In the next 9 to 12 months, many well-known midsize SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Honda Elevate are expected to launch with strong hybrid engines.
Midsize SUVs are among the top-selling vehicles in the Indian car market. Many major car makers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, and Honda are active in this segment, offering models such as the Grand Vitara, Creta, Seltos, and Elevate, respectively. These well-known midsize SUVs are offered with petrol, diesel, and even CNG fuel options. Now, taking things a step further, these companies are preparing to launch strong hybrid variants of these models within the next 9 to 12 months. In this article, we’ll discuss the well-known midsize SUVs in India that are set to get hybrid engines.
1. New-Gen Kia Seltos
The South Korean car company is planning to introduce the new-generation Seltos in India during the first half of 2026. This model will mark the debut of the brand’s hybrid technology in India. Along with a fresh new look, the SUV will come equipped with a strong hybrid powertrain that pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine. It goes without saying that the hybrid versions will deliver better fuel efficiency compared to the petrol-only models. However, the hybrid technology might be available only on the top-end versions of the new-generation Seltos.
2. Honda Elevate
Honda Elevate made its debut in India in September 2023, coming solely with a 1.5L petrol engine. But now, it is heard that the Japanese carmaker is interested in widening the SUV range by adding strong hybrid versions. The Honda Elevate hybrid is expected to launch in the latter half of 2026, which is about a year from now. It might use the 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine from the City hybrid, featuring the Atkinson cycle hybrid technology. Still, we will have to wait a few months for the company to announce the official specifications.
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3. New-Gen Hyundai Creta
The new-generation Hyundai Creta is set to launch in India in 2027. It is expected to be the first Hyundai model in India to come equipped with strong hybrid technology. According to sources, the South Korean carmaker may discontinue the diesel engine for this SUV because meeting the strict BS7 emission standards would be very expensive to update the current engine. The Creta hybrid will feature a 1.5L petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
4. Mahindra XEV 9e Hybrid
Mahindra is preparing to launch a hybrid version of its all-electric XEV 9e in India, according to reports. It is said that the hybrid SUV will come with a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine combined with an electric motor. For your information, the engine and electric motor can operate together or separately as needed. The strong hybrid setup will help the SUV deliver good fuel efficiency.
The XEV 9e is built on Mahindra’s INGLO platform, and to fit the 1.2L range extender hybrid system, some adjustments will be made to the design and structure. The company will modify the architecture as needed to fit the setup. However, the exact launch date is not yet publicly known. We can expect the XEV 9e hybrid to arrive in the Indian market sometime in the second half of 2027.
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