Hyundai and Kia working on four hybrid SUVs and MPVs for India

Demand for hybrid vehicles is rising in India alongside petrol and diesel cars. Against this backdrop, Hyundai and Kia are preparing to bring strong hybrid technology to their upcoming models. These include the next-generation Hyundai Creta hybrid, the Kia Seltos hybrid, a new 7-seater Hyundai SUV and the Kia Carnival hybrid. Customers looking for a large SUV or family car with lower fuel costs could get new options from them.

First, the Hyundai Creta hybrid. The next generation of the Creta is likely to get a strong hybrid powertrain alongside petrol and diesel variants. The company's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine could be paired with the hybrid system. The technology could help save fuel. The new Creta is expected in India before 2030, but the launch date of the hybrid variant and details of the Indian model have not been officially released.

The second vehicle is the Kia Seltos hybrid. Kia unveiled it at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The SUV is likely to arrive in India in 2027. The global model has a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine with total power of 178 hp. However, it has not been confirmed whether the Indian variant will get the same engine and specifications. The vehicle could compete with hybrid SUVs such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

The third is Hyundai's new 7-seater hybrid SUV. It is reported that Hyundai is working on a new 3-row SUV to sit between the Alcazar and the Tucson. The model's codename is said to be Ni1i. It is likely to get a strong hybrid powertrain. If the SUV does materialise, it could compete with vehicles such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. Its name, engine and launch date have not yet been decided.

The fourth is the Kia Carnival hybrid. It is expected to launch in India soon, and pre-bookings are reported to have started. It will come in the top-spec Limousine+ variant. It has a 1.6-litre turbo-GDi petrol engine and an electric motor. The engine produces 180 PS of power and 265 Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces 73.4 PS and 304 Nm. Features include dual digital displays, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated and heated seats, a 360-degree camera and 8 airbags.

Kia is working towards a portfolio of 10 models in India by 2030, of which 8 will be electrified. The competition between hybrid and electric vehicles is therefore likely to intensify in the coming period.

When will the Creta hybrid arrive? The next-generation Creta is expected before 2030, but a firm launch date for the hybrid variant has not been announced. The Seltos hybrid is likely to launch in India in 2027, and the engine and specifications of the Indian model have not been finalised. The Carnival hybrid has a 1.6-litre turbo-GDi petrol engine and an electric motor; by global specifications, the engine produces 180 PS and the electric motor 73.4 PS.