Kia Plans 8 Electrified Models in India by 2030 Including Sorento Hybrid and Syros EV

Kia announced at its 2026 CEO Investor Day that it will expand its India lineup to 10 models by 2030. Eight of these models will be electrified, including the Syros EV, Sorento hybrid, and Carnival hybrid. Kia also aims to increase its dealer network to 800 locations across India.

Key Highlights

• Kia to launch 8 electrified models in India by 2030
• Sorento hybrid SUV to be positioned above the Seltos
• Syros EV expected to be Kia's most affordable electric vehicle
• Carnival hybrid may use 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system
• Kia targets 4.1 lakh annual sales and 7.6 percent market share by 2030

Electrified Models and Market Strategy

The upcoming Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos as a three-row SUV. It will compete with models like the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Kia has previously worked on a three-row SUV codenamed MQ4i, which features a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine. This SUV will share its underpinnings with the global Sorento. The final name and design for the India version have not been confirmed.

The global-spec Sorento measures about 4.8 metres in length and has a wheelbase of around 2.8 metres. Kia plans to produce about 50,000 units of this SUV annually for both domestic and export markets. Hyundai, Kia's sister company, is also developing a similar three-row SUV with shared underpinnings. The Sorento hybrid is expected to be priced around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

Carnival Hybrid and Syros EV Details

The current Carnival MPV has been on sale in India since 2024 with a diesel engine. The Carnival hybrid, which is available in the US, uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a parallel hybrid system. This setup delivers 272hp and 367Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Kia has not confirmed if the same configuration will be available in India.

Kia will also launch the Syros EV, expected later this year. The Syros EV will be positioned below the Carens Clavis EV, making it the most affordable EV in Kia’s lineup. Test mules have been seen on Indian roads, and the design will resemble the ICE-powered Syros but with EV-specific changes. The Syros EV will use the K1 platform, which it shares with the Hyundai Inster EV.

Powertrain details for the Syros EV are not confirmed. For reference, the Inster EV offers 42kWh and 49kWh battery options, with a claimed range of up to 369km. The Syros EV is expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. It will compete with the Tata Nexon EV and MG Windor.

Production and Sales Targets

Kia will localise production for these new models. The company targets annual sales of 4.1 lakh units in India by 2030 and aims for a 7.6 percent market share.