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South Korean automotive giant Kia India is betting big on new energy cars. It has announced that by 2030, a majority of its vehicles will be offered with new energy (read hybrid and electric) powertrains.

This is understandable given the fact that the upcoming CAFE3 norms will necessitate some amount of electrifcation for the petrol engine to survive, and thrive. We took a quick look at what cars in Kia’s Indian portfolio – both current and future – could go hybrid.

The biggest addition to Kia’s lineup in India will be the Sorento flagship hybrid SUV. The company has already confirmed that this premium three-row SUV will make its debut in India on September 4, 2026. Apart from entering the premium SUV segment, the Sorento will also become the first Kia model in India to offer a strong hybrid powertrain.

The India-spec Sorento will boast the same aggressive styling as the international model. It will feature Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, vertically stacked LED headlamps, and Star Map LED daytime running lights. It will be based on a monocoque platform and will offer a more comfortable and car-like driving experience.

On the inside, the Sorento will be offered in six-seat and seven-seat layouts. The cabin is expected to feature dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, wireless charging, and connected car technology. Safety features are also expected to include Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, TPMS, and an electronic parking brake.

The biggest highlight of the new Sorento will be the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid powertrain. It will produce a combined 238 PS and 380 Nm. Kia will also offer a 2.2-litre diesel engine for buyers who prefer diesel. The Sorento is expected to be priced from around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

The next major hybrid launch from Kia is expected to be the Seltos Hybrid. Its test mules have already been spotted undergoing testing internationally and in India as well. Currently, in the international markets, the Seltos Hybrid is offered with a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain. However, reports suggest that India could get a different setup based on a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system.

The exact specifications have not been confirmed. However, its fuel efficiency is expected to be around 25 kmpl. Outside India, it also gets an e-AWD model as well. In this, an electric motor powers the rear wheels instead of using a conventional mechanical all-wheel-drive system. However, whether this tech comes to India is unknown.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the SUV is expected to offer features such as a large Trinity display, ADAS, Vehicle-to-Load function, Smart Regenerative Braking, wireless charging, Type-C charging ports, and cruise control. The Seltos Hybrid is expected to arrive in India during 2027.

Kia is also getting ready to launch the next-generation Sonet in India and international markets. It is expected to make its debut towards the end of 2027. The new model will initially offer the same petrol and diesel engines. However, reports have suggested that a strong hybrid version will be added to the lineup by 2028.

The new Sonet is expected to get a completely redesigned exterior with split LED headlamps, boomerang-shaped DRLs, new alloy wheels, and connected LED tail lamps. Meanwhile, on the inside, it could borrow the curved dual 12.3-inch displays from the Kia Syros while also offering Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and an electric sunroof.

The next-generation Sonet will also get Kia’s new K2 platform. It is expected to improve rear-seat space and overall safety. The hybrid variant will most likely use an electrified version of Kia’s upcoming 1.5-litre petrol engine. This same powertrain will be seen in the Seltos Hybrid.

Kia is also expected to launch a hybrid version of the Carnival before 2030. The premium MPV is already available with a hybrid powertrain in the international markets, and India is also likely to get the same setup in the future. The international-spec Carnival Hybrid comes equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system.

Together, this powertrain makes 272 bhp and 367 Nm of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although Kia has not confirmed the India specifications, the Carnival Hybrid is expected to offer much better fuel efficiency than the current diesel version. Its prices are expected to fall in the Rs 65 lakh to Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom) range.

Last on the list is the Kia Carens Clavis Hybrid. The Carens Clavis going hybrid is both logical and likely. It’s because the MPV shares its powertrain with its SUV sibling – the Seltos. If the Seltos goes hybrid, the Carens Clavis going hybrid is only a matter of when, and not if.

The Clavis Hybrid is expected to use the same 1.5-litre strong hybrid system that is being developed for the Seltos Hybrid. In terms of design, it will remain almost the same as the current model, and its features will also remain the same. It is expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom).