Kia Seltos Hybrid Confirmed for 2026: Promises Over 30 km/l, Diesel Variant May Be Discontinued
Since its launch in 2019, the Kia Seltos has emerged as a top contender in India’s compact SUV segment, rivalling the Hyundai Creta. A
Mumbai, April 15 – In a bold stride toward sustainability and innovation, Kia Motors has officially confirmed the launch of a hybrid version of the Seltos SUV, set to debut globally later this year and arrive in the Indian market by 2026. The new-generation Kia Seltos Hybrid is expected to deliver fuel efficiency exceeding 30 km/l, signaling a major shift in the brand’s powertrain strategy.
Since its launch in 2019, the Kia Seltos has emerged as a top contender in India’s compact SUV segment, rivalling the Hyundai Creta. After receiving a comprehensive update in 2023, the Seltos has remained a customer favorite. Now, Kia is preparing to elevate the Seltos to the next level with a strong hybrid powertrain, aligned with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Powertrain Shift: Diesel Out, Hybrid In?
At Kia’s Investor Day event, the automaker outlined its future roadmap, which includes a strong hybrid version of the Seltos as part of its global electrification strategy. While early speculations pointed to the inclusion of Hyundai’s 1.6L hybrid engine (seen in the Kona), recent reports suggest that Kia may instead pair the hybrid system with the Seltos’ existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
This combination is expected to not only boost performance but also significantly improve fuel efficiency, particularly in urban driving conditions thanks to electric motor assistance. Fuel mileage figures for the hybrid Seltos could cross the 30 km/l mark, a major jump from its petrol counterpart and potentially on par with or better than diesel efficiency—all while reducing emissions.
As hybrid technology gains ground, industry insiders believe the diesel variant of the Seltos—currently the priciest offering in the lineup—may be phased out. The hybrid Seltos is likely to deliver similar, if not better, mileage figures than the 1.5L CRDi diesel, possibly at a lower overall ownership cost.
Performance & Powertrain Lineup
In addition to the hybrid unit, the new-gen Seltos is expected to retain the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol TGDi engine, which offers 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. This ensures that performance-seeking buyers will still have a punchy petrol option, even as the hybrid caters to those prioritizing economy and lower emissions.
Kia’s Push Toward Green Tech
The upcoming hybrid Seltos is part of Kia’s larger push to introduce more electrified vehicles across key global markets, including India. The automaker has previously launched mild hybrid and strong hybrid powertrains in other models like the Niro and Sorento, and the move to introduce hybrid tech in one of its best-selling models underscores its commitment to future-ready mobility.
With a launch expected in 2026, the Kia Seltos Hybrid could redefine value in the compact SUV segment by delivering diesel-like fuel economy, petrol-like refinement, and lower running costs, all bundled into a popular and stylish package.
GROUP 1
Listen Live
Visit Aha FM
