2026 Kia Seltos Hybrid Delayed - New Launch Timeline

We reported earlier that the next-gen Kia Seltos hybrid model will make its global debut in January 2026. However, a new Korean media report suggests that the launch has been delayed due to market shift and pricing concerns. It is expected that the production of the new Seltos could be postponed to April 2026.

Possible Reason Behind Delay

First launched in 2019, the Kia Seltos has been a global success for the Korean auto maker. The company sold over 1 million units of the SUV and the current model remains one of the best-sellers in domestic as well as the international markets. In 2024, the Kia Seltos global sales were around 3 lakh units that’s second to the Sportage in the Kia’s SUV line-up. 

It is expected that Kia is looking at a possible impact of introducing a more expensive hybrid variant on the Seltos nameplate. A higher priced model in an established and price-sensitive segment could impact the demand for the standard model. Also See - Maruti Suzuki Escudo - Arena's Game Changer

High Hybrid Cost - International model

It is reported that the global-spec Kia Seltos to feature a new 1.6L GDi hybrid powertrain with an e-AWD option. The AWD system will improve its performance, but also increase the production costs. The Korean media reports that the Seltos hybrid could start around $22,000 USD (Approx INR 19 lakh), which is similar to the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. This is significantly higher than the base internal combustion Seltos. 

India Launch in early 2026

The next-gen Kia Seltos will arrive in our market in the first half of 2026. It is expected to be revealed before the end of this year; however, Kia is yet to make an official announcement on the same. Kia will also introduce the Seltos hybrid in our market. The India-spec model will come with a different hybrid powertrain, which will use the heavily localised 1.5L NA petrol engine. 

Kia is testing two different versions of the Seltos, which suggests that the X-Line will carry a significantly different design compared to the standard model. The SUV will grow in size and will have a boxy design with design inspiration from latest Kia SUVs. 

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