Key highlights:
- 2027 Kia Seltos launches in Australia as a hybrid-only range
- Prices run from $39,990 to $55,490 drive-away across six variants
- Flagship e-AWD produces around 133kW with an additional rear motor
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos is arriving in Australian showrooms from late October 2026, and there’s a big change under the bonnet: the local range drops petrol-only engines and goes hybrid-only. Kia has confirmed six variants, with prices starting at $39,990 drive-away and the flagship GT-Line e-AWD topping out at $55,490 drive-away.
The new-gen Seltos is built on the larger K3 platform with more cabin and boot space and gets interior tech upgrades.
Hybrid powertrains: FWD and e-AWD
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos is a hybrid-only model line-up, and this second-generation small SUV entirely drops pure-petrol engines in Australia. Kia will offer two hybrid configurations across the new Seltos range.
| Specification | Seltos Hybrid FWD | Seltos Hybrid e-AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder | 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder |
| System output | 113kW / 265Nm | Around 133kW |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Electrified all-wheel drive |
| Additional motor | No rear electric motor | Rear-axle electric motor |
The FWD versions combine a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, producing 113kW and 265Nm.
The e-AWD flagship adds another electric motor on the rear axle, giving it electrified all-wheel drive and lifting total system power to around 133kW. The Seltos is the first Hyundai Motor Group model to use the company’s new e-AWD system.
Kia Australia has also confirmed that the new Seltos gets locally tuned suspension and steering to suit Australian driving conditions. The company says the changes aim to deliver a more responsive feel, firmer damping and reduced body roll.
Kia has adjusted the damper and spring rates, along with the steering tune, to suit local tastes.
Standard equipment: The entry-level S gets plenty
The base S grade includes a solid spread of technology and convenience features, rather than making buyers move up the range for essentials.
2027 Kia Seltos S equipment:
- 16-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver spare
- Manual flush door handles and roof rails
- LED headlights
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Integrated Panoramic Display, comprising 12.3-inch, 5.0-inch and 12.3-inch displays
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 5.0-inch HVAC display
- Kia Connect services with over-the-air updates
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual-zone climate control
- Four-spoke leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Cloth seat upholstery
- Column-type shifter with push-button start
- In-cabin camera monitor
- Keyless entry with remote start
- Forward Collision Avoidance 2.0, including autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
The full Integrated Panoramic Display combines three screens, giving the entry-level S a modern digital dashboard.
S with Safety Pack equipment: Extra cameras and parking assistance
For an additional $2,500 over the base S’s drive-away price, the Safety Pack adds more camera coverage and parking technology. The S with Safety Pack includes:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Surround View Monitor with 360-degree cameras
- Blind Spot View Monitor cameras
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse
- Side parking sensors
- Gloss-black front grille
- Silver door garnish
- Heated side mirrors
That package adds useful visibility and parking assistance, along with a few exterior upgrades.
Sport variant equipment: Bigger wheels and navigation
The Sport grade builds on the S with several additional features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Satellite navigation
- Cargo cover
- Rear centre armrest with cupholders
- Illuminated sun visor
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
- Navigation-based semi-autonomous driving assistance
Sport+ variant equipment: More comfort for the driver and passengers
- Cloth and leatherette combination upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment
- Heated front seats
- Two-tone, four-spoke leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privacy glass
- Solar glass
The power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats are the key additions for everyday comfort.
Also read: 2027 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e SUV hits Australia in November
2027 Seltos GT-Line: Flagship equipment package
The GT-Line brings the biggest visual and equipment upgrades, with distinctive exterior styling and more cabin technology.
Exterior and lighting
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- GT-Line body styling
- ‘Signature’ LED headlights
- LED front fog lights
- Automatic flush door handles
- Aero blade wipers
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power tailgate
Interior and technology
- Projector-type head-up display
- GT-Line leatherette upholstery
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar adjustment
- Driver’s seat memory function
- Driver’s relaxation comfort seat
- Ventilated front seats
- 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
- 3-spoke sports leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Aluminium pedals
The GT-Line FWD and GT-Line e-AWD share the flagship equipment package, and the e-AWD model uses a tyre mobility kit instead of the space-saver spare.
2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid: Australian prices
Kia Australia has quietly confirmed the initial specifications in a dealer bulletin obtained by CarExpert Australia. The second-generation Seltos arrives with six hybrid variants, including front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and a flagship all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid.
| 2027 Kia Seltos variant | Price before on-road costs | Drive-away price |
|---|---|---|
| S HEV FWD | $37,990 | $39,990 |
| S HEV FWD with Safety Pack | $40,150 | $42,490 |
| Sport HEV FWD | $41,910 | $43,990 |
| Sport+ HEV FWD | $44,970 | $46,990 |
| GT-Line HEV FWD | $49,870 | $52,990 |
| GT-Line HEV e-AWD | $52,870 | $55,490 |
Every 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid comes with Kia Australia’s standard seven-year factory warranty, and capped-price servicing schedules will also apply across all variants.
With six grades, a hybrid-only local lineup and a broad spread of standard technology, Kia is positioning the new Seltos to compete across the small-SUV market rather than reserving its key features for the most expensive versions
How does it compare with hybrid rivals?
The Seltos enters a competitive small-SUV market, with hybrid alternatives from established brands and newer Chinese competitors.
| Rival model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid | $39,990 drive-away |
| Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | $37,440 plus on-road costs |
| GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid | $32,990 drive-away |
| Chery C5 Hybrid | $31,990 drive-away |
| MG ZS Hybrid+ | $29,990 drive-away |
| Nissan Qashqai e-Power | $45,850 plus on-road costs |
| Jaecoo J5 SHS-H | $34,990 drive-away |
The related Hyundai Kona Hybrid starts at the same $39,990 drive-away price as the Seltos S HEV. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $37,440 before on-road costs, while the listed Chinese-brand alternatives include the MG ZS Hybrid+ from $29,990 drive-away.
These prices use different formats, so drive-away prices and prices before on-road costs aren’t directly equivalent.
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