2026 Kia Seltos Hybrid in Australia: What the Hybrid-Only Update Means

The second-generation Seltos is due in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026, and it changes the formula: the petrol engines are gone and every variant is a hybrid. For many buyers the Seltos has been the sensible, affordable Kia SUV, so the new price and powertrain matter.

Based on pre-launch reporting and Kia announcements. Several specifications, including fuel economy, were still being confirmed at the time of writing. Check kia.com.au for the final details.

The short version

Powertrain: 1.6-litre hybrid in every grade; no petrol-only option.
Price: S from $37,990 before on-road costs, or $39,990 drive-away.
Grades: six.
Output: 113 kW (front-drive) and 131 kW (GT-Line AWD).
Not confirmed yet: fuel consumption and the full equipment lists at the time of early reports.
Arrival: October 2026, so check whether showrooms already have stock.

Why hybrid only

Kia Australia has said the change was driven partly by customer demand and partly by the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which penalises brands whose new-vehicle fleets exceed emissions targets. Kia executives described NVES as a deciding factor. Overseas petrol versions of the Seltos will not come to Australia, and there is no electric Seltos.

The practical effect: Australia loses the cheapest petrol Seltos, and the base price rises.

Price

The entry-level Seltos S was announced at $37,990 before on-road costs, or $39,990 drive-away. That is almost $7,000 more than the model it replaces. The range has six grades. Introductory drive-away offers can be time-limited, and it was unclear at announcement how long the offer would last.

Powertrain

The hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid system with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Front-wheel drive: 113 kW
GT-Line all-wheel drive: 131 kW, using Kia’s new e-AWD system, a first for Kia Australia

Official fuel economy figures were not confirmed in early reports. The closely related Hyundai Kona Hybrid was reported to emit 88 g/km of CO2, which hints at the efficiency Kia is aiming for, but don’t treat that as a Seltos claim.

Size

The new Seltos is larger than its predecessor: about 4,430 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,600 mm high, with a 2,690 mm wheelbase. It rides on Kia’s updated platform, with the AWD versions moving to a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, according to pre-launch reports.

What you won’t get

Australian Seltos models will not get vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and front-wheel-drive variants carry a space-saver spare wheel. If either matters to you, factor it in.

Rivals

Expected competitors are the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, MG ZS Hybrid and Honda HR-V e:HEV. The Corolla Cross is hybrid-only, so it is the closest philosophical match. Compare:

Drive-away price for similar equipment.
Claimed fuel use once Kia confirms it.
Warranty and capped-price servicing.
Boot space and rear-seat room.

Buy now or wait?

If you want a petrol-only Seltos: the outgoing model may still be available as run-out stock at some dealers, but availability and pricing vary, so ask.
If you want the new hybrid: the early drive-away price is attractive, but confirm what is included and when the offer ends.
If you are undecided: wait for confirmed fuel economy and equipment lists, and for independent reviews that include real-world consumption.

What to ask the dealer

What is the confirmed combined fuel consumption for my grade?
What is the drive-away price, and when does the offer end?
What equipment is standard in the grade I’m considering?
Is there a spare wheel, and what type?
What is the delivery date?

Test-drive checklist

Drive both FWD and AWD if you can, since the rear suspension differs.
Pay attention to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic at low speeds, in traffic and on hills.
Check rear-seat space for the tallest passenger you carry.
Test the screen and driver-assist controls.

Who it suits

First-time hybrid buyers who want a compact SUV with a long warranty.
Fleet and private buyers looking for city-friendly fuel use.
Owners of the old Seltos who want something larger.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a petrol Seltos? Not in the new generation in Australia. It is hybrid-only.

Is it a plug-in? No. It is a self-charging hybrid.

Does it have V2L? Not in Australian models, according to pre-launch reports.

Sources

WhichCar, Chasing Cars, Cars24 and CarsGuide (2025–2026).