Kia has confirmed plans to introduce hybrid powertrains for the Sonet and Carens Clavis in India by 2029. The announcement was made at the company’s 2026 CEO Investor Day, where Kia also outlined plans for a locally developed electric SUV in the B-segment.
Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said the company will expand its hybrid-electric vehicle range across key models from 2027 onwards. The Seltos is also expected to receive a hybrid powertrain, while the Carnival and Sorento are set to add hybrid variants to Kia’s Indian portfolio.
The Sonet is expected to enter its next generation in 2027, with the hybrid version likely to follow by 2028 or 2029.
The upcoming Sonet is expected to shift to Kia’s K1 platform, which is also used by models such as the Hyundai Venue and Kia Syros. The architecture is understood to support electrified powertrains as well as newer electrical and electronic systems.
The new platform could also address some of the limitations of the current Sonet, particularly rear-seat space. Kia is expected to introduce features such as over-the-air software updates and remote diagnostics as part of the newer electronic architecture.
Technical details of the Sonet hybrid have not yet been confirmed. Kia has previously been reported to be developing a strong-hybrid system for the next-generation model.
The Carens Clavis will also receive a hybrid powertrain in its next generation, with the company targeting introduction by 2029.
The current Carens Clavis is available with petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, giving Kia a broad range of propulsion options in the MPV segment.
The upcoming hybrid system could share technology with the Seltos hybrid, which is expected to arrive in India in 2027. The Seltos hybrid is reportedly being developed around a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, although Kia has not officially confirmed the final specifications.
Alongside its hybrid plans, Kia has confirmed a new B-segment electric SUV that will be developed and manufactured locally in India.
The company has not disclosed specifications or a launch date for the model. It is expected to sit between the Syros and Seltos in Kia’s portfolio and could measure around 4.2 metres in length.
The new model will target India’s expanding electric SUV market and will be developed specifically with greater localisation in mind.
Kia has also confirmed that the Carnival hybrid will be introduced in India this year. The company has not yet revealed the India-spec powertrain details.
The global Carnival hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with an electric hybrid system. In its international specification, the setup produces 242 HP and 367 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
The India-spec version could differ in terms of specifications and equipment, with more details expected closer to its launch.