Hyundai and Kia have confirmed their plans to launch hybrid vehicles in India; however, the names and specific product details are yet to be revealed officially. The South Korean automakers are betting big on SUVs, and their upcoming hybrid models will also belong to this category. The highly popular Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos midsize SUVs will go hybrid with their generation upgrades in 2027. Following them will be three-row hybrid SUVs – codenamed Hyundai Ni1i and Kia MQ4i. Hyundai will also introduce its flagship Palisade SUV in 2028. Here’s a quick look at the key details of the upcoming Hyundai and Kia hybrid SUVs.
Upcoming Hyundai Hybrid SUVs
| New-Gen Hyundai Creta | 2027 |
| Hyundai Ni1i | 2027 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 2028 |
The third-generation Hyundai Creta will come with multiple engine options including petrol, diesel and hybrid. Hyundai might electrify its proven 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The same petrol-hybrid powertrain will be used in the upcoming Hyundai 7-seater SUV (Ni1i).
The Hyundai Palisade SUV might come with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain, promising a claimed range of 1,015km and a fuel efficiency of 14.1kmpl. The SUV will feature an optional AWD system along with three drive modes (Eco, Sport and My Drive) and three terrain modes (Mud, Snow and Sand).
Upcoming Kia Hybrid SUVs
| New-Gen Kia Seltos | 2027 |
| MQ4i | 2027 |
The new-generation Kia Seltos will come with significantly improved styling, an upmarket interior and a hybrid powertrain. It will also retain the existing engine setup. Similar to the new-gen Creta, the all-new Seltos is likely to use the 1.5L petrol-hybrid powertrain.
The upcoming Kia 7-seater hybrid SUV (MQ4i) will be based on the Kia Sorento, sharing its platform and features. However, its design is expected to be different. Measuring around 4.8 metres in length, the Kia MQ4i will be manufactured at Kia India’s Anantapur production facility.
