Kia has confirmed that the India-spec Seltos will get a hybrid powertrain by 2027. Atul Sood, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, told our sister publication Autocar Professional that “there is a clear direction that we will introduce a hybrid in the Seltos.”
- Hybrid engine components will be heavily localised to keep a check on costs
- It is planned to be launched in India by late 2026 or the first half of 2027
- First-gen Seltos has a hybrid engine in the South Korean and American markets
Kia Seltos hybrid: All we know so far
Seltos hybrid likely to be launched after another hybrid Kia car
While specifications of the hybrid engine are still not revealed, sources suggest it could be based on the existing 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. However, a hybrid powertrain is not new for the Seltos, as its first-generation model is offered with a hybrid engine in the American and South American markets.
Sood has also hinted that the Seltos hybrid will come after another Kia SUV in India, which we expect to be the Sorento SUV that will lock horns with the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster.
Localisation to be a key factor for Kia Seltos hybrid price in India
Kia is aiming for 25 percent India sales from hybrids by 2030
Sood also said that the “timing [of the hybrid engine] is not decided yet because we are trying to localise the hybrid components in India.” However, it is understood that the manufacturer can launch the Seltos hybrid in 12-18 months.
For Kia, localising hybrid components, including the battery packs, motors, control units and inverters, is crucial as the new Seltos is expected to be priced from Rs 11.25 lakh to over Rs 20 lakh. If not localised, the hybrid technology will be more expensive, which will not be good for its sales in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, where pricing is a major factor.
Kia, in its April 2025 Investor Meeting, said it aims for its hybrid cars to account for at least 25 percent of total sales by 2030. Notably, Kia’s current line-up consists of only petrol, diesel and electric powertrain options. With the introduction of hybrids, the manufacturer will also benefit from the drafted CAFE 3 regulations, which propose to offer enhanced compliance benefits to hybrid and electric cars.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
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