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Kia Seltos hybrid is expected to go on sale in India within the next 12-18 months and it could carry high local content
The all-new Kia Seltos has made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show 2026 with a major update for the American markets. Entering its second generation, the Seltos arrives with a bigger footprint, enhanced practicality and a first-ever hybrid powertrain option which should make it one of the versatile offerings in its competitive class.
One of the biggest talking points is its increased size. The new Seltos is longer, wider and features a stretched wheelbase resulting in improved cabin room across the board. Kia claims best-in-class rear legroom along with gains in headroom, shoulder and hip space. Cargo capacity has also gone up significantly which should ensure it being a more practical family SUV than before. In addition, the upright stance and boxy proportions inspired by the flagship Kia Telluride give it a more commanding road presence.
Under the bonnet, the new Seltos becomes the only model in its segment to offer three distinct powertrain options in the United States. Customers can choose between a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol and the newly introduced hybrid (HEV) setup. The hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre engine with a dual-clutch transmission and even brings an innovative electric all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) system – a first for Kia in this category.
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Meanwhile, the turbo petrol continues to deliver performance close to 190 hp and is linked with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and boasts AWD capability. The exterior design follows Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ philosophy which we have seen in India as well as the Seltos received a brand new generation only a few months ago – helping the brand to post good volumes last FY.
Elements such as flush door handles, sporty LED lighting signatures and newly designed alloy wheels up its premium stance. The X-Line variant further adds unique styling touches including larger wheels and distinctive accents. Just as the exterior, the cabin borrows styling cues from the Telluride and the flagship EV9. The dashboard now features nearly 30 inches of combined digital display area.
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It comprises dual 12.3-inch screens and an additional climate control panel. The latest connected car navigation cockpit (ccNC) system supports over-the-air updates and even offers entertainment apps like YouTube and Netflix. Feature highlights include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, memory function for the driver’s seat, surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.
The SUV also gets a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision avoidance assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist and parking distance warning. The ICE versions are expected to go on sale by mid-2026 while the hybrid variant will follow a while later in the US market. Considering the good reception of strong hybrid petrol engines in the midsize SUV segment, we expect Kia to introduce the hybrid tech sometime next year but with a localised content utilise the existing 1.5-litre NA petrol mill.
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