Kia India has confirmed its intention to enter the hybrid vehicle segment. Speaking to an online media publication, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, revealed that the company is gearing up to introduce the Kia Seltos hybrid. While he did not mention an exact launch timeline, the model is expected to arrive by 2027.
Kia’s 1st Hybrid SUV Will be a 7-Seater?
The report further states that Kia’s hybrid offering could be a three-row SUV (possibly the Sorento), which will be followed by the Kia Seltos hybrid. Kia’s first hybrid SUV will be positioned against the Toyota Fortuner (currently available with a mild hybrid powertrain) and the upcoming Renault Boreal and Hyundai Ni1i (codename) hybrid SUVs.
Kia Seltos Hybrid – Expected Powertrain
As per media reports, Kia might electrify its tried-and-tested 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine that’s good enough for 115bhp. Aiming to achieve competitive pricing and maintain cost efficiency, the carmaker is likely to use heavily localised components including battery packs, electric motors, inverters, etc.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – What all has changed?
The second-generation Kia Seltos recently made its global debut, with its official launch scheduled for 2nd January, 2026. Built on the new K3 platform, the SUV carries an all-new design language with design cues inspired by the new Kia Telluride. One of the major feature upgrades comes in the form the Trinity Panormaic Display, comprising a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate control.
The SUV also comes with new dual-tone leatherette seat upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, updated ADAS suite and more.
The new 2026 Kia Seltos uses the same 115bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol and 1.5L, 116bhp diesel engines. Both manual and automatic gearboxes options remain available.