Kia is gearing up for a busy 2026 in India with a mix of refreshed bestsellers and all-new electric and premium SUVs. The highlight of the year will be the launch of the second-generation Seltos, followed by the brand’s compact electric SUV, the Syros EV, and the much-anticipated three-row Sorento. Here’s a detailed look at all the Kia models expected to launch in India in 2026, along with timelines, expected prices and key highlights.
2026 Kia Seltos (Second Generation)
Launch date: January 2, 2026
Expected price: Rs 12 lakh – Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom)
The all-new Kia Seltos will kick-start the brand’s 2026 product offensive. Unveiled in December, the second-generation model adopts a sharper and more upright design, featuring a bold front end with vertically stacked LED DRLs. The SUV is larger than before, which translates into improved interior space and a more commanding road presence.
Inside, the new Seltos gets a completely redesigned cabin with a strong focus on premium appeal. A wide panoramic display setup—similar to what’s seen on the Syros—dominates the dashboard, while material quality and overall fit and finish have been noticeably upgraded.
Under the hood, Kia is expected to retain the current set of engines:
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1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115hp)
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp)
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1.5-litre diesel (116hp)
Looking ahead, the naturally aspirated petrol engine is likely to receive hybrid assistance around 2027, positioning the Seltos against strong hybrid rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara.
2026 Kia Syros EV
Expected launch: Q2 2026
Expected price: Rs 15 lakh – Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kia will expand its electric portfolio in India with the launch of the Syros EV in 2026. Based on the K1 platform, the Syros EV will share its underpinnings with the globally sold Hyundai Inster EV. Battery options are expected to include 42kWh and 49kWh packs, offering WLTP-rated ranges of up to 300km and 355km, respectively.
Visually, the electric Syros is likely to retain the boxy silhouette of its ICE sibling but with EV-specific design elements such as a closed-off grille, unique alloy wheels and a front-mounted charging port. Spy images hint at subtle but distinct cues to differentiate it from the petrol version.
Inside, the cabin layout is expected to be largely unchanged, with minor updates to trims, colours and upholstery to give it a more EV-centric feel. Positioned as a practical and urban-focused electric SUV, the Syros EV will compete in the fast-growing midsize electric SUV segment.
2026 Kia Sorento
Expected launch: Second half of 2026
Expected price: Around Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom)
At the premium end of the spectrum, Kia is preparing to bring the Sorento to India. The company is exploring localisation strategies or a closely related SUV based on the same platform to make it more competitive against rivals like the Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner.
Globally, the Sorento showcases Kia’s latest design language with vertically oriented LED headlights and tail-lamps, a wide grille and a distinctive C-pillar design. The interior is tech-forward, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens housed in a curved display, along with a comprehensive safety package that includes Level 2 ADAS.
Measuring over 4.8 metres in length and riding on a 2,815mm wheelbase, the Sorento offers three rows of seating and generous cabin space. Internationally, it is available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid petrol engines, as well as a diesel option. However, for India, Kia is expected to opt for more familiar and cost-effective powertrains, possibly derived from the Seltos.
Kia’s India Strategy for 2026
With the new Seltos, an accessible electric SUV in the form of the Syros EV, and a premium three-row SUV like the Sorento, Kia’s 2026 lineup is set to cover a wide range of segments. This multi-pronged approach underlines the brand’s focus on strengthening its presence across mass-market, electric and premium SUV categories in India.
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