Kia’s First Hybrid Car Launching In India In 2026

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First Kia hybrid model in India to be assembled locally for a competitive pricing and compete with the Skoda Kodiaq and the upcoming VW Tayron

After expanding its EV line-up to four models with the Syros EV in the coming months, Kia will extend its electrification strategy in India to include hybrids, targeting higher sales volumes. The company plans to launch the first hybrid model in our market towards the end of the year.

Adopting a top-down approach as it did with BEVs, Kia will likely first launch the Sorento Hybrid in India. Belonging to the global D-segment, in which Hyundai previously sold the Santa Fe, the Sorento Hybrid has been on sale internationally since 2020 and received a facelift in 2023.

Designed on the theme of ‘refined boldness,’ the Kia Sorento Hybrid features a confident, mature exterior that exudes toughness but with elegance. Elements like Kia EV9-inspired vertical headlights with star map DRLs, a high-set bonnet, a large radiator grille featuring a 3D mesh pattern, 20-inch alloy wheels, raised roof rails, and vertical tail lamps with star map graphics lend the vehicle a powerful look.

Also Read: All-New Kia Seltos Production Begins In India Ahead Of Jan 2 Launch

An upscale interior aligns with the sophisticated character of the Kia Sorento Hybrid. A horizontal dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system combined on a curved panel, two vertical air vents, two horizontal air vents, and a dual-function capacitive touch screen to control multimedia and climate settings.

A three-spoke steering wheel featuring a squircle centre pad and wood grain/metal inserts in the dashboard and door trims are also among the design highlights. Kia offers the Sorento Hybrid internationally in six- and seven-seat versions, and we’re certain that at least the latter is headed to India.

Also Read: New Gen Kia Seltos Detailed Mileage Test & Drive Review

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 132.4 kW (177 hp) and 265 Nm of torque and a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that develops 47.7 kW (64 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, which relies on a 1.49 kWh battery pack. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, while an all-wheel drive system is available as an option.

With 176 kW (236 hp) of total power and 380 Nm of total torque, the Sorento Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (2WD)/9.0 seconds (AWD). It can achieve a top speed of 196 km/h, or 120 km/h when driving in electric mode. According to Europe’s WLTP, the hybrid SUV delivers a fuel economy of 15.2 km/l (2WD)/14.3 km/l (AWD).

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