What To Expect? » MotorOctane

Hyundai Creta’s dominance over the mid-size SUV segment continues in 2026 as well. But due to stricter pollution standards and a doubtful future for diesel, some consumers are considering more eco-friendly options. No, we are not talking about EVs; given the lack of EV infrastructure, they are not the most feasible solution right now. We are talking about hybrids. With the Grand Vitara starting the trend earlier, now we will also receive the Duster Hybrid very soon. Following all the sibling rivals to the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos can also get an update! What can we expect?
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Kia Seltos Hybrid- 

Didn’t the Kia Seltos receive a facelift quite recently? Yes, you are right, but Kia is set to offer the new tech in this SUV internationally very soon, which will eventually make its way into the Indian versions as well. The automaker is looking forward to introducing the new Seltos hybrid to the USA market by August 2026. So, what might this new Seltos have to offer? 

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Looks & Features- Kia Seltos Hybrid

With the recent update, Kia got a new look in India, and those changes are not expected to carry over to the Hybrid update either. The new polarising design featuring a boxy silhouette is expected to be the same. Of course, we have to mention the feature-rich interiors of the Kia Seltos!

Inside the cabin, Seltos will welcome you with a dual 12.3-inch screen setup. In addition to this are features such as a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated seat, dual-zone climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, and much more. 

Safety- 

The Kia Seltos Facelift became the talk of the town after its recent safety rating from Bharat NCAP. The Kia Seltos facelift achieved a 5-star safety rating at the Bharat NCAP, with 31.70 out of 32 for adult protection and 45 out of 49 for child occupant protection. The new K3 platform turns out to be safer, making this the safest Kia Seltos we’ve ever had. In addition to these are driver-assist features, such as a 360-degree parking camera and ADAS Level-2.  There is something more that this global K3 platform allows. Curious what it is? 

Also Read: 5 Upcoming 4X4 SUVs Launching In India!

Powertrain-  

While Kia is planning to introduce the 1.6-litre engine along with the hybrid into the Seltos, the same won’t be the case in India. The automaker is expected to offer the locally manufactured 1.5-litre petrol engine (155 bhp & 265 Nm) with hybrid technology. Alongside this, current engine options are also expected to continue featuring the 1.5-litre turbo petrol (158bhp & 253Nm), 1.5-litre NA petrol (113bhp & 144Nm), and 1.5-litre diesel (114bhp & 250Nm). 

Rivals- 

Kia’s main target, even with the hybrid Seltos, will still be the Hyundai Creta. Other rivals include the latest Renault Duster hybrid, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and other mid-size SUVs. 

Expected Launch & Price- 

As the official launch date remains under wraps, we can expect the Kia Seltos Hybrid to be launched in India by early 2027. Currently, the Kia Seltos facelift is priced between Rs 13 lakh and Rs 24.49 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). From this and considering the introduction of the Hybrid technology, the price might go slightly higher. The hybrid Seltos can be priced somewhere between Rs 19 lakh and Rs 25.50 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Would you choose the Hybrid Seltos over the Hyundai Creta?  

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