The next small SUV from Kia, the second-generation Seltos, is due to arrive in Australia towards the end of 2026 equipped with hybrid power.
Kia has unveiled its next-generation Seltos small SUV with carryover engine options and a new hybrid, due in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter (October – December) of 2026.
At the onset however, Kia is yet to detail the hybrid powertrain – which is likely borrowed from the K3 platform-sharing Hyundai Kona – but the new Seltos will, for the first time, be offered in Europe to spearhead the brand’s ambitions for 430,000 sales of the nameplate annually around the world.
For reference, the Kona Hybrid makes use of a 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and single electric motor for a combined 104kW/265Nm output.
However, Kia has confirmed its hybrid system will feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, unlike the existing Kona Hybrid, though stopped short of further information outside of the 2026 Seltos Hybrid also sporting the brand’s latest regenerative braking system.
MORE: Kia Seltos hybrid confirmed, on Australia’s wish list
For now, three four-cylinder petrol engines have been confirmed for the new Seltos in international markets.
Kicking the range off is a 2.0-litre non-turbo that produces 110kW/179Nm, followed by two tunes of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine – punching out 132kW/265Nm and 142kW/265Nm.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the lower-tune 1.6-litre engine, and an eight-speed torque converter for the more potent engine.
The transmission for the 2.0-litre is not confirmed, but the same engine is found in the existing Seltos as well as the K4 small car matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
MORE: 2026 Kia Seltos – first look at next-gen small SUV, hybrid likely
In the Australian version of the first-generation car, the mid-tier engine was not available, and the Seltos was exclusively an automatic affair, with the 2.0-litre motor driving the front wheels and the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain featuring all-wheel drive.
The new Seltos is expected to retain a similar model grade structure as before, but the X-Line variant will join the GT-Line towards the top of the tree – at least in international markets.
Measuring 4430mm long, 1830mm wide, 1600mm tall, and with a 2690mm wheelbase, the all-new Seltos is bigger in all dimensions barring height than its predecessor.
This affords more interior space for occupants, according to Kia, while boot capacity increases from 477 litres to 536L in the new car.
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On the outside, the second-generation Seltos adopts styling from the larger EV5 and EV9 electric cars, sporting squared-off, boxy aesthetics, and flush-fitting door handles.
Contrasting underbody accents and black-plastic wheelarch cladding are also included to hint towards ruggedness.
Inside, the 2026 Seltos sports an all-new interior headlined by dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and the infotainment touchscreen.
As part of the latter, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant is included, as is an always-on internet connection for over-the-air updates and digital key functionality.
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Equipment available with the new Seltos – depending on grade – includes 16-19-inch wheels, two-tone exterior paint, a 12-inch head-up display, interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and premium sound system.
Safety will also be a focus, with Kia bundling forward collision warning, a surround-view monitor, safe exit warning, 360-degree parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring.
Kia will launch its new Seltos first in India, and will detail its hybrid powertrain next year, before it arrives in Australia at the tail-end of 2026.
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