Intro

The buzz around a Kia Seltos Hybrid is growing louder as camouflaged test cars are spotted both in Europe and on Indian roads. While the new-gen model is expected to debut globally in late 2025, reports suggest the hybrid variant could arrive in India a little later. That matters because a factory-backed hybrid could change the mid-size SUV segment on fuel economy, tech and value without ditching ICE options.

Next-gen design: what’s visible

Even though the test vehicles are heavily camouflaged, spy shots reveal a noticeably squarer stance. The design appears to borrow cues from larger Kia SUVs like the Telluride, with a wider grille and vertical LED light signatures that give the new Seltos a bolder road presence. The front looks Telluride-inspired with boxy headlamp housings and a flatter bonnet, while new alloy patterns and thicker cladding hint at an SUV- leaning posture.

Hybrid plan and India fit

Globally, the Seltos will get a hybrid variant alongside petrol and diesel, in line with Kia’s broader powertrain diversification. For India, reports suggest a cost-focused hybrid and front-wheel drive, to deliver efficiency gains without pricing beyond segment expectations.

Expected powertrain and mileage

Internationally, the hybrid will complement existing engines, while India will likely opt for a simpler setup for cost and packaging. While Kia hasn’t released official figures, early estimates suggest a mileage of over 25 km/l. If true, this would place the Seltos Hybrid in direct competition with rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder on the fuel economy front.

Interior and tech updates

Inside, the next-gen cabin will move upmarket with a reworked dashboard and larger integrated displays, to get a premium look and feel. The new cabin will also likely feature more advanced tech, with Level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist expected to be offered on the top-end models.

Launch timeline and positioning

While the new-gen Seltos is expected to debut globally by the end of 2025, its hybrid variant may have a longer wait. Reports from South Korea suggest a potential delay for the hybrid until late 2026 or even later as Kia finalizes its India-specific production and pricing strategy to compete in the value-driven market.

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Rivals to watch

The Kia Seltos Hybrid will enter a segment currently dominated by the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids, which are benchmarked for their efficiency of over 27 km/l. This places pressure on Kia to balance price, features, and real-world mileage to win over customers in a competitive, value-sensitive segment.

Closing note

If done right, a Seltos Hybrid with decent mileage and more tech could be Kia’s next volume driver. The segment needs another hybrid that’s not a compromise on design, features and daily use.