Kia India has moved quickly since starting production in 2019. The South Korean automaker now sells the Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, EV6, and EV9 in the country. By November 2024 the company had exported more than 100,000 CKD kits from its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. Domestic sales reached 255,000 units in 2023 and 245,000 units in 2024. The next two years will see a wave of new models and updates that aim to strengthen Kia's position across SUV, MPV, and electric segments.
Seltos facelift arrives with SP3i update
The Seltos was Kia India's first product and remains a volume driver in the mid-size SUV segment. Wikipedia data shows the current model code moving to SP3i in 2026. This facelift brings updated styling, revised feature lists, and updated powertrain options to keep the Seltos competitive against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. The SP2i version was developed specifically for India, and the new SP3i iteration continues that local focus. A Times of India analysis from 2023 had predicted the facelift could become the best-selling mid-size SUV in India, and the 2026 update is designed to deliver on that potential.
Sorento enters as flagship hybrid SUV
Kia launched the Sorento on September 4, 2026 at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 27.99 lakh. It is the brand's first hybrid model in India and sits as the flagship SUV above the Seltos. The Sorento is locally assembled at the Anantapur plant as a CKD kit. It is offered in 32 variants across three broad trims: HTE, HTK, and HTX. Buyers can choose between a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 202 PS and 441 Nm with an 8-speed DCT, and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid producing 238 PS and 380 Nm with a 6-speed automatic. Both engines are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on higher variants. Seating configurations include six and seven seats.
The Sorento gets Level 2 ADAS on HTK(A) variants with 21 features including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. HTX(A) variants receive Level 2+ ADAS with additional functions such as evasive steering assist and navigation-based cruise control. Safety equipment includes up to 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear dashcams, and all-wheel disc brakes. The feature list covers dual 12.3-inch screens, a Bose 12-speaker system, digital IRVM, head-up display, ventilated seats in all three rows, a 220V power outlet, and remote smart parking assist. In its first full month on sale the Sorento recorded 1,739 wholesale units, signaling strong early demand.
Syros and Syros EV expand the compact SUV range
The Syros made its Indian debut in 2025 with the AY model code. An electric version, the Syros EV, is slated for 2026 on the same platform. These models sit below the Seltos in size and price, targeting the growing compact SUV space. The Syros EV will join the EV6 and EV9 in Kia's electric lineup, offering a more affordable entry point into the brand's EV portfolio.
Carens Clavis and Carens Clavis EV refresh the MPV line
The Carens received a facelift in 2025, sold as the Carens Clavis. This update brings revised exterior styling, updated interior themes, and additional features. An all-electric version, the Carens Clavis EV, is also scheduled for 2025 on the same KY platform. These moves keep the three-row MPV competitive against the Toyota Innova Hycross, Maruti Suzuki Invicto, and the upcoming Tata Safari EV.
EV6 facelift and Carnival updates continue
The EV6, introduced in 2022 as a fully imported model, receives a facelift in 2025. The Carnival moved to its fourth-generation KA4 version in 2024, which is now imported from South Korea after a period of local production. Both models cater to the premium end of the market and help maintain Kia's presence in the luxury EV and MPV segments.
Manufacturing expansion supports growth
Kia has confirmed a second plant investment that will raise total annual capacity to 6.3 lakh units at the Anantapur facility. This expansion creates room for the new models arriving through 2026 and beyond. Strong sales momentum was visible in August 2026 when Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly dispatches of 33,462 units, a year-on-year increase of 13.22 percent.
Kia India's product offensive covers every key segment. The Seltos facelift defends the mid-size SUV crown. The Sorento establishes a new flagship with hybrid technology and premium features. The Syros and Syros EV address the compact SUV and affordable EV spaces. The Carens Clavis and its electric twin refresh the three-row MPV lineup. Together with the EV6 facelift and continued Carnival imports, Kia is building a portfolio that spans petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains across SUVs and MPVs. Local assembly of the Sorento and the capacity expansion show long-term commitment to the Indian market.
FAQs
When was the Kia Sorento launched in India
The Kia Sorento was launched in India on September 4, 2026 with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 27.99 lakh.
What powertrain options does the Sorento offer
The Sorento is available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 202 PS and 441 Nm paired with an 8-speed DCT, and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid producing 238 PS and 380 Nm paired with a 6-speed automatic. Both engines can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on select variants.
Is the Sorento locally assembled in India
Yes, the Sorento is locally assembled at Kia's Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh as a CKD kit.
What are the key upcoming electric models from Kia India
The Syros EV is expected in 2026 and the Carens Clavis EV is scheduled for 2025. The EV6 facelift also arrives in 2025, while the EV9 continues as a fully imported model.
How has Kia India's sales performance been recently
In August 2026 Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales of 33,462 units. Domestic sales for the full year 2024 stood at 245,000 units following 255,000 units in 2023.
