Hybrid-only Kia Seltos priced from $39,990 d/a

KIA Australia has announced pricing for its all-new Seltos small SUV ahead of its arrival in local showrooms this month, with the second-generation range to open from $39,990 driveaway.

Significantly, the new Seltos will be offered exclusively with hybrid power in Australia, all variants combining a 1.6-litre petrol-electric drivetrain with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard across most of the six-variant range, while the flagship GT-Line introduces Kia Australia’s first hybrid e-AWD system, using an electrically driven rear axle to provide all-wheel traction.

The entry-level S is priced from $37,990 + ORC (or $39,990 d/a), while an S fitted with the Safety Pack asks $40,150 +ORC (or $42,490 d/a).

The Sport grade is priced from $41,910 +ORC (or $43,990 d/a), Sport+ from $44,970 +ORC (or $46,990 d/a), and GT-Line FWD from $49,870 +ORC (or $52,990 d/a).

At the top of the range, the GT-Line e-AWD is priced from $52,870 + ORC (or $55,490 d/a).

The new pricing represents a sizeable step up from the outgoing petrol-powered Seltos, which currently opens from $31,250 + ORC in entry-level S form, reflecting the shift to standard hybrid power and the broader changes accompanying the new generation.

Kia Australia had previously confirmed that the new Seltos would move to hybrid-only power locally as part of a wider push to increase the number of electrified models in its line-up.

Speaking when Australian details were announced earlier this year, Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith said the company expected the Seltos to appeal to buyers considering hybrid power for the first time.

“Kia Australia is confident the all-new Seltos will build on the strong reputation of this familiar nameplate, while meeting the evolving needs of Australia new-car buyers, many of whom are now seriously considering the move to a hybrid vehicle for the first time,” he said.

The second-generation Seltos also moves to the Hyundai Motor Group’s newer K3 platform, bringing substantial changes to its dimensions, packaging and chassis.

Overall length grows by 45mm to 4430mm, width increases 30mm to 1830mm and the wheelbase stretches by a significant 60mm to 2690mm.

Despite its roof height dropping to 1600mm, Kia says front headroom increases by 12mm and rear headroom by 14mm, while second-row legroom improves by 25mm. Shoulder room is also increased in both rows.

Australian-market examples will offer 483 litres of cargo space, an increase of 15 litres, while retaining a space-saver spare wheel in place of the vehicle-to-load (V2L) hardware available in some overseas markets.

Styling follows Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language, bringing a broader grille, ‘Star Map’ lighting, flush door handles and a more upright, purposeful appearance.

The cabin is similarly overhauled, with previously announced features including dual 12.3-inch displays, over-the-air software updates, a column-mounted transmission selector and reclining second-row seats.

Wireless smartphone connectivity and Kia Connect functionality are also part of the new-generation model’s technology suite.

Kia says the Seltos will also benefit from an Australian-specific ride and handling tune developed through its long-running local chassis program, intended to suit both urban roads and Australian country conditions.

The arrival of e-AWD on the GT-Line is also notable, given earlier Australian information suggested the outgoing mechanically driven AWD model could disappear with the switch to hybrid power.

Instead, Kia has retained all-wheel drive at the top of the range using its new electrified system, giving the flagship Seltos a point of difference from the front-drive variants beneath it.

Detailed Australian specifications, including standard equipment and safety features by grade, are due to be announced shortly.

The Seltos continues to compete in one of Australia’s busiest new-car categories against rivals including the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, GWM Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek.

2027 Kia Seltos pricing*: