7 Hybrid SUVs Launching In 2026: Kia Sorento To Jetour T2
A fresh wave of hybrid SUVs is waiting to enter the Indian market. Several automakers are expected to launch strong and plug-in hybrid SUVs in India this year. Here are 7 launches to watch out for in 2026.
Honda first showcased the ZR-V in India, in May. It is expected to announce the ex-showroom price of the hybrid SUV by the end of this year. The ZR-V is powered by a 2.0L strong hybrid e:HEV petrol engine making around 182hp and 315Nm, paired with an e-CVT transmission. The ZR-V will be brought as completely built unit (CBU) imports and will most likely have a premium pricing here. It will compete with models like the Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, and Skoda Kodiaq.
BYD has announced that it will soon bring its DM-i plug-in hybrid technology to the Indian shores. It hasn’t, however, specified which model would get it first. The Sealion 6 SUV remains the strongest possibility. It will be launched by the end of 2026.
This tech-heavy premium SUV will be powered by a plug-in hybrid setup consisting of a 1.5-litre petrol engine (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged options likely) paired with a battery pack (18.3 kWh and 26.6 kWh likely). The setup will be able to make up to 342 hp and (the larger battery version) will have a combined driving range of 1200 km.
JSW’s first car will be a rebranded version of the Jetour T2 sold overseas. Though several powertrains are available on the SUV abroad, just the plug-in hybrid (i-DM) variant would be brought to India. Likely to be priced in the ballpark of Rs 40 lakh, this SUV will compete primarily with the Fortuner.
The powertrain will consist of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to two electric motors and a 26.7 kWh LFP battery. It will be paired with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. The total output will stand at 221hp and 390Nm. The setup is expected to return an EV-only range of 139km.
MG will launch a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV around the festive season this year. It will be based on the Starlight 560. The project is internally called 520. This SUV will be powered by plug-in hybrid setup comprising a 1.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. It will have a combined output of 197hp and will deliver a pure-electric range of around 100 km. The combined driving range will be over 1100 km.
Spy sightings suggest that the Indian version will stand close to the international model with its design and will have a feature-rich, comfortable cabin.
Kia is expected to launch the Sorento SUV in India in late 2026- sometime between August and October. It will have a premium positioning in the market, and will compete with the likes of Skoda Kodiaq. Design is expected to stay close to the global Sorento. It will also come with a comfortable cabin and a long list of features.
The biggest attraction will be its strong hybrid powertrain. The Sorento already has a 1.6L strong hybrid powertrain on offer, overseas. The India-spec will, however, feature a newly-developed 1.5L strong hybrid setup. It will have a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine at its centre. The power and torque of this setup aren’t known yet.
The new Renault Duster will get a strong hybrid powertrain around the festive season. It will use a 1.8L strong hybrid setup sourced from Horse Powertrains. This will pair a 1.8L naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4KWh battery pack. One of these motors will work as a generator while the other will provide drive. The combined output is expected to be around 160hp. The hybrid version will have the same design and equipment array as the non-hybrid.
The Nissan version of the new Duster, Tekton, will debut on July 9th. The exterior and interior designs will align with Nissan’s global design direction. It will be based on the same RGMP platform and will use the same sets of engines, including the 1.8L strong hybrid. In this case, the hybrid is likely to be offered from day one. We are yet to receive an official confirmation on the same.