2026 Kia Seltos Hybrid Will Offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Power

Kia has globally revealed the second generation Seltos, which is longer and more feature-loaded than the outgoing model. This model is only available with ICE-powertrain; however, Kia has officially announced that the new Seltos for the United States, Europe and South Korea will get a strong hybrid powertrain in 2026. However, the India-spec Kia Seltos will receive a hybrid powertrain in 2027. 

The big news is that the 2026 Kia Seltos hybrid will come with Vehicle to Load (V2L) technology, which makes it one of the most advanced compact hybrid SUV. The V2L technology will enable the Seltos hybrid to provide AC power using its battery to external devices like laptops and appliances via standard outlets or adaptors. This feature is commonly available in large electric vehicles. 

The 2026 Kia Seltos hybrid for global markets is likely to be powered by a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, GDI engine with a full parallel hybrid system. This is the same powertrain that powers the Niro Hybrid in select international markets. The combined power and torque output stands at 139hp and 264Nm of torque. If reports are to be believed, the SUV will get the newly developed electronic all-wheel-drive (E-AWD) system. This tech promises improved torque distribution, better grip, and enhanced driving stability on challenging terrains. 

The India-spec model won’t receive this hybrid powertrain. The Kia Seltos for our market is rumoured to get an all-new hybrid engine, which will use the 1.5L, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. It will challenge the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Grand Vitara hybrid, Toyota Hyryder and the upcoming Honda Elevate hybrid. 

Key Details

- In terms of proportions, the 2026 Kia Seltos is 4430mm in length, 1830mm in width and 1600mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2690mm. 
- The SUV gets wide panoramic sunroof, 64-colour mood lighting, second-row reclining seats, premium Harman Kardon and Bose audio system and others.
- The global-spec model is offered with two petrol engines - a 149PS, 2.0L NA petrol and a 1.6L turbo petrol that offers two states of tunes - 180PS and 193PS. Former is paired to a 7-speed DCT, the more powerful 1.6L unit gets an 8-speed AT. 
- The India-spec model is offered with three engine choices - a 1.5L NA petrol, a 1.5L turbo petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel. 

Source - TheKoreanCarBlog