Kia unveils the all-new Seltos: a bold SUV with a strong presence and maximised user experience

• The all-new Kia Seltos makes its global debut through an online world premiere themed ‘The Protagonist’
• Redesigned with authentic SUV styling and practical functionality
• Strengthens Kia’s SUV lineup, reaffirming its role as a key global model
• Empowers users to discover their true selves like a protagonist through a unique experience

Kia today unveiled the all-new Kia Seltos, the second generation of its globally successful subcompact SUV. Representing a bold evolution of one of Kia’s key models, the new Seltos underscores the brand’s design leadership and commitment to delivering refined practicality and advanced usability for modern lifestyles.

As a strategically significant global product, the all-new Kia Seltos has been re-engineered to offer a more confidence-inspiring driving experience and smarter everyday usability. Building on its reputation for value and reliability, the new model combines authentic SUV presence with intelligent technology and enhanced comfort, setting a new benchmark in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Protagonist: mobility for living as your true self 

Kia debuted the all-new Kia Seltos through an online world premiere themed “The Protagonist.” The brand film presented at the launch portrays three individuals pursuing a new achievement, freedom and deeper connections with loved ones, reflecting how the Seltos empowers drivers to realise their passions and live as the protagonists of their own story.

“The Kia Seltos has always represented best-in-class value, and the next generation model builds on that legacy with an enriched offering that resonates with the diverse passions of our customers. Its expanded global presence and abundant practical and stylish features underline Kia’s commitment to meeting diverse mobility needs worldwide.” - Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation

The Outstanding SUV: practical yet stylish and confident 

The all-new Kia Seltos embodies Kia’s vision of a confident and versatile subcompact SUV that blends bold design, intelligent packaging and seamless connectivity. As a core model in Kia’s global SUV lineup, Seltos reflects the brand’s bold and progressive identity — functional, comfortable and ready for any lifestyle.

Designed for those who value individuality and versatility, the all-new Kia Seltos combines urban agility with family-ready practicality. Improved cabin space and smarter convenience features make daily driving both effortless and enjoyable.

Bold and progressive exterior for every dimension of life

Developed under Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the all-new Kia Seltos embodies the spirit of the Relentless Innovator — harmonising rugged SUV strength with refined modernity. Its wider stance, precise surfaces and structured forms express capability and confidence from every angle.​

Key exterior highlights include:

• Dimensions: 4,430mm (L) × 1,830mm (W) × 1,600mm (H); wheelbase 2,690mm — enabling a spacious cabin.
• Front design: Wider grille with Kia’s star map lighting signature and dynamic welcome light sequence; flush door handles for enhanced aerodynamics and visual sophistication.
• Side design: Diagonal character lines, a floating roofline and strong shoulder contours create a dynamic silhouette that conveys forward motion even when stationary. Contrasting cladding and satin silver colour accents emphasise durability and refinement.
• Rear design: Vertical tail lamps extend across the tailgate to emphasise width and stability.
• Trims: X-Line, with its dark gun metal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes, projects rugged capability, while GT-Line delivers a sportier aesthetic with sleek body-coloured accents.

At the world premiere, Kia will unveil three standout colours — Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and a bold matte Magma Red — showcasing a palette that ranges from modern sophistication to strong, expressive hues.

Together, these elements present a subcompact SUV that merges practicality with expressive design — a bold and progressive companion built to complement every dimension of modern life.

A modern, connected and intelligently optimised interior space

The interior of the all-new Seltos has been reimagined to meet the evolving needs of modern mobility — whether commuting, traveling with family, or exploring beyond the city.

A low, horizontal dashboard enhances forward visibility and creates a sense of openness, while optimised packaging ensures generous headroom and legroom for all passengers. The adoption of a column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) system frees up the centre console, enhancing functionality and contributing to a more open cabin environment. An uncluttered layout with premium materials conveys both modernity and comfort throughout the interior.

Convenience and comfort highlights include:

• Wide panoramic sunroof for an open, airy atmosphere
• Customisable 64-colour mood lighting to enhance in-car ambience
• Second-row reclining seats adjustable by a total of 24 degrees (12 degrees forward and backward)
• Premium Harman Kardon and Bose audio systems delivering immersive, high-fidelity sound optimised for the cabin’s acoustic architecture
• Kia Connect Store for digital personalisation and entertainment options, including collaborations with Disney and NBA

Driving performance and powertrain

Built on Kia’s latest K3 platform, the new Seltos delivers confident, refined and versatile driving performance. Enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation and balanced chassis tuning ensure smooth and stable handling, while optimised suspension and steering contribute to stability and control.

The all-new Seltos offers a balanced range of powertrain options, delivering strong everyday performance, long-distance usability and efficiency to meet diverse customer needs across global markets.

• 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine (Standard Output): 180 PS and 265 Nm, offered with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or 6-speed manual transmission (MT)
• 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine (High Output): up to 193 PS and 265 Nm of torque, paired with 8-speed automatic transmission (AT)
• 2.0-litre petrol engine: 149 PS and 179 Nm, optimised for fuel efficiency and smooth everyday driving

Optional all-wheel drive, paired with a multi-link rear suspension and Terrain Mode — offering drive settings for Snow, Mud and Sand — enhances stability and control in challenging conditions. Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport) adapts performance for diverse environments, from city streets to rougher roads, while maintaining composed handling and comfort for all occupants.

A hybrid variant will join the lineup in 2026 bringing higher efficiency and expanded everyday usability. Along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices, the hybrid model will introduce Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 — a next-generation technology that automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation data to optimise energy recovery.

Technology, safety and convenience in harmony

The all-new Seltos prioritises safety through advanced structural engineering and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Extensive use of ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel enhances body rigidity and occupant protection.

A full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems enhances confidence behind the wheel, helping the driver maintain control and awareness in diverse driving environments:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
• Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2(FCA 2)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)
• Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R)

Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key driving information directly onto the windshield for improved awareness and safety. Together, these systems help ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Following its safety-first foundation, the Seltos integrates intuitive technology to enhance everyday convenience:

• Panoramic display combining two 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate control panel
• AI Assistant powered by generative AI for natural, conversational interaction
• Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates to keep systems current
• Digital Key 2 for secure smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing

With a class-leading luggage capacity of 536 litres (VDA) and flexible storage configurations, including a foldable dual-level cargo board, the Seltos supports both daily life and weekend adventure. Kia’s AddGear accessory system further enhances everyday usability by allowing customers to attach modular storage accessories that help customers keep everyday essentials neatly organised.

Global rollout

Global production of the all-new Seltos begins in December 2025 starting with India, followed by launches in Korea, North America, Europe and China throughout 2026.

All-New Kia Seltos Specifications