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New Kia Seltos debuts as a bolder, globally aimed subcompact crossover
Kia lifted the curtain on the second-generation Seltos on December 10, 2025, during an online premiere called 'The Protagonist'. The refreshed subcompact crossover arrives with a bolder face, a thoroughly reworked cabin and a tech loadout that pushes it closer to larger rivals in terms of features and driver assistance.
Design and presence
The new Seltos represents a clear styling reset compared with the outgoing model. Kia adopts the family cues seen on the latest EV5, refreshed Sportage and the all-new Telluride: a tiger-nose grille that integrates some lighting elements, separated lamps elsewhere, and a rear treatment that pairs L-shaped LEDs into an almost continuous light bar stopped just above the Kia script. The side profile uses blacked-out A/B/C pillars and a rising beltline that emphasizes the floating roof and a pronounced D-pillar.
Launch colours include Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and a matte Magma Red, each intended to highlight the sharper surfaces and athletic stance.
Interior and tech
Inside, Kia has redesigned the cockpit with a cleaner dashboard and a column-mounted Shift-by-Wire (SBW) selector. The centerpiece is a panoramic display made up of dual 12.3-inch screens and a dedicated climate zone below.
Highlights:
- Panoramic sunroof and 64-colour ambient lighting
- 24-degree reclining second-row seats for added comfort
- Premium audio options from Harman Kardon and Bose
- Kia Connect store and OTA software updates
Driver assistance
Kia has equipped the Seltos with advanced driver assist features including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2). Other conveniences include Digital Key 2, an AI assistant and a wide suite of connectivity functions that elevate the Seltos beyond its subcompact class.
Powertrains and performance
Under the hood the Seltos arrives with three internal-combustion powertrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre producing 149 PS (147 hp) and two 1.6-litre turbo variants tuned to 180 PS (178 hp) and 193 PS (190 hp) respectively. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or an eight-speed automatic depending on market and engine choice.
Hybrid and next-gen energy recovery
Kia will add a hybrid variant next year that brings Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering external devices and the company’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0. Kia describes the system as next-generation regenerative technology that dynamically adjusts energy recovery based on traffic and navigation data to maximize efficiency.
Market positioning and rollout
Originally launched in 2019, the Seltos fills a gap between smaller models like the Stonic or Sonet and the larger Sportage. Unlike the first generation, which had region-specific variants (SP2, SP2i and SP2c), this second-generation Seltos is positioned for a truly global rollout starting in India and following quickly with launches in South Korea, North America, Europe and China.
What stands out is how Kia is arming a subcompact crossover with tech and comfort features typically reserved for higher segments, making the new Seltos a compelling option for buyers who want compact dimensions without sacrificing modern convenience and safety.
"A refined interior, stronger tech package and broad powertrain choice give the new Seltos a real shot at expanding its global appeal," says one industry analyst.
Source: autoevolution
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