The second generation Kia Seltos was introduced, switched to a new platform and equipped with larger proportions, a revised interior and a variety of different powertrains.
Unveiled to the media via an online livestream, the new Seltos, which replaces the current model launched in 2019, features an exterior design and interior layout heavily inspired by Kia’s electric vehicles (EVs), including the EV9 and EV5.
The new Seltos will go into production in India this month with gasoline power, production in Korea will follow, and a hybrid version will arrive later in 2026.
The Australian premiere is scheduled for the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2026.
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The small SUV will also be offered in Western Europe for the first time, joining a variety of global markets including the US, Mexico, India, China, South Korea and Australia.
The basis of the new Seltos is Kia’s K3 platform, which the company switched to from the K2 platform. This means it now shares its architecture with Hyundai’s i30 sedan and Kona, as well as Kia’s Niro and K4, among others.
The Seltos have grown in almost all dimensions. The wheelbase is 60mm longer at 2690mm, while overall it is 45mm longer at 4430mm and 30mm wider at 1830mm. Load capacity has also been increased from 498 liters to 536 liters, with the Seltos now 35mm lower at 1600mm.
According to Kia, the Seltos’ new platform offers improved ride, handling and stability, as well as greater body rigidity and improved sound insulation. Importantly, it has also enabled the use of several new powertrains.
Highlights of the new exterior include a wide rectangular front grille with unique headlight signature, diagonal “character lines” along the sides of the SUV and distinctive taillights “to emphasize width and stability” – all strongly reminiscent of the EV5.
The interior now features two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instruments, as well as a dedicated third panel for climate control. Kia has also introduced a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant, while the Seltos now supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and “Digital Key” smartphone functionality.
There are also new seats, a new steering wheel, a new dashboard design, adjustable rear seats and a panoramic sunroof – the latter replacing the current generation’s single-pane unit. Sound systems from Bose and Harman/Kardon are available.
A new X-Line variant will join the fray, bringing a unique bumper design with gunmetal gray surfaces. This complements three new matte exterior colors called Ivory Silver, Dark Gun Metal and Magma Red.
Two 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engines with different outputs will be available at market launch. The new ‘Standard Output’ version produces 132kW of power and 265Nm of torque and will be available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual gearbox.
The “High Output” alternative, on the other hand, increases power to 142 kW, while torque remains the same and an eight-speed torque converter automatic is installed. This is most comparable to the turbo engine in the previous Seltos model.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is adopted, which continues to produce 110 kW and 179 Nm and is still coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
A hybrid powertrain will be introduced for the Seltos for the first time in 2026. Details are not yet known, except that it will feature Kia’s so-called “intelligent regenerative braking” and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.
In addition, configurations with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive as well as, depending on the variant, either a torsion beam or multi-link independent rear suspension are still offered.
While an Australian launch has been confirmed in the fourth quarter (October-December) of 2026, local specifications and pricing have yet to be determined. Given that the Seltos will get a hybrid powertrain early this year, this is possibleThat means Kia Australia may be waiting to prioritize a hybridized Seltos that can compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross.
A hybrid Seltos would join Kia’s ever-growing range of electrified models in Australia. The hybrid portfolio currently includes the Niro (which could be replaced by a hybrid Seltos), the Sportage, the Sorento and the Carnival, while the all-electric offering includes the EV3, EV5, EV6, EV9 and soon the EV4.
In any case, the Seltos has proven to be one of Kia’s most popular models worldwide. It peaked at 339,857 global sales in 2023 and backed that up with another 295,106 in 2024, leading the Korean brand to target 430,000 sales for the new model.
The US (130,000 sales) and India (100,000 sales) are expected to lead the way, with strong support from Europe and of course South Korea. However, the upgrades will likely bring some price increases, but Kia still expects the Seltos to be positioned competitively.
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