New-gen Kia Seltos India Launch Likely in Q1, 2026

The Korean automaker, Kia is testing the next-gen Seltos SUV in India as well as on Foreign soil. It will be the brand’s global SUV and will target multiple nations, including the America, Europe, India and South Korea. It was speculated that the new-gen Seltos will make its global debut by October 2025, which is not likely to happen. 

The Korean media reports that the new-gen Kia Seltos will make its global debut in January 2026. India could be the first market to receive the new Seltos. A possible launch in the first quarter of 2026, around February-March can’t be ignored. 

Kia has officially confirmed that the new Seltos will come with a hybrid engine. However, the SUV will have a different hybrid engine for the Indian market. The global-spec model is likely to feature a 141hp, 1.6-litre hybrid system that also powers the Hyundai Kona hybrid and Kia Niro. This model is also likely to get a dedicated electronic all-time four-wheel (E-AWD) system, which will target the European and the American market. 

The hybrid powertrain for the India-spec model 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 upcoming Kia cars in India, including a new 7-seater SUV, which is currently under development. 

The international-spec 2026 Kia Seltos AWD version will be equipped with rear independent suspension, which is likely to improve its ride and handling dynamics. The outgoing Seltos is a front-wheel-drive model, which comes with torsion beam rear suspension set-up. 

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