All New Kia Seltos To Go Hybrid: What It Could Look Like

The Seltos has been a highly successful model for Kia in India and other global markets. Even in the US, its popularity is soaring. The Seltos made its premiere in 2019, and got a notable mid-life facelift in 2022. It has lately been outselling multiple popular Kia models in many markets. Kia is already developing a second-generation Seltos and reports from South Korea have confirmed that the new SUV will get a hybrid petrol engine. Here is everything we know about what could become the most affordable KIA hybrid and what it could possibly look like…

In November last year, a Korean publication claimed that the Seltos would have a hybrid variant as well. The ‘hybrid plans’ reportedly got green-lit at the Kia Labor-Management Employment Stability Committee and these vehicles would be produced at the carmaker’s Autoland Gwangju factory initially. The publication, however, did not clarify if it would be the current gen or the next generation that would be electrified.

At the 2024 Kia CEO Investor Day that was held on April 5, 2024, a few key announcements were made by the top-level management. President and CEO, Ho Sung Song confirmed the brand is working on a next-gen hybrid powertrain. He, however, did not say which model (s) these will find places on. But, going by its acceptance, it makes sense to suspect the Seltos to get it before anyone else.

Details of the new hybrid powertrain are sparse at the moment. It will be safe to expect the hybrid setup to be based on a new 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine. Kia hopes it to deliver a better balance of power, efficiency, and cost, compared to its existing hybrids. For the uninformed, in many global markets, the Sportage and Carnival offer hybrid powertrains based on a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine. Song claims that the new engine will offer sizeable improvements in power and torque.

This is all we know about the hybrid Seltos. Not even a single test mule has yet been spied on test. This suggests that the project could still be in its developing phase and the market launch could be distant. Some reports say that the production of this vehicle could start in 2025, without any official confirmation/clue from the manufacturer.

Second Generation Kia Seltos Hybrid Rendered

While it is still early to see the final form of the Gen 2 Seltos, Topelectricsuv has made some renders that look catchy and realistic. The production form will likely have better proportions, improved stance and a more upscale design than the outgoing Seltos.

In these renders, clear design inspirations seem to have been taken from contemporary Kia SUVs like the EV9, EV5, and the new Sorento. The render gets vertical grille slots, a lower bumper with a skid plate, a floating roof, flush door handles, and an expansive greenhouse.

In keeping with the Korean carmaker’s recent design practices, the second-generation Seltos could come with the iconic Star Map lighting.

The generational update is also expected to bring changes to the interior design and layout of the Seltos. The revised equipment array could feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, Digital Key, and a premium audio system. The SUV could come with a column-mounted gear selector. This will free up room inside, and reduce clutter.

Will It Come To India?

The Seltos has been hugely successful in the Indian market. It has, in fact, established Kia as a brand here. Thus there is no reason Kia should pull back from bringing the hybrid Seltos to our shores. Plus, the Indian automotive landscape is making a slow transition to hybrids. EV sales have slowed down recently and multiple manufacturers have announced their plans to take the hybrid route, and bring in tech like series hybrids. Thus there is no reason that Kia would shut their eyes to this booming opportunity. Most likely, the Seltos hybrid could launch in India by end 2025 or early 2026.