Why Kia Is Betting Big On Seltos Hybrid
Kia has confirmed that it will bring a hybrid version of the Seltos to India within the next 18 months. This will be Kia’s first hybrid model in the country and will be part of the next-generation Seltos line-up, expected globally in late 2025 and in India by early 2026. While Kia India will laucnch the 2nd-gen Seltos in early 2026, the Hybrid is expected to land here by the end of next year.
The move places Kia directly into the hybrid mid-size SUV space, where models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are already present.
What to expect under the hood
Industry sources indicate that the upcoming Seltos hybrid will pair a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor. The focus will be on improving efficiency rather than maximising outright performance.
The setup is expected to deliver fuel economy of around 20 kmpl, a clear step up from the regular petrol Seltos. Combined power output is likely to be similar to Hyundai’s hybrid system used overseas, which produces around 141 hp, though final figures for India have not been confirmed.
Higher trims may also introduce an electric motor on the rear axle, providing all-wheel drive when needed. This would improve grip in slippery conditions while maintaining the fuel economy advantages of a hybrid system.
Launch plan and pricing strategy
The hybrid will debut alongside the next-generation Seltos, making it a core part of the new model range. This ensures the car is presented as a complete new offering rather than an add-on to the current line-up.
The present Seltos is priced between Rs 11.18 lakh and Rs 20.55 lakh (ex-showroom). The hybrid variant will likely carry a premium over these prices. Kia aims to keep costs in check by localising key hybrid components such as batteries and motors, in the same way the brand has achieved high localisation for existing petrol and diesel Seltos variants.
Targeting a crowded SUV battleground
The Seltos hybrid will directly rival the Grand Vitara, Victoris and Hyryder, which are currently the only mid-size SUVs with hybrid powertrains. The mid-size SUV segment itself is one of the biggest contributors to India’s passenger vehicle sales.
Kia’s entry into this category with a hybrid could give it an edge among buyers looking for higher efficiency without shifting to an EV. Since hybrids do not require charging infrastructure, they are easier to adopt across India compared to full electric models.
Hybrid push as part of a bigger plan
Kia has set a target of making hybrids account for 25 percent of its India sales by 2030. Based on current projections, this translates to about 100,000 units annually. The Seltos hybrid is expected to play a central role in meeting that target.
Local production of hybrid-specific parts will be critical for pricing and for ensuring service support through Kia’s dealer network. The company has already localised most components for conventional Seltos models and is expected to follow the same path for the hybrid.
The simple takeaway
The Kia Seltos Hybrid is scheduled to arrive by end-2026 as part of the next-gen Seltos launch. It will use a 1.5-litre petrol-electric setup designed to deliver better fuel economy, with possible all-wheel drive on higher trims.
Prices will sit above the current Seltos range but Kia plans to control costs through localisation. Positioned directly against the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, the hybrid Seltos is aimed at one of India’s most competitive SUV categories and is a key part of Kia’s long-term strategy.