Kia Launches SP3 Seltos Hybrid Range in Australia
The refreshed 2027 Kia Seltos moves to a full hybrid lineup with a new K3 platform.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Do you think it is good for consumers when related car brands compete against each other?
Kia has released the SP3-generation Seltos in the Australian market, transitioning the SUV range to a full hybrid powertrain. The vehicles now utilise the K3 platform to compete in the small SUV segment.
Why it matters
The transition to a hybrid-only lineup positions Kia to better compete against rivals like the Hyundai Kona for market share in the Australian small SUV segment. The company aims to build on delivery numbers that previously lagged behind its competitor.
The 2027 Seltos range features a 1.6-litre hybrid engine paired with a 1.49kWh battery, with pricing spanning $37,990 to $52,870 plus on-road costs. Power outputs reach 112kW for the two-wheel drive model and 126kW for the GT-Line e-AWD variant.
The players
Kia
This South Korean automaker maintains a significant presence in the Australian market and operates independently from Hyundai.
Hyundai
A major automotive manufacturer that leads the local small SUV segment with the Kona model.
The details
The updated Seltos range now exclusively uses hybrid technology, with the GT-Line variant incorporating an electric motor on the rear axle to facilitate an e-AWD system. Kia and Hyundai operate as distinct business entities in Australia as they battle for dominance in the local compact crossover category.
Timeline
2023 saw Volkswagen and Skoda efforts to avoid product cannibalisation.
2025 records show 9,223 Kia Seltos and 22,769 Hyundai Kona deliveries.
2026 marked the period when Chery executives defined brand buyer profiles.
30 October 2026 is the date of the Seltos market release.
2027 marks the model year for the full hybrid Seltos lineup.
Roadmap
This release reflects the broader industry shift towards electrification as manufacturers move away from internal combustion to hybrid architectures. It highlights the ongoing struggle for volume leadership within the Australian small SUV market segment.
Buyers can expect a pricing range between $37,990 and $52,870 before on-road costs, positioning the hybrid Seltos against the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. Customers should account for these starting costs when visiting dealerships compared to the existing small SUV options.
The takeaway
The pivot to a full hybrid lineup signals a shift in how Kia plans to capture value in the competitive small SUV space. Shoppers should compare the 1.49kWh battery efficiency against legacy internal combustion alternatives before committing to a purchase.
Further reading
For more information on the current market landscape, visit the Car Types section.
Live Poll
Do you think it is good for consumers when related car brands compete against each other?
