At its latest 2025 Investor Day, Kia has confirmed a new hybrid powertrain for the Seltos midsize SUV. This new hybrid powertrain is expected to debut with the next-generation Seltos, which is due in the second half of this year. As we have previously reported, Kia has been evaluating hybrids for India, and the next-gen Seltos (codenamed SP3i) will indeed come with the option of a hybrid powertrain here in India as well.
- Next-gen Seltos to debut globally in the second half of 2025
- A new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol-hybrid powertrain is expected
- India launch could take place sometime next year
Kia Seltos petrol-hybrid: what to expect?
New 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain
While Kia has confirmed a hybrid powertrain for the Seltos, it hasn’t shared any specific technical details yet. However, sources have suggested that the existing 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine will be electrified in the next-generation Seltos. The same powertrain will also power the upcoming 3-row SUV that Kia is readying for India.
.jpg?w=700&c=0)
By 2030, Kia aims for hybrids to comprise 25 percent of its sales in India, which means it is looking for substantial volumes of hybrid vehicles; for EVs, the target is an 18 percent share.
Next-gen Kia Seltos: what to expect?
All new exterior and interior design
The next-gen Kia Seltos has been spied testing in India on a couple of occasions, and it is expected to come with a completely new design language inspired by the brand’s new-generation EVs. The interior will also be completely revamped with a greater focus on tech features.
Launch expected in 2026
The new hybrid powertrain aside, the next-gen Seltos will carry over the existing 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines. Following its global debut later this year, the next-gen Seltos can be expected to arrive in India sometime next year.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
