Kia is planning to launch its first hybrid car in India in 2026 with new lineups. The company will first launch the Kia Sorento Hybrid in the US market, then in the other markets. People in India who are looking to explore the hybrid vehicle can find the full details of the expected Sorento Hybrid here.
Kia introduced the first hybrid vehicle Kia Optima Hybrid, in 2011 in the US market, but they have not explored the hybrid segment in the Indian market. But with the changing policies and emission standards, hybrid vehicles or EVs are getting traction in the Indian market.
According to reports, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is already getting tested in the Indian market. Kia also confirmed the Seltos Hybrid global launch for next year, and it can later come to the Indian market in 2027.
Kia First Hybrid Launch in India
Kia India has recently confirmed the Kia Seltos Hybrid for the Indian market, as they are preparing to launch the Seltos model in the Indian market. The pre-booking for the all-new Seltos has begun with petrol and diesel options.
With the confirmation of the Seltos Hybrid, people might think this will be the first hybrid launch of Kia, but it is not true, because before the Seltos, we will have the Kia Sorento Hybrid in 2026. According to Kia India’s VP of Marketing & Sales, another Hybrid model will launch before the 2027 Seltos Hybrid, and it points to the Kia Sorento Hybrid.
The launch of the Kia Sorento Hybrid, before the large and flagship SUV Seltos Hybrid, allows the company to test hybrid acceptance in the Indian market and build some trust. The spy shots of the upcoming Kia Sorento Hybrid have already leaked as the model is in the testing stage and spotted in India.
Kia First Hybrid Expected Specifications
Kia has introduced the 2026 Sorento Hybrid in the US market at various trims and in different colours. The company has not revealed much about the Sorento Hybrid to be launched in the Indian market. However, based on the global model and the expected changes, we can expect the following specs:
- Engine: The Kia Sorento Hybrid can come with engine options of 1.6L turbo-petrol Hybrid, offering a powertrain up to 227 hp and 258 lb-ft torque with impressive torque and acceleration.
- Driving Range: The model will be capable of a 655-mile driving range, especially the EX FWD trim.
- Electric motor and hybrid battery: The model is equipped with an electric motor of a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 59 hp and 195 lb-ft torque. The model features a lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery of 270 V battery voltage, 6 Ah battery capacity.
- Fuel tank: As per the US model, the model can have the fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons or 67L.
| Engine | 1.6L turbo-petrol Hybrid |
| Combine powertrain | 227 hp |
| Combined Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Motor | Permanent Synchronous Magnetic Motor |
| Power | 59 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft |
| Fuel Tank | 67 L |
| Hybrid Battery | 6 Ah |
| Hybrid Voltage | 270 V |
Kia First Hybrid Features
According to the US model, we can expect the Kia Sorento Hybrid to have the following features:
- Airbags: The hybrid model can come with 6 airbags with three rows of seating for up to six passengers.
- Safety features: The model will offer 20 driver assistance technologies, such as Blind-spot collision, Blind-spot view monitor, forward collision, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, Lane Departure Warning, and others, such as ABS, Vehicle Stability Management, etc.
- Infotainment: The vehicle will have a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a 4.0-inch instrument display, a 6-speaker Audio system, and other features to elevate your experience, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Phone charger, USB data port, and others
- Seating: The model will come with heated front seats and ventilated seats that can be adjusted as per your needs.
- Body Structure: The model will have 19-inch alloy wheels, auto headlight control, LED for fog lights, LED taillights, LED projector headlights, High Beam Assist, front grille, and others with a modern & strong body structure.
Kia Sorento Hybrid Price
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is available at a starting price of $38,890 in the US market, with EX trim priced at $38,890 and X-Line Prestige AWD at $47,190. The company has not released the official price range for the expected Kia Sorento Hybrid, as it will be decided based on the market response, etc.
Based on the US market price, we can expect the Kia Sorento Hybrid to be available at a price range between ₹25 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs for higher trims. The hybrid vehicle’s price range depends on the premium SUV segment and variants.
Kia is yet to confirm the Sorento Hybrid specs and details, but it is expected to be launched in 2026 before the confirmation of the Seltos Hybrid.
