The new Kia Seltos 2026 SUV is scheduled to launch on December 10
Kia will officially launch the new Seltos 2026 urban SUV on December 10, marking an important milestone in the development journey of this best-selling car line.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•16/11/2025
According to some sources, the all-new generation Kia Seltos will not only change in design but also be equipped for the first time with a hybrid powertrain and an e-AWD electronic four-wheel drive system developed by Kia itself. The addition of a hybrid version to the 2026 Kia Seltos is considered part of the Korean automaker's comprehensive electrification strategy, in response to the trend of shifting from traditional gasoline vehicles to more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options.
In the context of stagnant demand for pure electric vehicles, hybrids are considered an effective balanced solution for both users and manufacturers, and the new generation Kia Seltos is no exception. According to plan, the new generation Seltos will be mass produced from August 2026 at the Autoland Gwangju factory, after its global launch at the end of 2025. Since its launch in 2019, the Kia Seltos has made its mark with petrol and diesel engine options. However, the diesel version was discontinued due to declining demand. The introduction of the Seltos Hybrid configuration not only improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions, but also enhances overall performance.
The 2026 Kia Seltos hybrid variant is expected to become the main configuration in both the Korean and international markets, contributing to expanding the customer base of this small SUV. Initially, many sources predicted that the Seltos Hybrid would use the 1.6L GDi powertrain like on the Kia Niro or Hyundai Kona Hybrid. However, new information shows that Kia is considering using a 1.6L turbocharged hybrid engine like the Sportage - which, if realized, would give the Seltos a power advantage over most competitors in the segment. However, the final decision has not yet been confirmed and will depend on the powertrain optimization process in the pre-production phase. Another important technical highlight is the appearance of the e-AWD electronic four-wheel drive system, developed by Kia to increase the flexibility and stability of hybrid vehicles. Kia's e-AWD electronic four-wheel drive system delivers precise torque distribution, delivering better traction and smoother response across a variety of terrains, especially suited to the European market – where AWD is an important evaluation criterion for SUVs.
Since 2020, Kia Seltos has consistently led sales in the small SUV segment in the Korean market, thanks to its modern design, high practicality and reasonable price. The appearance of the hybrid version further strengthens the position of this model in the wave of shifting to energy-saving vehicles. The starting price of the new Kia Seltos 2026 SUV is expected to be around 20 million won, still aiming to reach the majority of users, despite the addition of many valuable technologies.
Video : Revealing the new Kia Seltos 2026 SUV model.
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