By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
2026 Kia Seltos Gets EV5-Like Rear, AWD and Independent Suspension
New-gen Kia Seltos likely debut in January 2026 It will come with a hybrid powertrain and e-AWD setup The SUV's rear design is inspired by the Kia EV5
The long-awaited new-gen Kia Seltos has been caught testing again in Korea, revealing some interesting details. The latest spy images reveal its rear design, which is clearly inspired by the Kia EV5 electric SUV. Adding to it, the spotted model has a hybrid powertrain and AWD system.
What’s interesting is that the 2026 Kia Seltos AWD version will come with rear independent suspension, which should improve its ride and handling dynamics. This version is most likely to be reserved for select international markets, including Europe and America. It is too early to comment on whether the Seltos AWD will arrive in our market or not.
2026 Kia Seltos - AWD and Independent Suspension
The outgoing Seltos is a front-wheel-drive model, which comes with torsion beam rear suspension set-up. However, the 2026 Kia Seltos will have a multi-link rear suspension setup. It is also confirmed that the SUV will have an all-wheel-drive (AWD) set-up.
The AWD set-up is most likely to be offered with the hybrid version of the Seltos. The Korean media report that the mass production of the Seltos hybrid will commence in August 2026 at Kia Autoland Gwangju Factory. Internally called the SP3, the new-gen Kia Seltos is reportedly to feature a 141hp, 1.6-litre hybrid system that also powers the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Kia Niro. It is likely to get a dedicated electronic all-time four-wheel (E-AWD) system, which will target the European and the American market.
New Seltos hybrid for India
The next-gen Seltos for India will also receive a strong hybrid engine, which is likely to be based on a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The hybrid engine is likely to comprise a 1.5L petrol engine, a small battery pack and an electric motor. This system will also be offered on future Kia cars in India, including a new 7-seater SUV, which is currently under development. Kia officials confirm that the next Seltos hybrid for India will launch in 2027.
Kia EV5-like Rear Design
The spy images also confirm that the new Kia Seltos rear design is heavily inspired by the global Kia EV5 electric SUV. It gets the EV5-like inverted L-shaped tail-lamps, which are connected via a thin LED light bar. The number plate is now placed on the lower bumper instead of the tailgate. It has a new tailgate design and a more pronounced lower bumper that has silver skid plate and twin-exhaust pipes.
The previous spy images reveal that the 2026 Kia Seltos will grow in size and will have a more boxier design. It has an upright front fascia, featuring a wider grille, newly styled LED headlamps and a pronounced lower bumper that houses an expansive air intake. The SUV has a flatter roof and striking fenders, which are complemented by a flat roof and large greenhouse.
Also See - New-gen Hyundai Venue and Bayon Launch Timeline and Top Details
About Author
Amit Sharma
Sub-Editor
Amit is responsible for the content creation on the Carlelo website with an objective to serve the online visitors to the best of his abilities. He has a vast experience of over 12 years in motoring journalism and has worked with multiple automotive brands including CarDekho, IndiaCarNews and Zee Network (India.com Auto)
Education: B-Tech in Information Technology (Rajasthan Technical University)
Expertise: Car Reviews, Live Coverage, Automobile News Writing, Industry-Driven Automotive Blogs, Content Strategy, On-Page SEO, and Keyword Research.
Achievements: His SEO-driven content strategy has significantly boosted organic traffic to our automotive news and blogs, consistently landing stories in Google’s Top Stories, enhancing Discover Traffic, and optimising for AI overviews.
Social Media & Email
Linkedin | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram
Email - amitsharma294@gmail.com
Location - New Delhi
ADVERTISEMENT
Explore Similar Cars
Top Car Brands in India
Trending Car News in India
Kia Confirms 8 Electrified Models, including 5 Hybrids for India
Kia will launch 5 hybrid electric vehicles, including the Sorento HEV, Carnival HEV, Seltos HEV, Sonet HEV and Carens Clavis HEV by 2028-29.
Chhavi
Read More
Volkswagen to Soon Launch 2 Mass-Market Cars in India
Volkswagen to launch Virtus facelift by festive season around Diwali, new compact SUV confirmed to be introduced in early 2027.
Chhavi
Read More
New Genesis GV90 Unveiled - Flagship Electric SUV Could Arrive in India in 2028
New Genesis GV90 flagship electric SUV unveiled with 657hp, 123.5kWh battery and futuristic features. India launch could happen around 2028.
