During its 2025 Investor Day, Kia revealed the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain for the Seltos midsize SUV.
The South Korean automaker declared that the next-generation Kia Seltos small SUV will feature a hybrid option. The development is part of Kia’s strategy to roll out 10 hybrid models in showrooms by 2030. Meanwhile, Kia’s Australian arm has expressed strong interest in including the hybrid Seltos in its local lineup.
The next-generation Seltos will incorporate an electrified version of the existing 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. This electrified powertrain is also set to be used in Kia’s upcoming 3-row SUV, which is being developed for the Indian market.
“In response to changing customer preferences for low-carbon and fuel-efficient vehicles, we are expanding our hybrid lineup to meet the transitional demand from gasoline and diesel vehicle customers,” the company stated.
The current-generation Seltos, launched in Australia in 2019, received a facelift towards the end of 2022, with a brand-new model slated for release early next year. In India, Kia’s lineup consists mostly of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with electric vehicles (EVs) making up just 1%.
The second-generation Seltos will retain the 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, although the future of the 1.5-liter diesel engine remains uncertain due to stringent emission regulations. Kia plans to achieve 25% of its sales in India from hybrid vehicles and 18% from electric vehicles by 2030.
Apart from the new hybrid powertrain, the next-generation Seltos is scheduled to make its global debut later this year and is expected to arrive in the Indian market by next year. The company is now focused on expanding its EV portfolio, with the Carens EV expected to be introduced in the coming months and the Syros EV planned for 2026.
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