Hyundai & Kia Set to Shake Up India’s Hybrid SUV Market with Upcoming Creta and Seltos Alternatives

Now in India, the demand for not only electric vehicles but also hybrid vehicles is increasing rapidly. In view of this increasing demand, two big companies of South Korea – Hyundai and Kia – are preparing hybrid mid-size SUVs especially for India. Both these companies can launch their hybrid vehicles in the Indian market within the next two to three years.

Hyundai and Kia were already doing research in this segment. If reports are to be believed, both these companies can launch their first mid-size hybrid SUV in India by 2026 or 2027. They will compete directly with vehicles like Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which already have a strong hold in the hybrid segment.

Kia Seltos’ hybrid avatar first

Kia is expecting that the hybrid variant will come first in the new generation Seltos. This vehicle can be launched in the international market with a hybrid engine by the end of this year. However, initially only its petrol engine version will be brought to India, which may come in early 2026. Only after this will the Indian market get to see the hybrid version.

Hyundai’s preparations are slow but sure

Hyundai is also preparing a hybrid version of its popular SUV Creta. However, the company’s plan is going a little slower than Kia because it has already introduced the electric version of Creta. In such a situation, the company can introduce Creta Hybrid around 2027.

Engine and mileage information

Both Hyundai Creta Hybrid and Kia Seltos Hybrid can be given a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will work with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This hybrid system will power only the front wheels. The target mileage of both SUVs is expected to be around 26 kilometers per liter, which will make them very economical in their segment.

Big planning in the premium SUV segment too

Hyundai and Kia are not limited to the mid-size segment. Both companies are also working on new premium three-row SUVs in India, which have been internally codenamed ‘Ni1i’ (Hyundai) and ‘MQ4i’ (Kia). These vehicles can be launched in India by 2027 and the special thing will be that despite being based on a global platform, these vehicles will be completely manufactured in India.

According to a report by Autocar Professional, Hyundai’s ‘Ni1i’ SUV will be the company’s first hybrid SUV in India, while Kia’s MQ4i will also be made available with a hybrid engine.