Konica Singh
Read More
BMW i5 Long Wheelbase Revealed: Bookings Open
BMW India has revealed the soon-to-be-launched i5 Long Wheelbase, official bookings open. 669 Km range and 0-100kmph in just 6.7 seconds.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Tata Motors Announces Price Hike of Up to Rs 25,000; Joins Maruti and Hyundai
Tata Motors has announced that it will increase prices across its portfolio, covering both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles, by up to 25000.
Amit Sharma
Read More
New BMW X1 LWB Launched in India
New BMW X1 LWB launched in India at Rs 49.90 lakh with a longer wheelbase, more rear seat space, premium features and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
Konica Singh
Read More
2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift – New Engine, ADAS and CNG Automatic
2026 Maruti Baleno facelift will get Swift’s Z-Series engine, CNG automatic option, ADAS features and new updates ahead of launch.
Konica Singh
Read More
Latest Kia Car News and Updates
Kia Confirms 8 Electrified Models, including 5 Hybrids for India
Kia will launch 5 hybrid electric vehicles, including the Sorento HEV, Carnival HEV, Seltos HEV, Sonet HEV and Carens Clavis HEV by 2028-29.
Chhavi
Read More
Kia Sorento Set for Aggressive Price Tag in India; Here’s Why?
By manufacturing the Kia Sorento locally, Kia is set to disrupt the premium 7-seater space with a high-value, feature-rich offering.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia Sorento India Launch on September 4 – Hybrid AWD, Diesel and AI Assistant
Kia Sorento will launch in India on September 4 with hybrid AWD and diesel options, local production, three-row seating and a new AI Assistant.
Konica Singh
Read More
New Kia B-segment Electric SUV Confirmed - e Vitara Rival
The upcoming Kia B-segment electric SUV will be developed and made locally, and is scheduled to be launched by 2029. To be positioned between Sonet and Seltos.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia India Confirms Sonet, Clavis and Seltos Hybrids - Launch Timeline Out
The next-generation Kia Sonet and Carens Clavis along with the new Seltos will also receive a strong hybrid engine in the Indian market by 2029.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia India Confirms 5 Hybrid Cars: 2 Launching Within Weeks
Kia has confirmed that it will launch 5 hybrid vehicles in the Indian market - Sorento and Carnival HEVs launch in 2026, Sonet and Clavis Hybrid Confirmed
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia Sorento Diesel, Hybrid and AWD Confirmed for India
Kia has confirmed that the new Sorento 3-row SUV will be offered with both hybrid and diesel engine options, and hybrid to get an AWD setup.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Latest Kia Seltos News and Updates
Kia to Launch a New Midsize SUV to Rival Victoris and Bayon
Kia is exploring two new SUVs, including a midsized B segment model and a C-segment 7-seater model for the Indian market.
Chhavi
Read More
Kia India Announces Massive 2026 Nationwide Ownership Service Camp
Kia India has launched the Kia Ownership Service Camp 2026, which will be conducted across 521 Kia authorized service workshops in 365 cities.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia Cars to Get Expensive by up to 2%
Kia India has increased the prices of its cars by up to 2 per cent across its model range. The new prices will be effective from 1st July 2026.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia India and Toyota Sales in May 2026
Kia registered its highest-ever May sales since entering the country, charting an impressive 23.6 per cent year-on-year growth with 27,586 units dispatched
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia India Joins Tennis Premier League in Major 3-Year Deal
Kia India and Tennis Premier League (TPL) has entered into a three-year partnership, with Kia India coming on board as the Exclusive Sponsor for the league.
Amit Sharma
Read More
New Kia Seltos Hybrid Revealed: All-New Engine, e-AWD setup, V2L Tech
The 2026 Kia Seltos for the European markets features new 154 hp hybrid system and a high-performance 178 hp e-AWD variant. India to get different hybrid engine
Amit Sharma
Read More
Kia Connect Surpassed 1 Lakh Paid Subscription Renewals
Kia India has announced that it has surpassed 1 lakh paid subscription renewals for Kia Connect in the country, achieving a strong retention over 30 per cent.
Amit Sharma
Read More
KIA Seltos Price in India
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Trending Cars in India
Explore Similar Cars
KIA Seltos Price in India
Trusted Dealer
All Over India
Irresistible Offers
Stay Updated, Pay Less
Compare Cars
Choose the Right Car
Easy Finance
Multiple Finance Options
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:30pm
contact@carlelo.com