Hyundai has already confirmed that it will strengthen its focus on electrification, particularly on hybrids in the coming years. The Korean carmaker plans to launch eight hybrid models in the country by the end of this decade. This is, by far, its strongest push into electrified mobility. This move will help Hyundai to stay competitive as emission and fuel efficiency norms tighten in India. It is too early to decode the finer details of these upcoming models, but here is everything that we know so far, along with some logical speculations.
Inside Hyundai’s Hybrid Strategy
Hyundai plans to commence 26 launches by 2030. Eight out of these will be hybrids- roughly 16 percent of its portfolio. The carmaker also intends to have a 52 percent “eco-friendly” product mix by 2030, and hybrids will contribute significantly to this vision.
The CAFE 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms, set to kick in on April 1, 2027, will have a credit system in which every EV, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicle will be granted a multiplier of up to 3. Under the latest revision, strong hybrids will get ‘super credits’ in the range of 1.6- 2.0. Taking the hybrid route will ensure that Hyundai meets these norms effectively.
Upcoming Hyundai Hybrids: What Could They Be?
Hyundai is known to be developing a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that will be hybrid-ready. When introduced on production models, this is likely to become the most affordable hybrid powertrain from the Korean manufacturer. From what we understand, the hybrid version of this engine will be used in multiple models.
Hyundai Bayon
Hyundai will introduce the second-generation Bayon crossover in India in the coming years. It has already been spied testing in Korea, and is expected to get SUV-like styling. Like most other Hyundais sold here, the Bayon will have a tech-laden cabin. It is expected to share many of its components and features with the upcoming i20. More importantly, the new 1.2 engine will be on offer on the new Bayon, most likely its hybrid form. The exact power and torque figures of this engine remain unclear, although speculations point to 160hp. In India, the Bayon is likely to become the first Hyundai to use the new 1.2L hybrid engine.
Hybrid Versions Of New i20 and Venue
Later in time, this hybrid powertrain is also expected to make its way into the next-generation i20 and the new Venue. The next-generation i20 is expected to launch in the coming years, and will come with major visual upgrades, feature additions and powertrain updates.
The Venue, which is currently in great demand in the sub-compact SUV space, will also get the new hybrid engine sometime in the future.
Next-Generation Creta And Alcazar
Hyundai will launch the next-generation Creta in India in late 2026 or early 2027. It will get a strong hybrid powertrain, in addition to the three engine options offered by the current model- 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 direct injection turbo-petrol and 1.5 diesel. It will be underpinned by the third-generation K3 platform and will be larger and more advanced than the outgoing model.
The next-generation Creta is expected to get a new strong hybrid powertrain that will have a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine at its heart. It will be paired with an electric motor and a battery pack. This setup will be used in a wide range strong hybrid Hyundais. Later in time, the Alcazar, which is essentially a seven-seater based on the Creta may also get this engine.
Hyundai Ni1i SUV
The carmaker is also developing a three-row mid-size SUV that will compete against the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari when launched. Internally codenamed Ni1i, it will be positioned above the Alcazar as a possible replacement to the Tucson.
It will also offer a strong hybrid petrol engine and will likely enter production in late 2026 or early 2027. It will use the same 1.5L strong hybrid setup mentioned above. Hyundai will manufacture the Ni1i SUV at its Talegaon factory.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai also has plans to launch the Palisade in India, as its flagship here. When out, it will compete with the Toyota Fortuner and become the carmaker’s halo product. This full-size SUV will come with a 329 hp, 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid setup. It pairs the combustion engine with two electric motors and a battery pack. This SUV will have a combined driving range of 1000 km per tank of fuel.
In addition to these, Hyundai may launch even more hybrid products, the details of which remain unavailable at the time of writing.
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