Kia continues to see steady sales of its hybrid models, including the Sorento, Sportage, and Carnival. Last month, the sales figures for these three hybrid models reached approximately 6,000, 3,000, and 4,000 units, respectively. Notably, Kia plans to launch a hybrid version of the Seltos in 2026 to adapt to these market changes.

Kia aims to maintain its dominant position in the eco-friendly compact SUV market by adding a hybrid powertrain to its best-selling compact SUV, the Seltos.

The new Seltos hybrid is expected to launch next year, with a starting price likely in the upper range of 20 million KRW (approximately $15,000 USD). The hybrid version will feature a parallel hybrid system based on a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor.

The new Seltos hybrid is projected to deliver a combined output of around 141 horsepower, with a fuel efficiency estimated at 42 to 47 miles per gallon. It will come equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, significantly improving fuel efficiency compared to gasoline models and allowing access to eco-friendly vehicle benefits, which is expected to boost its popularity.

The price of the Seltos hybrid is expected to increase significantly. The existing Seltos 1.6-liter turbo gasoline model sells for between 1.9 million and 2.4 million KRW (approximately $1,420 to $1,800 USD), while the 2.0-liter gasoline version ranges from 1.8 million to 2.3 million KRW (approximately $1,350 to $1,700 USD).

When Hyundai or Kia undergoes a full model change, prices typically rise by around 300,000 to 350,000 KRW (approximately $225 to $260 USD). Hybrid models generally cost between 300,000 to 400,000 KRW (approximately $225 to $300 USD) more than their gasoline counterparts, indicating a higher launch price for hybrids.

In the case of the new Carnival facelift, the 1.6-liter gasoline turbo hybrid has been newly added, resulting in a price increase of approximately 455,000 KRW (around $340 USD) compared to the gasoline model.

Typically, when a full model change occurs, there is a basic price increase, and choosing a hybrid model adds an additional 200,000 to 300,000 KRW (approximately $150 to $225 USD). Consequently, the price of the Kia Seltos full model change is expected to range from 2.4 million to 2.9 million KRW (approximately $1,800 to $2,200 USD), while the hybrid version is anticipated to be priced between 2.8 million and 3.3 million KRW (approximately $2,100 to $2,500 USD), with some reports suggesting it could be even higher.

Kia plans to minimize overlap with the Niro hybrid while leveraging the Seltos SUV's design, space utilization, and brand recognition to enhance its competitiveness against other compact SUV hybrids.

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Particularly, it will compete with the Hyundai Kona hybrid. The primary target market consists of practical consumers who consider both SUV utility and hybrid fuel efficiency, emphasizing eco-friendliness.

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