Introduction

India’s seven-seater SUV segment is gearing up for a fresh entrant: the South Korean marque, Kia, has been spotted testing a 3-row hybrid SUV in India, believed to launch in 2026. times.motormitra.in This development marks Kia’s next push in the Indian premium SUV space—combining hybrid power, three-row practicality, and global SUV design. Auto.MotorMitra In this article, we explore what we currently know, what this model could be, and why it matters for the Indian market. motormitra.in

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The spotting & what the teasers show
What model could this be? (platform, naming)
Key expected features & specs (hybrid powertrain, size, tech)
When & how it may launch in India
Why this matters for Kia & Indian SUV buyers
Conclusion

New 7-Seater Kia Hybrid SUV Spotted in India for 2026 Launching

Also Read:- Kia India Posts Record October 2025 Sales – Sonet Leads, Carnival Falls

1. The spotting & what the teasers show

The upcoming Kia 7-seater hybrid was recently spotted undergoing tests in India. According to spec-car news site Rushlane, the heavily-camouflaged prototype is believed to be the India-spec version of the next-gen Kia Sorento, which globally offers hybrid power.
Notable details from these spy shots include:

A tall, upright three-row SUV silhouette suggesting genuine 7-seater dimensions.
Large alloy wheels (approx. 19″) and premium design accents pointing to a more up-market model. Auto.MotorMitra
Rotary-style gear selector glimpsed inside, hinting at the hybrid/plug-in variant rather than simple petrol.

These signs all point toward Kia positioning this model above their current mid-SUV offerings, targeting a premium family-SUV audience. motormitra.in

2. What model could this be? (platform, naming)

Model identity

Many reports cite this as the India-spec of the globally sold Kia Sorento (which already has hybrid/plug-in options).
Reuters-derived reporting mentions a new 7-seater hybrid SUV codenamed “MQ4i” for India under Kia’s roadmap. times.motormitra.in

Platform & manufacturing

The car is expected to share a large platform suitable for three rows, with a wheelbase around 2,800 mm and a length near 4.8 metres.
Indian manufacturing will likely be based at Kia’s facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. motormitra.in

Naming possibilities

While Kia hasn’t officially confirmed the name for India yet, possibilities include:

Retaining “Sorento” branding for premium appeal
A localised name variant given Indian naming preferences
Hybrid/HEV badge to emphasise electrified powertrain Auto.MotorMitra

Also Read:- All-New Kia Telluride Revealed With Big Changes Inside & Out | 2025

3. Key expected features & specs

Powertrain & efficiency

As a hybrid model (not fully electric), expect an electrified petrol engine—perhaps Kia’s 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated petrol with hybrid assistance for India.
Internationally, the Sorento hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbo + electric motor setup (in some markets), but India may get a tailored version.
Hybrid means better fuel efficiency, lower running costs, and possibly lower taxation (depending on Indian policy) compared to pure petrol/diesel. times.motormitra.in

Size & packaging

With three rows, this Kia SUV will offer family-friendly space, and its dimensions suggest a competitor in the premium mid/large-SUV segment.
Expect captain seats in the second row, multiple USB/Type-C ports, and premium cabin materials. motormitra.in

Features & tech

Dual large infotainment screens, digital instrument cluster, rotary gear selector (as seen in spy shots) indicate a premium cabin.
Safety & driver-assist: likely Level-2 ADAS suite (lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, automatic braking) given global trend and premium positioning. Auto.MotorMitra
Connectivity, OTA updates, high-quality upholstery, panoramic sunroof are expected.

Price & positioning (rumour)

Media speculation suggests an ex-showroom price in India around ₹35–45 lakh depending on variant/powertrain.
It will sit above the mainstream Kia SUVs (like Seltos, Carens) and target buyers looking for premium three-row hybrid family SUVs. motormitra.in

4. When & how it may launch in India

Launch timing is expected in 2026, as stated by multiple news sites.
Testing already underway in India — so a launch announcement may come toward the late 2025 or early 2026. times.motormitra.in
Booking likely via Kia’s official channel in India. The model will be built locally (Anantapur facility), which may help with competitive pricing.
Variant strategy: likely hybrid first, petrol/Diesel may follow depending on the market. Diesel’s future is uncertain given the global transition.

5. Why this matters for Kia & Indian SUV buyers

For Kia: A strong move into the premium family-SUV category, extending beyond 5-seat models into serious 7-seater territory. Bolsters Kia’s product breadth in India.
For Indian buyers:
- More choice in hybrid 7-seaters (not just ICE/diesel). Auto.MotorMitra
- Hybrid tech offers lower running cost + better efficiency — attractive as India shifts focus to electrification.
- Local manufacturing means competitive pricing and; stronger after-sales ecosystem.
For the broader market: This launch will ramp up competition in the 7-seater SUV space (currently dominated by diesel/petrol models). The hybrid factor adds a differentiator.

Also Read:- Kia ‘Plant Remote OTA’ Tech Updates Cars | Connected Car Update- 2025

Official Links

Know More: Kia Hybrid SUV

6. Conclusion

The sighting of a 7-seater hybrid SUV by Kia in India marks a significant development in the country’s SUV landscape. times.motormitra.in With the blend of hybrid powertrain, three-row practicality, premium features and local manufacturing, this upcoming model is poised to become a strong contender in the 2026 market. Auto.MotorMitra If you’re looking for a family SUV with future-proof tech and hybrid efficiency, this could be one of the most exciting launches to watch out for. motormitra.in

For more such updates and latest news on cars and bikes stay connected to motormitra.in
Thank you ..