TL;DR
India is set to see at least 8 new hybrid car launches in 2026, including the Renault Duster Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid, signaling a strong shift towards electrified powertrains.
The Indian automotive market is poised to welcome at least eight new hybrid car models in 2026, as manufacturers increasingly pivot towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to diesel engines. Among the highly anticipated launches are hybrid versions of the new Renault Duster and the Kia Sorento, marking a significant push into strong hybrid technology by these brands.
The all-new Renault Duster, recently revealed, is set to offer a strong hybrid option alongside its petrol engine lineup. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for hybrids in India. Kia, on the other hand, has been testing an all-new SUV, likely to be named Sorento, which will feature a petrol hybrid engine. This would mark Kia's entry into the strong hybrid segment in India, utilizing a new 1.5-litre engine paired with an electric motor and battery. The Sorento, a seven-seater SUV, is expected to launch later in 2026.
The hybrid engine destined for the Kia Sorento is also expected to be shared across a range of Kia and Hyundai models, including the next-generation Hyundai Creta. This cross-platform utilization is intended to enhance the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid system through economies of scale, making this advanced technology more accessible across various price segments in the Indian market. Other manufacturers like Honda are also planning updates to their existing hybrid offerings, such as a mild facelift for the Honda City Hybrid.
