Kia is preparing for full-scale production of the all-new Seltos Hybrid compact SUV — but its original January 2026 timeline might be shifting. While not officially confirmed, industry sources suggest that production may be postponed to April 2026, and the reasons behind the possible delay point to a mix of strategic caution, market success, and pricing concerns.
Could Kia Be Holding Back a Best-Seller?
The Kia Seltos has been nothing short of a global success since its launch in 2019, with over 1 million units sold and continued dominance in the domestic compact SUV segment. In 2024 alone, global Seltos sales reached approximately 300,000 units — second only to the Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup.
With such momentum, it’s understandable that Kia may be wary of disrupting a winning formula by introducing a more expensive hybrid variant too soon. Launching a higher-priced model in an established and price-sensitive segment could risk slowing down current demand — something Kia may be keen to avoid.
The Hybrid Cost Dilemma: Too Expensive for the Segment?
One of the biggest question marks around the Seltos Hybrid is price. The model is expected to feature a new 1.6L GDi hybrid powertrain — possibly with an e-AWD option — that could drive up both performance and production costs.
Early estimates suggest the Seltos Hybrid could start in the low to mid 29 million KRW range (approx. $22,000 USD), putting it close to the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, which starts around 28.8 million KRW. While competitive, this pricing could represent a significant premium over the base internal combustion Seltos — raising the question: Will consumers be willing to pay more for hybrid tech in this class?
Dual-Plant Strategy: Preparing for Flexibility
In anticipation of growing hybrid demand, Kia is reportedly planning to build the Seltos Hybrid at both Gwangju Plant 1 and Hwaseong Plant 2. Until now, all Seltos production has been handled exclusively at Gwangju.
This shift could improve production efficiency, but also speaks to a broader realignment. Hwaseong Plant 2, once dedicated primarily to EVs like the Niro EV and EV6, has seen declining utilization due to slowing EV sales. Adding hybrid production, including a new parts and battery system line, is expected to boost productivity and stabilize output at the plant.
The plant will reportedly undergo three planned shutdown periods, totaling eight weeks, for line upgrades — one possible reason for the rumored April production start instead of January.
Expanding Hybrid Choices Across the Lineup
The Seltos Hybrid completes Kia’s goal of offering hybrid options across its SUV lineup. With hybrid versions already available for the Niro, Sportage, and Sorento, the Seltos has been the last remaining SUV powered solely by internal combustion.
Market data backs Kia’s hybrid strategy. In 2025, over 70% of Kia Sorento sales were hybrid models, reflecting a clear consumer shift toward fuel efficiency and eco-friendly driving. Meanwhile, EV adoption has slowed across global markets due to infrastructure and cost concerns — opening the door for hybrids to reassert dominance.
A Delay — Or a Strategic Reset?
While the production delay is not officially confirmed, the combination of ongoing factory upgrades, uncertainty around pricing, and the overwhelming success of the current Seltos suggests Kia could be intentionally slowing the rollout.
Rather than risk a rushed launch that could undercut one of its most reliable performers, Kia may be taking time to ensure the Seltos Hybrid is competitively priced, efficiently produced, and aligned with shifting consumer priorities.
Final Thought: Worth the Wait?
If the production schedule is indeed moving from January to April 2026, the delay may ultimately benefit both Kia and consumers. With a more mature hybrid market, optimized factory readiness, and stronger pricing insights, the Seltos Hybrid could arrive more competitive and better timed for real-world success.
And for consumers waiting for the perfect mix of compact SUV versatility and hybrid efficiency, a few extra months might just be worth it.