Hyundai Creta is one of the highest-selling SUVs, and the best-selling model by Hyundai in India. In its second-generation now, the South Korean auto giant has already started working on the third-gen Creta. It has also been spotted testing on foreign soil on a few occasions in the recent months.
Internally codenamed SX3, the third-gen Creta is expected to make its debut in early 2027. One of the key USPs of Creta has been the number of options available in terms of engine, transmission, and variants. It has now come to light that Hyundai will offer more powertrain options with the new-gen Creta.
3rd-gen Hyundai Creta hybrid strategy
According to Autocar India, Hyundai will offer the new Creta with as many as four engine options including two petrols, one diesel and a petrol-hybrid. For the first time, Creta will come with a hybrid engine option. Recently, Hyundai had opened up to the idea of incorporating hybrid powertrains into the lineup.
This move is part of Hyundai’s strategy to balance performance with fuel efficiency, especially with stricter CAFE 3 emission norms on the horizon. Hyundai is gearing up to expand its strong hybrid portfolio to bridge the gap between conventional ICE vehicles and fully electric models. As EV charging infrastructure remains limited in several parts of India, hybrids present a viable alternative.
Meanwhile, the Korean brand is concentrating on the Rs 15 lakh to 30 lakh SUV segment, aiming to deliver fuel-efficient, low-emission models for both domestic and international markets.
3rd-gen Hyundai Creta: Expected Powertrains
Hyundai will carry over the three engine options offered in the Creta currently. These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel unit, and a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol mill. All three power mills are expected to come with the same state of tune as their current respective versions.
The fourth engine to be added to the Creta lineup will be a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol hybrid motor. The same 1.5-litre petrol option with a strong hybrid powertrain will make its debut in the second-gen Kia Seltos which also is reportedly under development for a long time. Our guess is that Kia will launch the second-gen Seltos with the petrol hybrid powertrain in India sometime in 2026.