Kia has officially revealed the all-new, second-generation Kia Seltos, marking an exciting new chapter for one of the brand’s most successful global models. Completely re-engineered and dramatically refined, the latest Seltos takes its subcompact SUV legacy to new heights with a more confident driving experience, advanced connectivity, expanded practicality and a fresh design identity that radiates modern sophistication.

As a strategically important product in Kia’s worldwide SUV lineup, the 2026 Seltos strengthens the brand’s commitment to delivering intelligent mobility solutions tailored for diverse lifestyles. Combining rugged charm, refined details and next-level usability, the new Seltos sets a powerful benchmark in the subcompact SUV segment.

A New Launch Theme: The Protagonist

Kia introduced the all-new Seltos through an online world premiere titled “The Protagonist.” The launch film portrays individuals pursuing achievement, freedom and deeper personal connections — symbolizing how the Seltos empowers drivers to take the lead in their own journeys. It emphasizes mobility as a tool for self-expression and purposeful living.

Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song highlighted the model’s evolution, affirming its reputation for outstanding value while broadening its global presence and practical capabilities. The new-generation Seltos aims to resonate even more strongly with a wide range of drivers who seek style, durability and dynamic everyday performance.

Design Overview: Confident, Expressive and Ready for Modern Life

The all-new Kia Seltos embodies the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy, merging rugged SUV attributes with clean, modern surfaces to create a bold yet refined presence. Every angle reflects versatility and confidence, catering to drivers who desire individuality without compromising functionality.

Key Exterior Highlights

The second-generation Seltos stands on a larger, more commanding footprint:

• Dimensions: 4,430 mm (L) × 1,830 mm (W) × 1,600 mm (H)
• Wheelbase: 2,690 mm, supporting generous interior space

Front Profile

A wider grille featuring Kia’s signature star map lighting, a dynamic welcome light sequence and new flush door handles deliver aerodynamic efficiency and visual elegance.

Side Profile

Sharp diagonal character lines, a floating roofline and sculpted shoulders give the Seltos a sense of motion, even at rest. Contrasting cladding and satin silver accents emphasize durability and contemporary style.

Rear Profile

Vertical tail lamps connected across the tailgate visually widen the stance and reinforce stability and strength.

Trims and Color Options

• X-Line: Rugged, dark gun-metal finishes with reinforced lower body protection
• GT-Line: Sport-oriented, featuring sleek, body-colored accents

Kia also introduced three standout colors: Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and a striking matte Magma Red, adding expressive personality to the lineup.

Interior: A Modern, Smartly Optimized and Connected Cabin

Inside, the all-new Seltos is designed to elevate every type of journey — from daily commutes to adventurous weekend trips.

A low, horizontal dashboard enhances sightlines and cabin openness, while the adoption of a Shift-by-Wire column shifter frees up valuable center console space. High-quality materials and a clean, contemporary layout deliver both visual appeal and everyday comfort.

Interior Convenience and Comfort Highlights

• Wide panoramic sunroof
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Second-row reclining seats with 24 degrees of adjustment
• Premium audio options from Harman Kardon and Bose
• Kia Connect Store with broader digital personalization, including Disney and NBA collaborations

These enhancements create an interior that is not only spacious, but genuinely uplifting and engaging.

Performance and Powertrains: Confident, Refined and Versatile

Built on the latest K3 platform, the new Seltos features enhanced body rigidity, improved NVH insulation and finely tuned chassis dynamics. The result is a driving experience that feels solid, smooth and capable.

Engine Options

The all-new Seltos offers multiple powertrains depending on market:

• 1.6L T-GDI Turbo (Standard Output): 180 PS, 265 Nm 7-speed DCT or 6-speed MT
• 1.6L T-GDI Turbo (High Output): Up to 193 PS, 265 Nm 8-speed automatic transmission
• 2.0L Petrol: 149 PS, 179 Nm Optimized for balanced efficiency and everyday drivability

Drive Systems

Optional all-wheel drive with multi-link rear suspension provides assured control. Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) and Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport) enhance confidence across varying road conditions.

Electrified Future: Hybrid Variant in 2026

A hybrid Seltos will expand the lineup with higher efficiency and advanced usability. Key additions will include:

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability
• Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 with predictive energy optimization

Technology and Safety: Intelligent, Protective and Seamlessly Connected

Safety is a core pillar of the new Seltos, supported by ultra-high-strength steel, hot-stamped structural components and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistance Suite

• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Lane Following Assist 2
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
• Safe Exit Warning
• Surround View Monitor
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
• Parking Distance Warning (Front/Side/Rear)

A full Head-Up Display projects essential information directly onto the windshield, reinforcing driver awareness and safety.

Everyday Technology Enhancements

• Panoramic digital display combining dual 12.3-inch screens
• Dedicated climate control panel
• Built-in AI Assistant for natural voice interaction
• Over-the-Air software updates
• Digital Key 2 for smartphone-based access and sharing

With a leading 536-liter trunk capacity and flexible cargo configurations, the Seltos is engineered to handle daily routines and adventurous escapes with equal ease. Kia’s AddGear accessory system further boosts practicality with modular storage options.

Global Rollout

Production of the all-new Kia Seltos begins in December 2025, starting with India. Global launches across Korea, North America, Europe and China will follow throughout 2026.

Conclusion

The all-new, second-generation Kia Seltos arrives with a striking blend of bold design, intelligent engineering and future-ready technology. It embodies Kia’s renewed vision for mobility and stands poised to redefine expectations in the subcompact SUV class. With greater comfort, smarter features and a more confident driving character, the 2026 Seltos is engineered to help drivers embrace their passions and navigate every chapter of life with purpose.