2027 Kia Seltos Pricing Announced

A new compact sedan will launch this year with a starting price just under $25,000, but its hybrid powertrain will not be available until the following year. The manufacturer has confirmed that the base gasoline model will hit showrooms in early 2026, while the hybrid variant is slated for a 2027 release to meet stricter emissions standards and consumer demand for electrified options.

The 2026 model will feature a 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine paired with a 5.5‑kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 180 horsepower and a curb weight of 3,200 pounds. Production will begin in the company’s new plant in the Midwest, where the vehicle will be assembled with a standard 8‑speed automatic transmission and a suite of advanced driver‑assist technologies. The hybrid version, expected to add a 1.2‑kWh battery pack, will provide an electric‑only range of approximately 30 miles and a total system output of 210 horsepower, positioning it competitively against rivals in the segment.

The staggered launch is intended to spread development costs and allow the automaker to refine the hybrid architecture before mass production. Analysts note that the early availability of the gasoline model could capture market share among price‑sensitive buyers, while the later hybrid release aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification and may help the brand meet upcoming regulatory requirements.