2027 Kia Seltos goes hybrid-only in Australia from late 2026

Key takeaways

• 2027 Kia Seltos confirmed hybrid-only for Australia from Q4 2026
• 1.6-litre hybrid makes 113kW (2WD) or 131kW (AWD)
• New K3 platform, larger dimensions, 483-litre boot

Kia Australia has confirmed the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos will arrive locally between October and December 2026 as a hybrid-only small SUV. The second-generation Seltos drops petrol-only engines entirely, becoming the first new-generation Kia model in Australia to launch fully electrified.

Hybrid-only powertrain for the 2027 Kia Seltos

The Seltos uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system shared with the Hyundai Kona, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive variants produce 113kW, while all-wheel drive models add a rear electric motor to lift output to 131kW. It marks the first time a Kia hybrid in Australia uses an electric motor for AWD rather than a mechanical linkage.

Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith said the shift reflects strong local demand for electrified small SUVs and the tightening New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Combined fuel use is expected to sit near 4.0L/100km under current testing, though Australia's switch to WLTP from 1 July 2026 may push that figure slightly higher.

2027 Kia Seltos hybrid specs

Bigger body, fresh tech

The new Seltos rides on Kia's K3 platform, which also underpins the K4 hatch and Hyundai Kona. It has grown 45mm longer and 30mm wider than the outgoing model at 4430mm by 1830mm, with a 60mm longer wheelbase that frees up rear legroom. Boot space lifts to 483 litres in 2WD versions.

There's no vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality for Australian buyers. Kia says the inverter clashes with the spare wheel under the boot floor, so local 2WD models keep the space-saver instead. AWD versions miss V2L due to "trim complexity," according to Kia Australia.

The cabin gets twin 12.3-inch displays, a separate touchscreen for climate, over-the-air updates, Highway Driving Assist 2 and Smart Cruise Control 2.0. Kia is targeting a dual four- and five-star ANCAP rating, with the score depending on grade.

Local ride and handling tuning has been carried out to suit urban and rough country roads.

Pricing and rivals

Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed. The current Seltos runs from $31,250 to $46,670 before on-roads, but a price rise is expected given the standard hybrid hardware and added tech. The new Seltos lines up against the Toyota Corolla Cross ($37,440 to $50,990 before on-roads), Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid and Hyundai Kona Hybrid.

The Seltos is no longer playing catch-up on efficiency. Kia is taking the fight straight to Toyota.

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2027 Kia Seltos arrive in Australia?

The 2027 Kia Seltos is confirmed to land in Australian showrooms between October and December 2026.

How much will the 2027 Kia Seltos cost?

Pricing has not been confirmed, but expect a rise on the current $31,250 to $46,670 (before on-roads) range given the standard hybrid powertrain and added tech.

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos available with a petrol-only engine?

No. The 2027 Kia Seltos is hybrid-only in Australia, with a 1.6-litre petrol-electric system in front- or all-wheel drive.