12:50 25-11-2025
2026 Kia Seltos Hybrid spied with possible AWD ahead of December 10 debut
Kia readies the 2026 Seltos Hybrid: spy shots show a new cabin, twin 12.3in screens and possible AWD. Premiere set for December 10; Europe launch uncertain.
Kia is accelerating preparations for the debut of one of its most intriguing crossovers — the all-new 2026 Seltos. The model has once again appeared in spy shots, and this time part of the cabin is visible. The premiere is scheduled for December 10, while the big question remains whether the Seltos will reach the European market and take on the role of an ‘anti‑Duster’.
Prototypes are being tested across the globe — from Korea to Scandinavia’s winter roads — and all of them use a hybrid powertrain. That only strengthens the notion that Kia is weighing a European launch, where demand for affordable hybrids is rising as diesel continues to fade. The strategy looks aligned with Europe’s current tastes.
On the outside, the car has clearly evolved: a new LED signature for the rear lights in the vein of the Stonic and EV5, plus a more contemporary silhouette. Inside, there’s the brand’s familiar architecture with dual 12.3‑inch displays, a redesigned steering wheel, and an expanded suite of electronic assistants. The combination comes across cleaner and more modern without straying from Kia’s playbook.
The powertrain is the real intrigue. According to Korean sources, Kia is preparing a new hybrid with electric all‑wheel drive. Such a setup could compete directly with the Dacia Duster Hybrid 4x4 while undercutting the Sportage and being noticeably more attainable than the Niro. An alternative could be the familiar 1.6 Hybrid from the Kona, though a push toward a modernized hybrid system seems the more logical route. If that materializes, all‑wheel traction would be a clincher in this class.
Production is slated to start in August 2026. In Korea, the model is said to cost around €12,000, while in Europe the price could hover near €30,000 — a level where the Seltos could slot between the Stonic and Niro, especially if it gets all‑wheel drive. In that window, value and everyday usability are likely to matter most, and the package looks tuned for exactly that.