5 Mid-Size Hyundai And Kia Hybrid SUVs Launching Soon
A lot has lately been happening in the mid-size SUV space. In the coming months, this segment will see the influx of a bunch of strong hybrid models. Here are five such products expected from Hyundai and Kia.
Kia launched the second-generation Seltos in India in January this year. At launch, it had the same set of engines as the model it replaced- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbo-petrol and 1.5 diesel. Next year, the manufacturer is expected to add a new strong hybrid setup to the lineup.
The new setup will have a 1.5-litre petrol engine at its centre. It will be paired with an electric motor and a battery pack. The actual power and torque figures of this setup aren’t known yet. It is likely to make around 155hp and 250Nm in most models listed here. More details will only surface closer to launch.
This powertrain will have a strong focus on fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The Seltos hybrid will likely stand close to the non-hybrid version with its features, styling and packaging.
Kia has been seen testing the Sorento hybrid SUV in India, hinting at a possible India launch sometime soon. It will likely be positioned as a rival to the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. This three-row SUV is expected to be slightly different from the version sold abroad. Powering it will be the same 1.5L strong hybrid petrol powertrain mentioned above. The Sorento is expected to be the first model to get this powertrain.
In international markets, the SUV is available with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine. This, however, is unlikely to be brought to India.
Even today, the Creta has a clear dominance in the mid-size SUV segment. The current generation has, however, started to show its age, and Hyundai is already known to be working on its successor. The next-generation Creta will move to the third-generation K3 platform and will offer the choice of a strong hybrid petrol powertrain, alongside the non-hybrid engines available on the current model.
Image source: Shorts car
The upcoming Creta will also see a complete design overhaul. The overall styling will be brought in line with Hyundai’s new-age SUV design direction. The cabin colour schemes will also be updated, and material and trim qualities will improve. Additionally, the feature list will also be revised. Even the outgoing Creta is tech-heavy. The new model will have a longer feature list. The launch is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Alcazar is a seven-seater based on the Creta platform. The two even share their engine options. So, after the next-generation Creta hybrid launches here, we can expect the hybrid powertrain to make its way to the Alcazar too.
The outgoing model is available with 1.5 TGDI turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5 U2 diesel engine. The introduction of a strong hybrid powertrain will bring about significant improvement in fuel efficiency. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 20 lakh - 24 lakh bracket.
Hyundai is also known to be working on a three-row SUV that will sit above the Alcazar in its portfolio. Currently codenamed ‘Ni1i’, this will essentially be the Tucson replacement. It it believed to be around 4.68 metres in length. Both six and seven seater configurations are likely to be offered.
When launched, the production SUV will compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and the upcoming Kia Sorento. The Ni1i SUV will also use the 1.5l strong hybrid petrol powertrain.