SEOUL: Kia has unveiled the all-new Kia Seltos, the second generation of its globally successful subcompact SUV (sport utility vehicle).
Global production of the 2026 Seltos begins in December 2025 starting with India, followed by launches in Korea, North America, Europe and China throughout 2026.
Kia debuted the 2026 Seltos through an online world premiere themed “The Protagonist.”
The brand film 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.
Built on Kia’s latest K3 platform, the new Seltos delivers enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation and balanced chassis tuning.
The new Seltos' range of powertrain options:
- 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine (Standard Output): 180PS and 265Nm, 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 193PS and 265Nm of torque, paired with 8-speed automatic transmission (AT)
- 2.0-litre petrol engine: 149PS and 179Nm
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.
Along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices, the hybrid model will introduce Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 that automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation data to optimise energy recovery.
Key exterior highlights include:
- Dimensions: 4,430mm (L) × 1,830mm (W) × 1,600mm (H); wheelbase 2,690mm.
- Front design: Wider grille with Kia’s star map lighting signature and dynamic welcome light sequence; flush door handles for enhanced aerodynamics.
- Side design: Diagonal character lines, a floating roofline and strong shoulder contours create a dynamic silhouette.
- Rear design: Vertical tail lamps extend across the tailgate.
- Trims: X-Line, with its dark gun metal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes, projects rugged capability, while GT-Line delivers a sportier aesthetic.
At the world premiere, Kia unveiled three colours — Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and a bold matte Magma Red.
The interior features a low, horizontal dashboard that enhances forward visibility, while a column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) system frees up the centre console.
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 24 degrees (12 degrees forward and backward)
- Premium Harman Kardon and Bose audio systems
- Kia Connect Store for digital personalisation and entertainment options
There are also a panoramic display combining two 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate control panel, AI Assistant powered by generative AI, Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, and Digital Key 2 for secure smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing.
The new Seltos offers a class-leading luggage capacity of 536 litres (VDA) and flexible storage configurations, including a foldable dual-level cargo board.
Advanced driver-assistance systems include:
- 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
