A VICTORIS RIVAL PLUS A SELTOS-SORENTO FIGHTER!
Kia India is all set to witness the arrival of two new indigenous SUVs by the end of the decade. The South Korean automaker is targeting to have a B-segment and a C-segment SUVs on board to complement the existing Sonet, Seltos, and Sorento offerings, which in turn would help Kia to achieve its target of 10 models and 4.1 lakh units sales with 7.6 percent market share by 2030.
Currently, Kia sells 8 passenger cars in India including the Sonet, Syros, Carens, Seltos, Carnival, EV6, EV9, and the recently launched Sorento. The upcoming two models are expected to be volume sellers for Kia India, especially when the automaker is targeting to set up a new production line at its Anantapur plant.
1. Kia’s New B-Segment SUV To Take On Maruti Victoris
The first ever B-segment SUV from Kia is expected to be launched in 2028. It is believed to be bigger than the existing Sonet but smaller than the Seltos. The new Kia SUV is said to take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Hyundai Creta, and the upcoming second-generation Hyundai Bayon which is set to debut in India by the end of this month.
The new Kia SUV is expected to be around 4.2 meters long, which makes it bigger than the Hyundai Venue but smaller than the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and other B-segment SUVs.
Highlights:
• Around 4.2 meters in length
• Bigger than the Sonet but smaller than the Seltos
• Expected to share the platform of the second-generation Hyundai Bayon
• Petrol, CNG, and hybrid powertrains on offer
• Factory-fitted CNG kit availability
• Expected launch year – 2028
The highlight of this upcoming Kia model is that it is set to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit, which in turn would make it one of the first Kia cars in India to offer such an option, and at the same time, it would assure buyers of its warranty and safety.
The new B-segment Kia SUV is said to be powered by a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine and also be available with a CNG and hybrid option, thus targeting a wide buyer group.
2. Kia’s New C-Segment SUV Set To Arrive In 2028 Or 2029
The second model from Kia is expected to be a C-segment SUV, and it is said to be bigger than the Seltos but smaller than the Sorento. This model is still in the conceptual stage and is yet to get official approval, but it is believed that the automaker is targeting to make it India’s new premium family SUV.
It is believed that this new Kia C-segment SUV could share its platform with Hyundai’s upcoming MPV or off-road SUV, which was revealed in October 2025. Therefore, the new Kia model is also expected to offer a bigger family-friendly cabin with a higher seating position and a variety of powertrains on offer.
Highlights:
• Bigger than the Seltos but smaller than the Sorento
• Expected to be a premium family SUV
• Could share the platform of Hyundai’s upcoming MPV or off-road SUV
• Multiple engine options on offer
• Expected launch year – 2028 or 2029
The upcoming C-segment Kia SUV is expected to compete with the likes of Toyota’s Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and other premium seven-seater SUVs depending on its size and features on offer. However, it is also likely that Kia would position its new C-segment SUV as a family-friendly premium SUV instead of directly taking on the Toyota Fortuner.
Why These Launches Matter
Although Kia offers a wide range of cars in India, there are certain segments where the automaker’s presence is limited including the entry-level segment, where Maruti Suzuki dominates, and the premium segment, where luxury car makers rule the roost. However, with the introduction of the new B-segment and C-segment SUVs, Kia is targeting to capture a significant share of these segments.
Expected Kia Cars In India By 2030
Sonet Syros New B-segment SUV Seltos New C-segment SUV Carens Sorento Carnival EV6 EV9
Manufacturing And Sales Target For Kia In India
Although Kia has big plans for India, it needs to localize its production in order to meet the demand, as well as cut down on import duties. Therefore, the company is targeting to chalk out a new production strategy and set up a new assembly line at its Anantapur plant in order to meet the demand of its 4.1 lakh unit sales target by 2030.
Expected Rivals For The New Kia SUVs In India
The new B-segment Kia SUV is likely to take on the likes of:
Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos Honda Elevate Skoda Kushaq Volkswagen Taigun
While the C-segment Kia SUV is likely to compete with:
Toyota Fortuner MG Gloster Skoda Kodiaq Jeep Meridian Hyundai’s upcoming premium SUV
Should You Wait?
Well, if you are eyeing to buy a new car in the Rs 12-lakh to 18-lakh segment, then you should wait for the new B-segment Kia SUV, which is set to launch by 2028. Considering its size and feature-on offer, it is likely to be one of the best budget-friendly SUVs in India. Therefore, the petrol, CNG, and hybrid engine options along with the availability of the factory-fitted CNG kit would surely entice buyers.
On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a bigger and better family SUV, then you should wait for the new C-segment Kia SUV, which is said to offer multiple engine options and a bigger family-friendly cabin.
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