2026 Kia Seltos: Bigger, Smarter, and Now with a Hybrid

The beloved Kia Seltos is getting a major redesign for 2026, with spy shots from South Korea providing an early glimpse of the next-generation small SUV. Notably, this new iteration will offer a hybrid powertrain for the first time, making it a compelling contender in the growing electrified SUV market.

Larger and More Refined Design

The 2026 Kia Seltos, spotted camouflaged during testing, hints at a bold evolution in design.

• The new Seltos looks larger than the current model, riding on 19-inch alloy wheels for the first time.
• It will adopt Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, continuing the aesthetic first introduced during the 2022 facelift.
• The rear styling appears influenced by the Kia EV5 electric SUV, featuring larger tail-lights that add a sophisticated flair.

Platform Upgrade and Increased Practicality

The new Seltos will transition to the K3 platform, shared with the Hyundai Kona, Kia K4, and Kia Niro.

• Wheelbase: The Seltos will gain an additional 30mm over its current version, matching the Kona’s 2660mm wheelbase.
• It is expected to maintain greater overall length than the Kona, ensuring superior practicality.
• The current Seltos already boasts a larger boot compared to the Kona, and this trend is likely to continue.

A New Era with Hybrid Power

For the first time, the Kia Seltos will feature a hybrid powertrain, borrowing technology from its corporate siblings.

• Likely based on a 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder hybrid setup, similar to the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro.
• The Kona Hybrid produces 104kW and 265Nm, with a remarkable fuel efficiency rating of 3.9L/100km, potentially making the Seltos Hybrid one of the most efficient non-plug-in SUVs in its class.

While the Kona and Niro hybrids are front-wheel drive, the Seltos could introduce an electric all-wheel-drive system, leveraging dual electric motors. This setup would enhance its appeal in markets like Europe, where all-wheel drive is highly sought after.

A Global Perspective

The next-gen Seltos might play a broader role in Kia’s global lineup:

• In Europe, it could replace the Kia Xceed and Niro models, which overlap in the small SUV segment.
• The Seltos Hybrid, paired with Kia’s upcoming EV3 electric SUV, would modernize Kia’s European offerings while streamlining the lineup.

Technology and Features

Inside, the 2026 Seltos will likely adopt cutting-edge features from Kia’s upcoming K4 sedan:

• Dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, powered by Kia’s latest ‘ccNC’ software.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• A 5.0-inch digital climate control panel, providing a sleek, user-friendly interface.

Powertrain Options

In addition to the hybrid, the Seltos is expected to retain familiar powertrain options:

• 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder paired with a CVT for efficiency-focused buyers.
• 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic, offering more power and performance.

Launch Timeline

Codenamed ‘SP3’, the next-gen Kia Seltos is slated to debut just ahead of mass production in August 2025. Australian showrooms are expected to welcome the model by late 2025 or early 2026.

What This Means for Kia Fans

The 2026 Kia Seltos promises to deliver on all fronts: larger dimensions for greater practicality, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and refined styling that stays true to Kia’s bold design philosophy. With added versatility through features like electric all-wheel drive, the Seltos is positioned to rival class leaders such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and Nissan Qashqai.

As its debut approaches, anticipation is building for what could be Kia’s most impressive small SUV yet.