New-Gen Kia Seltos Launch Likely in January 2026

Kia India has started testing the second-generation Seltos SUV on the Indian roads. The latest spy images reveal its new design language, showing new front design and headlamp setup. Another update is that the new-gen Kia Seltos will receive a hybrid powertrain in global as well as India. The Korean media reports that the new Seltos will be launched in our market in January 2025. 

The report also claims that the 2026 Kia Seltos facelift will receive a hybrid powertrain for the first time and a new in-house developed e-AWD system. 

New-gen Kia Seltos Hybrid 

The hybrid version of the new Seltos will be launched under Kia’s strategic plan to electrify its all SUVs and RVs on sale in Korea and other international markets. This will come as an alternative to EVs, which currently faced lower demand globally. In markets like India, the hybrids will play an important role in accelerating sales as demand for diesels are going to be impacted in future with the incoming stringent emission norms. 

The Korean media also reports that the hybrid model will be based on the new-gen Seltos (Internally Known as SP3). Mass production of the SUV is scheduled for August next year at Kia Autoland Gwangju factory. 

Design & Interior

The latest spy images show that the new-gen Kia Seltos features Kia’s latest ‘Opposite United’ design language, which we have already seen on the EV9 and Syros. It has slim and vertical DRLs that surrounds the headlight units. The SUV gets a new concave grille, while the lower bumper has horizontal slats for the air-dams. It also gets newly styled fog lamp housing. 

The rear will have significant changes, featuring LED strip that connected the tail-lamps. The top-end model will come with newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin is also likely to witness significant changes in terms of looks, features and fit & finish. 

We believe that the new-gen Kia Seltos will share the cabin features with the bigger Kia cars and the Syros SUV. It could get a connected screen that houses 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 5-inch display for climate control. The SUV could also get high-end safety and security features including LEVEL 2 ADAS, front, side and rear parking sensors and others. 

New Kia Seltos Engine Options 

The new Kia Seltos will retain the existing engine options including a 113bhp, 1.5L NA petrol, a 157bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol and a 114bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel. The hybrid engine for India is expected to based on the existing 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which will also power the brand’s upcoming 3-row SUV.

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