Kia has taken the wraps off the strong-hybrid version of the Seltos SUV at the ongoing Paris Motor Show 2026. This hybrid version is expected to make its way to the Indian market next year. As of now, the Indian-spec Kia Seltos is available with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options.
Kia Seltos Hybrid Specifications
Kia has offered the global-spec Seltos hybrid with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (102bhp/141Nm), paired with a self-charging strong-hybrid setup that further adds 129bhp and 388Nm. It also debuts the brand’s e-AWD system, which the company says enables precise torque distribution, improves traction, and enhances stability. The SUV will also be offered with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain option. The battery capacity is unknown at the moment, but it is placed under the boot floor. This means that it does not get a spare wheel.
The SUV also gets three driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, that allows drivers to adapt performance characteristics to different environments.
| Engine | 1.6-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol | |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Combined System Power | 154 PS | 178 PS |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | |
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While it is not official, Kia India is likely to launch the same powertrain setup when the Seltos Hybrid hits our shores sometime next year. The same hybrid setup will also be offered in the next-gen Hyundai Creta, which is expected to debut in early 2027.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) In A Hybrid
Kia also revealed that the Seltos Hybrid is its first hybrid model to feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which is typically found in electric vehicles (EVs).
Design and Features
Design-wise, the Seltos Hybrid looks identical to the Indian-spec Seltos. It boasts an all-black theme inside the cabin, with key amenities including digital key support, triple-screen layout (12.3-inch digital cluster + 5.3-inch climate display + 12.3-inch multimedia screen), Harman Kardon audio system, 64-colour mood lighting, reclining rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats with a cooling function, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a level-2 ADAS suite.
Author’s Take
With the CAFE 3 norms set to come into effect from April 2027, we could see more carmakers in India turning to hybrid powertrains and electric vehicles to meet the stricter emission targets. In this regard, the Kia Seltos Hybrid is a significant product to look forward to, especially for Indian buyers seeking better fuel efficiency without completely switching to an EV. The same hybrid setup is also expected to feature in the next-generation Hyundai Creta, slated to arrive next year. Its key rival, the Renault Duster, is also set to get a strong-hybrid powertrain, with its debut scheduled for October 17. If more manufacturers follow suit, this could mark a major shift in India’s mass-market car segment, bringing hybrid technology to a wider audience and potentially improving real-world fuel efficiency across a range of vehicles.
