Published : 06 July 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
Kia India have released a new teaser on their social media channels, hinting at the arrival of 2 electrified models for the Indian market. The short teaser shows the words HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) along with the message - “The future is knocking. One clue. More than one possibility.”
While Kia are yet to reveal the exact models, the teaser suggests the debut of the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Syros EV, both of which were spotted testing in India in the past few months. Earlier this year, Kia had also confirmed plans to introduce these electrified SUVs in India during their global investor meet.
Kia Syros EV To Become Brand’s Most Affordable EV
The Syros EV is expected to become Kia India's most affordable electric SUV, slotting below the recently launched Carens Clavis EV. It will rival electric SUVs such as the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
Based on the standard Syros, the electric version is expected to retain its boxy proportions and upright stance while getting a few EV-specific styling changes. These are likely to include a redesigned front bumper, revised alloy wheels for better aerodynamics, exclusive colour options and EV-specific badging. Spy shots have also revealed the charging port positioned on the left front fender.
Inside, the Syros EV is expected to offer the same premium cabin as its ICE counterpart. We expect it to feature Kia's 30-inch triple screen setup, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, connected car technology, front and rear dashcams, ventilated seats and Level 2 ADAS. Kia could also introduce EV-specific displays and software functions for battery management and charging.
While Kia have not confirmed the powertrain specifications yet, the Syros EV could borrow battery technology from the globally sold Hyundai Inster EV. Internationally, the Inster is available with 42kWh and 49kWh battery packs and offers a claimed driving range of up to 369km. For India, Kia could recalibrate these batteries to deliver a higher certified range. We expect the Syros EV to be priced between Rs. 15 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Sorento Hybrid Could Become Brand's New Flagship SUV
The second vehicle teased by Kia is expected to be the Sorento Hybrid, which was spotted testing on Indian roads recently.
The Sorento will sit above the Seltos in Kia's SUV lineup and serve as the brand's flagship ICE-based SUV in India. Measuring around 4.8 metres in length, the 3-row SUV is expected to compete with models such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian and even higher variants of the Toyota Fortuner.
Globally, the Sorento is offered with multiple seating layouts, and we expect the India-spec model to offer both 6-seat and 7-seat configurations. Expected features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- Multi-zone automatic climate control
- Premium Bose audio system
- Electronic parking brake
- Level 2 ADAS
Although Kia are yet to confirm the powertrain, we expect the SUV to launch with a self-charging hybrid (HEV) powertrain. Previous reports also indicate the India-spec model could utilise a hybridised 1.5L turbo petrol engine developed specifically for our market. The Sorento Hybrid is expected to carry an introductory price of around Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read: Kia Launch 2026 Seltos GTX (O) And X-Line (O) Variants
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