Kia Sonet, Carens Clavis to get hybrid powertrains: When are they coming?

Kia is gearing up for a major India portfolio expansion, with hybrid versions of the Sonet, Carens Clavis and Seltos, alongside a new locally developed electric SUV.

Kia is preparing an expansion of its India portfolio, with hybrids set to reach its volume models while a new locally developed electric SUV will target the growing mid-size EV segment.

Kia is set to significantly expand its electrified vehicle portfolio in India over the next few years, with hybrid versions of the Sonet and Carens Clavis confirmed as part of its roadmap. The carmaker has also announced plans for a new B-segment electric SUV that will be developed and manufactured locally.

The plans were outlined at Kia’s 2026 CEO Investor Day, where Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said the company would extend hybrid technology to key local models, including the Sonet, Carens and Seltos, from 2027 onwards. Kia aims to have eight electrified models comprising hybrids and pure EVs in its India line-up by 2030.

Kia Sonet hybrid coming with next-generation model

The Sonet will be among the first of Kia’s mainstream models to receive hybrid technology. The second-generation Sonet is expected to debut in 2027, initially with conventional ICE powertrains, with a hybrid variant planned by 2029.

The new Sonet is expected to shift to the K1 platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Venue and Kia Syros. Apart from being compatible with hybrid powertrains, the architecture is expected to bring a newer electrical and electronics setup, including features such as over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.

While Kia has not disclosed specifications of the Sonet hybrid, the company is understood to be working on a strong-hybrid system for the compact SUV.

Carens Clavis hybrid planned by 2029

The Carens Clavis will also join Kia’s hybrid portfolio when it moves to its next generation. The MPV is currently available with petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, and Kia is expected to add a hybrid option to the mix by 2029.

The hybrid system could be closely related to the setup planned for the Seltos. The upcoming Seltos hybrid, expected in 2027, is likely to use Kia’s existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as part of its hybrid powertrain.

Kia is also preparing a factory-fitted CNG version of the Carens, which is expected to arrive in the near future. This would give the model one of the most diverse powertrain portfolios in Kia’s India range, spanning petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid and electric options.

New Kia electric SUV to sit between Syros and Seltos

Alongside hybrids, Kia is working on another locally developed electric SUV. The upcoming model will sit in the B-segment and is expected to be positioned between the Syros and Seltos in Kia’s India portfolio.

The SUV is expected to measure around 4.2 metres in length and will be developed and manufactured in India. Kia has yet to reveal its final specifications or production name, but the model is expected to target the increasingly competitive midsize electric SUV segment.

The new EV will form part of Kia’s strategy to increase the share of locally developed and manufactured electric vehicles in its India portfolio. While Hyundai is also working on a small, locally produced electric SUV, Kia has not confirmed whether its upcoming EV will share its platform or technology with the Hyundai model.

Sorento and Carnival hybrids coming soon

Kia’s hybrid expansion will begin with larger models before the technology filters down to its volume sellers. The Sorento Hybrid is scheduled to launch in India on September 4, 2026, followed by the Carnival Hybrid ahead of the festive season.

The global-spec Carnival Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 242hp and 367Nm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the front wheels.

The Sorento and Carnival will give Kia hybrid offerings in the premium SUV and MPV segments before the technology reaches models such as the Seltos, Sonet and Carens.

Kia targets 4.1 lakh annual sales by 2030

Kia's electrification strategy forms part of a much larger India growth plan. The carmaker is targeting annual sales of around 4.10 lakh units by 2030, compared with around 2.80 lakh units sold in 2025. The company expects this to raise its market share from around 6.3 percent to approximately 7.6 percent.

Kia recorded cumulative sales of around 1.91 lakh units between January and July 2026, putting it on track for another strong year in India.

The company also plans to expand its dealer network from 540 outlets in 2025 to around 800 by 2030. This expansion will be accompanied by greater investment in after-sales capabilities, including remote diagnostics and proactive vehicle inspections.

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