Kia Hybrid Price Hike Pakistan Sportage Sorento 2026

Buying a hybrid car in Pakistan just got more expensive. Kia has increased the prices of its Sportage L and Sorento hybrid models by as much as Rs 1.2 million. The company says the rise comes from higher sales tax, not from any change in its own costs.

The reduced sales tax rates on hybrid vehicles ended on 30 June 2026. Before that date, hybrids up to 1800 cc paid 8.5% and larger ones paid 12.75%. After the concession expired, the normal rate of 25% applied. Several car makers paused invoices for a while while they waited for clear rules. Kia has now set new prices and added two fresh variants at the same time.

Exact New Prices

Here is the clear picture from Lucky Motor Corporation, the company that assembles and sells Kia cars in Pakistan.

Sportage L 1.6T FWD HEV moved from Rs 11.299 million to Rs 12.199 million. That is an increase of Rs 900,000.

Sportage L 1.6T AWD HEV is listed at Rs 13.299 million. This is a new all-wheel-drive option. Some earlier reports showed a previous figure near Rs 12.24 million, so the jump sits around Rs 1.059 million.

Sorento 1.6T FWD HEV rose from Rs 15.299 million to Rs 16.299 million, up by Rs 1 million.

Sorento 1.6T AWD HEV climbed from Rs 16.699 million to Rs 17.899 million. That is the biggest rise at Rs 1.2 million.

Sorento 1.6T AWD PHEV is a new plug-in hybrid model priced at Rs 18.999 million.

The regular Sorento 3.5-litre V6 petrol version stayed at Rs 13.649 million. Kia says it absorbed a large part of the extra tax on the hybrid range so the full burden did not fall on buyers.

Why the Tax Changed

The earlier lower rates were part of a temporary concession. When that period ended and no new auto policy had been notified, the standard 25% sales tax took effect automatically. This applies to most hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles valued above Rs 4 million or with engines over 1400 cc.

Other brands faced the same situation. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Chery and Suzuki also revised hybrid prices in the weeks before Kia’s announcement. Industry groups asked the government to bring the rate down to 18% or restore some relief, but so far the 25% figure remains in place.

New Variants Arrive with the Price List

Kia did more than raise existing prices. It introduced the facelifted Sportage L hybrid in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms. The facelift brings new exterior lights, a fresh front and rear look, revised alloy wheels and an updated black interior with heated and ventilated seats.

The Sorento range now includes a plug-in hybrid version for the first time. The PHEV can run longer on electric power alone before the petrol engine takes over. That option sits at the top of the price list at almost Rs 19 million.

Older Sportage L versions such as the Alpha and the previous FWD HEV have been discontinued. The 2.0-litre petrol Sportage is still available but only in limited stock.

What Buyers Need to Know

All the prices shown are ex-factory. Freight and insurance are extra. The company also made clear that any further government taxes or duties that appear before delivery will be paid by the customer.

Equal monthly instalment financing is no longer offered on bookings made after 15 August 2026. People who want easy monthly payments will need to check bank or dealer schemes separately.

For many families the extra Rs 900,000 to Rs 1.2 million is a real barrier. Hybrid cars were popular because they used less fuel and cost less to run every day. Higher purchase prices reduce that advantage, especially when bank interest rates are already high.

How This Fits the Wider Market

Hybrid sales had been growing fast because of high petrol prices and better fuel economy. The sudden tax jump slowed the market. Some assemblers stopped issuing invoices for weeks while they waited for policy clarity. Deliveries of hybrid models slowed across several brands.

Lucky Motor Corporation says it tried to limit the pain for customers by absorbing most of the extra tax. Still, the final numbers are higher than they were in June. The addition of AWD and PHEV options gives buyers more choice, but at a higher entry cost.

People who already booked before the price change should check their contracts. Most companies protect earlier bookings at the old rate if the deposit was paid on time. New buyers face the revised list.

Looking Ahead

The auto industry is still waiting for the full Auto Policy 2026-31. Early talk suggested the government might settle hybrid sales tax at 18%. Until that policy is notified and any new rates take effect, the 25% figure stays.

For now, anyone looking at a Kia Sportage L or Sorento hybrid needs to recalculate the total cost. The cars themselves have not changed in quality or features. The tax change simply made them more expensive to buy.

The Sportage L facelift and the new Sorento PHEV give Kia a stronger hybrid range on paper. Whether buyers will accept the higher prices depends on how long the 25% rate remains and how competing brands price their own hybrids in the coming weeks.

If you are in the market, visit a dealer for the exact on-road figure in your city. Prices can still shift if the government announces further tax changes before delivery. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com