2026 Kia Seltos Hybrid Confirmed: New Platform and Specs Revealed for Australia

Kia has officially unveiled the all-new Seltos, confirming that a hybrid powertrain will join the Australian lineup for the first time when it arrives in Q4 2026.

The second-generation SUV transitions to the manufacturer's 'K3' platform, a third-generation architecture that facilitates the adoption of electrified powertrains.

This platform shares its name and architecture with the Korean-market K3 sedan — known in Australia as the Cerato — and is designed to improve structural rigidity while reducing road noise and vibration.

By utilising this shared architecture, the new Seltos gains access to advanced technologies previously reserved for the brand's larger vehicles, including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.

The incoming hybrid variant will feature Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which utilises navigation data to adjust braking intensity automatically.

Kia Australia has confirmed the local launch will take place in the fourth quarter of 2026, following the commencement of production in late 2025.

Significant changes have been applied to the interior, where the traditional gear lever has been removed to create a more open cabin environment.

A new column-type Shift-by-Wire system has been adopted, maximising usable space within the centre console for storage and wireless charging.

A panoramic display unit dominates the dashboard, integrating two 12.3-inch screens for instrument and infotainment functions.

The exterior styling utilises the brand's ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, featuring a wider grille and a new "star map" lighting signature.

Dimensions have increased over the previous generation, with the vehicle measuring 4,430mm in length and 1,830mm in width.

The wheelbase has been extended to 2,690mm, contributing to increased interior cabin space and stability.

Luggage capacity has grown to a class-leading 536 litres (VDA), supported by a flexible dual-level cargo board.

Kia Australia has stated that a local suspension tuning program will commence in early 2026 to ensure the ride and handling utilise the new platform's potential on Australian roads.

Global engine options will include a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and two versions of a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, alongside the hybrid.

The high-output 1.6-litre turbo produces 142kW and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the dual-clutch transmission found in the outgoing model.

Safety technology has been upgraded significantly with the inclusion of Highway Driving Assist 2 and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.

New convenience features include a Digital Key 2 for smartphone access and over-the-air software updates to keep vehicle systems current.

Three new exterior colours were showcased at the reveal: Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and a matte Magma Red.

2026 Kia Seltos Specifications

Powertrains

• Hybrid powertrain (launching 2026)
• Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality
• 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine (High Output) producing 142kW and 265 Nm
• 8-speed automatic transmission (paired with High Output 1.6T)
• 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine (Standard Output) producing 132kW and 265 Nm
• 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (paired with Standard Output 1.6T)
• 6-speed manual transmission (paired with Standard Output 1.6T)
• 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 110kW and 179 Nm
• CVT automatic transmission (paired with 2.0L)
• Available All-Wheel Drive system
• Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand)

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X-Line

• Dark gun metal exterior finishes
• Reinforced lower garnishes
• 19-inch X-Line specific alloy wheels
• Rugged aesthetic styling

GT-Line

• Body-coloured exterior accents
• Sportier aesthetic styling

General Specifications

• Star Map lighting signature
• Flush door handles
• Dynamic Welcome Light sequence
• Wide panoramic sunroof
• Dual 12.3-inch widescreen panoramic display
• Column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) system
• Customisable 64-colour mood lighting
• Driver’s relaxation comfort seat
• Second-row reclining seats (24 degrees adjustability)
• Foldable dual-level cargo board
• Kia AddGear accessory compatibility
• Premium Harman Kardon audio system
• Premium Bose audio system
• Kia Connect Store compatibility
• Kia AI Assistant
• Digital Key 2
• Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
• 12-inch windshield Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
• Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)
• Parking Distance Warning (Front/Side/Reverse)
• 536 litre luggage capacity (VDA)