Kia has confirmed plans to introduce hybrid versions of the Sonet and Carens Clavis in India by 2029, significantly expanding its electrified portfolio as the Korean carmaker looks beyond pure electric vehicles to cater to changing demand in one of its most important overseas markets. The announcement was made by Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song at the company's 2026 CEO Investor Day, where the automaker outlined its medium-term strategy for India and other major markets.
The company plans to extend hybrid electric vehicle technology to locally important models, including the Sonet, Carens and Seltos, from 2027 onwards. Kia will also introduce a locally developed B-segment electric SUV as part of the strategy, indicating that its India electrification push will increasingly span both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains rather than relying on a single technology.
Next-generation Sonet to get strong hybrid
The Sonet, currently Kia's most affordable offering in India, is expected to enter its second generation in 2027, with the hybrid version likely to follow in 2028 or 2029. Kia has been developing a strong-hybrid powertrain for the compact SUV, although the company has yet to reveal technical specifications, including engine displacement, electric motor output, battery capacity or expected fuel efficiency.
The addition of a hybrid option would mark a major change for the Sonet, which is currently offered with petrol and diesel engines. A strong-hybrid system would allow the vehicle to run on electric power for limited periods while automatically switching between or combining the combustion engine and electric motor depending on driving conditions, potentially delivering a substantial improvement in urban fuel economy.
Kia is also expected to use the next-generation Sonet to address some limitations of the current model, including rear-seat space, while introducing a newer platform capable of supporting additional connected and electronic features. The hybrid powertrain is likely to arrive after the conventional versions of the second-generation SUV are established in the market.
Carens Clavis hybrid due by 2029
The Carens Clavis is also set to receive a hybrid powertrain with its next-generation iteration by 2029. The MPV already has one of the broadest powertrain portfolios in Kia's Indian range, with naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engines alongside the all-electric Carens Clavis EV, and the addition of a strong hybrid would further widen the choices available to buyers.
The future Carens Clavis hybrid is expected to share its powertrain technology with the upcoming Seltos hybrid. The latter is due to arrive earlier, potentially in 2027, and is expected to use Kia's existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the combustion component of its strong-hybrid system. Final specifications have not yet been announced, and Kia could make changes before the system reaches production.
Sharing hybrid technology across models such as the Seltos and Carens Clavis would allow Kia to spread development costs across larger volumes while offering electrified powertrains in multiple segments. The approach could also help the company compete more aggressively with manufacturers that already offer strong hybrids in India.
Seltos to lead mass-market hybrid push
The Seltos is expected to become one of Kia's first locally relevant mass-market models to receive strong-hybrid technology. Kia's roadmap indicates that hybrid offerings across key models will begin expanding from 2027, with the Seltos expected to precede the Sonet and next-generation Carens Clavis.
The move reflects growing interest among Indian manufacturers in strong hybrids as an intermediate option between conventional internal-combustion vehicles and fully electric cars. Unlike mild-hybrid systems, strong hybrids can propel the vehicle using the electric motor alone under certain conditions and generally deliver more substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-start city traffic.
For Kia, the strategy provides another route towards reducing fleet emissions while allowing customers to avoid concerns associated with EV charging infrastructure and driving range. It could become particularly important in high-volume segments where buyers remain sensitive to both fuel economy and the initial purchase price.
Carnival hybrid coming sooner
Before the Sonet and Carens Clavis hybrids arrive, Kia is also preparing to launch the Carnival hybrid in India. The electrified premium MPV is expected to go on sale sometime in 2026, although the company has not yet confirmed its final India-specification powertrain or launch date.
Internationally, the Carnival Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 242hp and 367Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Whether Kia will introduce the global model in precisely the same specification in India remains to be seen.
The Carnival will sit at the premium end of Kia's hybrid portfolio, while the Seltos, Sonet and Carens Clavis will eventually bring the technology into significantly higher-volume segments.
New made-for-India electric SUV planned
Kia's electrification strategy will not be restricted to hybrids. The automaker has confirmed plans for a new B-segment electric SUV that will be developed locally, giving it another made-for-India EV alongside its existing electric products. Details about the vehicle remain limited, but its positioning suggests it could become a more accessible electric offering than Kia's premium global EVs.
By 2029, Kia is aiming to have eight electrified models in India as it builds a portfolio spanning strong hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. The strategy reflects the company's broader effort to increase its presence in the Indian market while adapting global electrification plans to local conditions, where petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles are likely to coexist for several years.
For buyers, the most significant development will be the arrival of hybrid technology in Kia's mainstream models. With the Seltos expected to begin the transition from 2027 and the Sonet and Carens Clavis following by 2029, Kia is preparing to make strong hybrids a central part of its Indian product strategy rather than restricting the technology to expensive or niche vehicles.