Chevrolet is adding a plug-in option to one of its most familiar nameplates. The 2026 Captiva Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will make its Middle East debut at the Kuwait Auto World Show from 22 to 27 September 2025. Chevrolet says the PHEV pairs electric-only driving for daily trips with a petrol engine for longer routes, positioning it for families who want lower fuel consumption without changing their habits.
What’s new: Captiva goes plug-in
Chevrolet’s pitch is simple: keep the Captiva’s family-first space and add charge-at-home flexibility. The Captiva PHEV blends an electric motor and a conventional engine so you can run primarily on electricity in town, then rely on petrol for the weekend road trip.
- Plug-in powertrain aimed at daily commutes and longer drives
- Familiar seven-seat practicality remains core to the nameplate’s appeal
- Electric running cuts fuel stops and tailpipe emissions on short journeys
The Captiva has long been one of Chevrolet’s more accessible SUVs in the region. Moving it to a PHEV track makes sense in the UAE, where many buyers want lower running costs and fewer fuel stops but still need range for Abu Dhabi–Dubai drives or desert weekends. The exact battery size, EV range, and charging times are not yet disclosed; we’ll update this information when Chevrolet confirms the specs.
Middle East debut: where and when
Chevrolet will show the Captiva PHEV publicly in Kuwait first, before wider GCC rollout information lands.
- Dates: 22–27 September 2025
- Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
- Venue: Kuwait Fair Ground
- Entry: Free
If you’re flying in from the UAE, the schedule gives enough time to catch a weekday viewing. Expect regional executives on the ground to frame how Captiva PHEV fits alongside Groove, Blazer and Traverse in showrooms. Official regional pages and dealers will handle exact on-sale timing for each market, including the UAE.
Why PHEV suits UAE drivers right now
Plug-in hybrids bridge today’s charging reality with tomorrow’s EV infrastructure. In the UAE, daily distances are short and home charging is growing, but many buyers still want the safety net of petrol.
- Charge at home or office for weekday errands
- Use petrol for longer desert drives or cross-emirate trips
- Cut fuel spend and avoid range anxiety
Our guide to hybrid vs electric in the UAE backs this up: PHEVs offer electric miles for city life with petrol as backup, which fits Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s use patterns well.
Where Captiva PHEV could sit in Chevrolet’s regional line-up
Chevrolet’s Middle East portfolio spans everything from compact crossovers to full-size SUVs and performance models. Captiva PHEV would add an electrified family option below the likes of Tahoe and Suburban and alongside Groove and Traverse.
- Targets value-minded families who want fewer fuel stops
- Familiar nameplate lowers the learning curve for first-time electrified buyers
- Complements Chevrolet’s broader momentum in the region
We’ve seen the brand’s footprint intensify lately, from headline sports-car sales to mainstream model refreshes. For readers tracking the wider picture, our recent coverage on Corvette’s recent Middle East sales record and GM truck demand in the GCC shows demand still has range at both ends of the showroom.
Charging, range and UAE readiness: what to expect
Key specs aren’t published yet, so keep expectations grounded until official numbers drop. In the meantime, fast-charging access is improving across the UAE, which helps PHEV owners top up quickly when needed.
- Dubai plans 200 ultra-fast DC chargers by 2026, with the first sites live from October 2025
- Private networks are adding 15–20 minute high-power sessions for many EVs today
- Home and workplace charging still cover most PHEV use cases
See Dubai’s 200 ultra-fast EV chargers plan and ForEVo’s UAE charging rollout for the latest infrastructure outlook. You can also compare with other new PHEVs in the UAE, and check out Chevrolet’s EV options in the UAE like the Spark EUV if you’re curious how the Captiva PHEV will sit in the wider line-up.
When and where is the Captiva PHEV debut in our region?
Kuwait Auto World Show, 22–27 September 2025, 10 AM–10 PM, Kuwait Fair Ground. Entry is free.
Is UAE pricing or range confirmed?
Not yet. Chevrolet has not shared specs or pricing for our market. Keep an eye on chevroletarabia.com or contact UAE dealers for updates.
How does a PHEV help in the UAE compared to a regular hybrid or a full EV?
You can do most city trips on electricity if you charge at home, then rely on petrol for longer routes. It’s a practical step while public fast charging continues to expand. For a plain-English breakdown, read our Hybrid vs Electric in the UAE guide.
