This carmaker is set to launch an affordable EV and a three-row hybrid SUV
Kia India has teased two electrified models set to debut later this month. The upcoming launches are expected to be the Syros EV and the Sorento Hybrid, marking the brand's next phase of electrification in India.
Kia India recently dropped the first teaser for two new electrified models that are set to debut in the second half of July 2026. While the company has not officially confirmed their identities, it is expected that the models are the Syros EV and the Sorento Hybrid.
The two launches represent Kia's dual-pronged electrification strategy for India. While the Syros EV is expected to target the fast-growing mass-market electric SUV segment, the Sorento Hybrid will cater to buyers looking for a premium three-row SUV with improved fuel efficiency.
Kia Syros EV: Brand's most affordable electric SUV
Expected to launch in late August, the Syros EV will become Kia India's most affordable electric vehicle, slotting below the Carens Clavis EV, EV6 and flagship EV9. It is expected to rival the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and higher variants of the Tata Punch EV.
Recent spy shots indicate that the electric SUV will closely resemble the ICE-powered Syros, retaining its upright stance, boxy styling and tallboy proportions. The most obvious visual change is the charging port, positioned on the left front fender above the wheel arch. Kia is also expected to introduce redesigned bumpers, aerodynamic alloy wheels and subtle EV-specific styling cues while retaining the vertically stacked LED headlamps, L-shaped daytime running lights and vertical LED tail-lamps.
Inside, the Syros EV is likely to carry forward the premium cabin of the standard model. Expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and rear seats, wireless phone charging, connected car technology, a 360-degree camera and ADAS. The electric version could additionally receive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, EV-specific display graphics and revised upholstery.
Mechanically, the Syros EV is expected to continue using Kia's K1 platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Inster EV globally. Battery pack options of around 42kWh and 49kWh are likely, with the larger pack expected to deliver a competitive driving range. The SUV is also expected to support DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Syros EV is expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Sorento Hybrid: Premium three-row SUV on the cards
Alongside the Syros EV, Kia is also preparing to introduce the Sorento Hybrid for India, expanding its presence in the premium SUV segment.
Expected to measure close to 4.8 metres in length, the Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos as a spacious three-row family SUV. While Kia has not confirmed the powertrain, the India-spec model is expected to feature a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine, potentially sharing its setup with the upcoming next-generation Seltos Hybrid.
Internationally, the Sorento Hybrid is offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although the India-bound version is likely to receive a market-specific powertrain.
The Sorento Hybrid is expected to arrive in 2027, with prices likely to start between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will rival premium monocoque SUVs such as the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq.
With the Syros EV targeting mainstream EV buyers and the Sorento Hybrid aimed at the premium SUV segment, Kia appears set to broaden its electrified portfolio across multiple price points, reinforcing its long-term strategy for the Indian market.
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Kia India recently dropped the first teaser for two new electrified models that are set to debut in the second half of July 2026. While the company has not officially confirmed their identities, it is expected that the models are the Syros EV and the Sorento Hybrid.
The two launches represent Kia's dual-pronged electrification strategy for India. While the Syros EV is expected to target the fast-growing mass-market electric SUV segment, the Sorento Hybrid will cater to buyers looking for a premium three-row SUV with improved fuel efficiency.
Kia Syros EV: Brand's most affordable electric SUV
Expected to launch in late August, the Syros EV will become Kia India's most affordable electric vehicle, slotting below the Carens Clavis EV, EV6 and flagship EV9. It is expected to rival the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and higher variants of the Tata Punch EV.
Recent spy shots indicate that the electric SUV will closely resemble the ICE-powered Syros, retaining its upright stance, boxy styling and tallboy proportions. The most obvious visual change is the charging port, positioned on the left front fender above the wheel arch. Kia is also expected to introduce redesigned bumpers, aerodynamic alloy wheels and subtle EV-specific styling cues while retaining the vertically stacked LED headlamps, L-shaped daytime running lights and vertical LED tail-lamps.
Inside, the Syros EV is likely to carry forward the premium cabin of the standard model. Expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and rear seats, wireless phone charging, connected car technology, a 360-degree camera and ADAS. The electric version could additionally receive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, EV-specific display graphics and revised upholstery.
Mechanically, the Syros EV is expected to continue using Kia's K1 platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Inster EV globally. Battery pack options of around 42kWh and 49kWh are likely, with the larger pack expected to deliver a competitive driving range. The SUV is also expected to support DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Syros EV is expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Sorento Hybrid: Premium three-row SUV on the cards
Alongside the Syros EV, Kia is also preparing to introduce the Sorento Hybrid for India, expanding its presence in the premium SUV segment.
Expected to measure close to 4.8 metres in length, the Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos as a spacious three-row family SUV. While Kia has not confirmed the powertrain, the India-spec model is expected to feature a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine, potentially sharing its setup with the upcoming next-generation Seltos Hybrid.
Internationally, the Sorento Hybrid is offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although the India-bound version is likely to receive a market-specific powertrain.
The Sorento Hybrid is expected to arrive in 2027, with prices likely to start between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will rival premium monocoque SUVs such as the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq.
With the Syros EV targeting mainstream EV buyers and the Sorento Hybrid aimed at the premium SUV segment, Kia appears set to broaden its electrified portfolio across multiple price points, reinforcing its long-term strategy for the Indian market.
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