Kia has unveiled its latest iteration of the Seltos, a compact SUV that will now be available exclusively in hybrid variants for the new generation. This marks a major shift for one of Kia’s most popular models in Australia, as it was previously offered only with a petrol engine.
The decision to go hybrid-only positions the Seltos as a direct competitor to hybrid versions of the Hyundai Kona and the Toyota Corolla Cross. It also challenges budget-friendly options like the Chery Tiggo 4 and the GWM Haval Jolion, which offer both hybrid and petrol variants.
Key Features of the New Hybrid Seltos
- Hybrid Powertrain: The new Seltos will feature a hybrid system, moving away from the traditional petrol-only setup.
- Competitive Landscape: It will compete with other hybrid SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Expanded Market Reach: The model will also face competition from more affordable options like the Chery Tiggo 4 and GWM Haval Jolion.
The Seltos has been a top performer for Kia, with over 9,000 sales recorded in 2025. While there is no official pricing information yet, it is expected to be slightly higher than the outgoing petrol model’s starting price of $31,250 (before on-road costs). Based on South Korean pricing, some high-spec models could even reach above the $40,000 mark.
Kia has not yet disclosed the specific powertrain configuration for the Australian market. However, overseas versions of the Seltos are equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 105kW and 265Nm of torque. This can serve as a reference point for what to expect.
The vehicle will be available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. According to Kia, the shift to a hybrid-only lineup is driven by the need to comply with Euro 6d emissions standards and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regulations in Australia.
While a petrol variant will still be available in other markets, it will not be sold in Australia. Another significant change in the new-generation Seltos is its increased dimensions across all areas except height, which has seen a slight reduction. This redesign has improved headroom and legroom, along with increasing rear storage space to 483L.
Inside the cabin, the Seltos features a single central touchscreen, a digital driver display, and a climate control screen that spans much of the dashboard. This modern interior layout enhances the driving experience and provides a more tech-forward environment.
Kia is set to launch the new Seltos in Australia during the fourth quarter of this year. More details, including the final price, will be announced closer to the release date.
