tata Punch Empowered+ EV in late June in Goa and was initially told that I might get it by September. However, the dealer now says that due to high demand, the delivery could be delayed until November - December. Since I made the booking, the Punch EV’s price is now quite close to that of the base Kia Syros EV. Concerns around after-sales service and the delivery delay are also making me a bit hesitant. I was therefore considering the Kia Syros EV HTK, the base variant. Is there any way to get a 360-degree camera fitted without voiding the warranty? Alternatively, can I install a dashcam that provides at least front and rear feeds on the car’s main screen, again without affecting the warranty? If this is feasible, I feel the Syros EV base variant could be a compelling option. Could you please suggest whether I should make the switch or stick with my existing Punch EV booking?

Verified
1d

Given the delay and price increase on the Tata Punch Empowered+ EV, the Kia Syros EV HTK is now a very compelling alternative. It is a larger, more premium car with a more spacious cabin and a better overall ownership experience. This Tata car is still a good product, but the Syros EV is simply a more complete car for a similar price.On the 360-degree camera, the answer is unfortunately no. The Syros EV HTK does not come with the necessary hardware (multiple cameras, control module, integration with the car's electronics) to support a factory-style 360-degree system. Aftermarket kits are available, but they require significant wiring and integration work, and Kia will not support them under warranty.A dashcam is a better solution. You can fit a high-quality front and rear dashcam system without voiding the car's warranty, as long as the installation is done cleanly and does not involve cutting or splicing into the car's wiring harness. However, the feed will not display on the main infotainment screen. It will record to its own memory card and can be viewed on a phone app or a small screen on the dashcam itself.

VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleKia Syros EV
1d

I have been using an i20 for almost 14 years now, and I’m quite satisfied with its ownership experience and service quality. I’m now planning to upgrade to an EV, with a strict on-road budget of Rs 25 lakh. My monthly running would be around 850- 1,000 km, mostly within the city. Since my parents would accompany me on almost 40% of my trips, easy ingress and egress, along with a comfortable ride quality, are important to me. I’m looking for a reliable EV with good efficiency and a real-world range of 400+km. I have been considering the Creta Electric Executive LR and Smart LR, while some of my friends have suggested that I also look at the Mahindra BE 6. What would you recommend based on my requirements? I’d appreciate an expert opinion on which EV would be the better choice for me.

Verified
1d

Given your requirements, the Hyundai Creta Electric Long Range is the most sensible recommendation. Your mostly city running is ideal for an electric car, and the Creta Electric offers a real-world range of over 400km, which gives you the flexibility to use it as your primary car without range anxiety. Coming from a Hyundai i20, the Creta Electric will feel familiar but also like a significant upgrade in terms of space, comfort, and overall refinement. The ride quality is excellent, and the rear seat is comfortable enough for your parents on regular trips. Hyundai's service network and ownership experience are also strong, which is important given your positive experience with the brand so far.Another strong contender is the Kia Syros EV, which uses the same powertrain as the Creta, but comes in at a lower price. This Kia car is a bit more compact but just as good on space, and the better news is that, thanks to its tall design, ingress and egress for your parents should be easier. The Mahindra BE6, meanwhile, is powerful and fun to drive, but very poor on space, practicality, and especially ingress and egress in the rear seats. Overall, the Creta and Syros are better bets.

VehicleHyundai Creta Electric
VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleKia Syros EV
VehicleMahindra BE 6 Sporteq

Last Updated on: 12 Sept 2026