At its latest 2025 Investor Day, Kia has confirmed a new hybrid powertrain for the Seltos midsize SUV. This new hybrid powertrain is expected to debut with the next-generation Seltos, which is due in the second half of this year. As we have previously reported, Kia has been evaluating hybrids for India, and the next-gen Seltos (codenamed SP3i) will indeed come with the option of a hybrid powertrain here in India as well.
- Next-gen Seltos to debut globally in the second half of 2025
- A new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol-hybrid powertrain is expected
- India launch could take place sometime next year
Kia Seltos petrol-hybrid: what to expect?
New 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain
While Kia has confirmed a hybrid powertrain for the Seltos, it hasn’t shared any specific technical details yet. However, sources have suggested that the existing 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine will be electrified in the next-generation Seltos. The same powertrain will also power the upcoming 3-row SUV that Kia is readying for India.
By 2030, Kia aims for hybrids to comprise 25 percent of its sales in India, which means it is looking for substantial volumes of hybrid vehicles; for EVs, the target is an 18 percent share.
Next-gen Kia Seltos: what to expect?
All new exterior and interior design
The next-gen Kia Seltos has been spied testing in India on a couple of occasions, and it is expected to come with a completely new design language inspired by the brand’s new-generation EVs. The interior will also be completely revamped with a greater focus on tech features.
Launch expected in 2026
The new hybrid powertrain aside, the next-gen Seltos will carry over the existing 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines. Following its global debut later this year, the next-gen Seltos can be expected to arrive in India sometime next year.
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