Next-gen Kia Seltos 2026 Partially Leaked - More Details Emerge

It is no secret that Kia is developing the next-gen Kia Seltos that has been caught testing multiple times in Korea. Ahead of its official debut later this year, the next Seltos has been partially leaked in Hyundai’s new documentary series “The Great Heritage: Car”. In this video, viewers get a chance to look inside the company’s R&D center. 

In the video, most of the vehicles are blurred and are not clearly visible; however, one silver-coloured SUV appears at the end of the facility. On a closer look, the SUV appears identical to the new Seltos prototypes that were caught testing multiple times. In fact, the headlamps design, ORVMs placement, and roof shape appears identical to the recently spied prototypes. 

2026 Kia Seltos - Hybrid Powertrain

We reported earlier that the next-gen Seltos will come with a hybrid powertrain. In fact, Kia has started testing the Seltos hybrid on the foreign soil. In recent times, the demand for hybrids has significantly increased while electric vehicles are facing stagnating demand. Moreover, diesels are likely to be replaced by hybrids in markets where ICE-powered cars are still sells in large numbers compared to EVs. 

Internally called the SP3, the next-gen Kia Seltos hybrid version is expected to be revealed in 2026. Korean media reports that the mass production of the hybrid SUV will commence in August 2026 at Kia Autoland Gwangju Factory.

Details about the hybrid powertrain are yet to be revealed, but Korean media reports that Kia could use a 141hp, 1.6-litre, hybrid system that also powers the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Kia Niro. Additionally, the Korean brand is developing a dedicated electronic all-time four-wheel (E-AWD) system for the Seltos Hybrid. This e-AWD version will target the European markets.

In India, the Kia hybrid system could be based on a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The hybrid system is likely to comprise of a 1.5L petrol engine, a small battery pack and an electric motor. This system is also likely to be offered on future Kia cars including a new 7-seater SUV, which is currently under development. 

Kia believes that hybrids will account for 25 percent of its sales in India by 2030. To achieve these numbers, Kia will introduce multiple hybrid cars in India. The next-gen Seltos will also come with other engine choices including the existing 1.5L turbo petrol and diesel. 

2026 Kia Seltos - Key Details

The next-gen Kia Seltos is expected to be based on the modified version of the existing platform. The architecture will be compatible with different engine options including petrol, diesel, petrol-hybrid and electric. It will come with an all-new premium and feature-loaded interior with inspiration from new Kia Syros and bigger Kia models including Carnival and EV9. 

Inside the cabin, the SUV is likely to get bigger connected screen that houses 12.3-inch digital instrument console, a 12.3-inch infotainment unit and a 5-inch climate control display. It is likely to be equipped with more features compared to the existing model.