Kia Unveils Fully Redesigned Seltos After 6 Years... Set for Release in Q1 Next Year

Traditional SUV Style Meets Futuristic Design
Expanded Interior Space and New Hybrid Model
Song Hoseong: "Strengthening Presence in the Global SUV Market"

Kia has unveiled the fully redesigned model of its global best-selling compact SUV, 'The All New Seltos' (hereafter referred to as Seltos), for the first time in the world. By increasing the size of the vehicle to expand interior space and introducing a new hybrid model, Kia aims to attract a diverse range of customers.

The Seltos, revealed through a world premiere video on December 10, 2025, is the second-generation model, making its debut six years after the launch of the first generation in 2019. Based on Kia's design philosophy, 'Opposites United' (the creative fusion of contrasting concepts), the new Seltos incorporates a wide array of practical features to enhance its market appeal.

Kia unveiled 'The All New Seltos' for the first time in the world through a world premiere video on the 10th. Executive Director Seo Hajun, Head of Domestic Product Division at Kia (from left), President Song Hoseong of Kia, Vice President Karim Habib, Head of Global Design at Kia, and Executive Director Ryu Changseung, Head of Customer Experience Division at Kia, are posing for a commemorative photo. Kia

Kia President Song Hoseong stated, "Seltos has always provided the best value in its class, and the new model will continue its reputation with outstanding design and product appeal that meet customer needs. Through Seltos, we plan to further expand our presence in the global SUV market."

The most significant change in the new Seltos is its increased size. The length and width have grown to 4,430mm and 1,830mm respectively, which is an increase of 40mm and 30mm compared to the first generation. In particular, the wheelbase has been extended by 60mm to 2,690mm, resulting in an additional 25mm of rear legroom and a more spacious interior. The use of ultra-high-strength steel has expanded from 49% to 61% of the body, and a multi-collision structure has been applied to enhance platform safety.

In terms of design, the new Seltos combines traditional SUV styling with a futuristic image inspired by electrified models. The front features a wide radiator grille for a strong presence and 'Star Map' signature lighting that embodies Kia's family look. At the rear, a lamp connecting the tailgate adds a sense of stability, while L-shaped tail lamps convey the vehicle's robustness.

Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Design at Kia, commented, "Overall, the design shares familiar elements with our EV lineup. We aimed to incorporate the latest technology and design into entry-level EVs and compact SUVs, and those aspects are reflected here."

Inside, the Seltos is equipped with a panoramic wide display that combines a 12.3-inch cluster, a 5-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system, creating a more spacious feel. A new panoramic sunroof has also been added.

The column-type electronic shift lever enhances the usability of the console space between the driver and passenger seats. For the first time, a windshield head-up display has been installed to improve driving visibility. The driver and front passenger seats feature relaxation comfort seats, while the rear seats are equipped with reclining seats that can be adjusted up to 24 degrees for added convenience. The cargo capacity is 536 liters, and Kia's 'AddGear' system allows for additional storage spaces and accessory hooks.

Kia unveiled 'The All New Seltos' for the first time in the world through a world premiere video on the 10th. Seo Hajun, Executive Director of Kia Domestic Product Division, is giving the presentation. Kia

Kia's 'AI Assistant', which incorporates generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, enables easy voice control of navigation, vehicle functions, and entertainment. The next-generation infotainment system (ccNC), also used in electrified models, has been added, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates are supported.

The powertrain lineup consists of two options: a 1.6-liter hybrid and a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The 1.6 turbo gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 193 horsepower and a peak torque of 27.0 kgf·m, providing excellent driving performance. The 4WD model is equipped with a terrain mode, ensuring stable and efficient driving in various road conditions.

The hybrid model shares its powertrain with the Niro Hybrid but features 'Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0' for improved efficiency. It is also equipped with 'In-Cabin V2L', an electrification-specific technology. However, as Kia already has a dedicated EV lineup, there are no plans to release an electric version of the Seltos in the future.

Ryu Changseung, Executive Director and Head of Customer Experience at Kia, explained, "The second-generation Seltos will serve as a bridge for customers who cannot transition to electric vehicles due to the temporary demand stagnation known as the 'EV chasm.' We have horizontally applied various advanced features from our EV lineup to the Seltos."

The Seltos is also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as 'Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2' and 'Highway Driving Assist 2' (which enables semi-automatic lane changes, evasive maneuvers, and lane and speed keeping on highways) to enhance driving safety.

Features like 'Steering Wheel Grip Detection' and 'Remote Smart Parking Assist', which allows for forward and reverse parking control, have been introduced for the first time. With the 'Digital Key 2' function, users can enter, exit, start, and remotely control the vehicle at close range using only a smartphone, without a smart key.

Kia unveiled the 'The All-New Seltos' for the first time in the world through a world premiere video on the 10th. Karim Habib, Executive Vice President of Global Design at Kia, is giving the presentation. Kia

Since the launch of the first generation in 2019, Seltos has sold a cumulative total of 2 million units in 149 countries, with annual sales of approximately 400,000 units. The second generation will be sold in 189 countries and, for the first time, will be launched in Europe.

Kia plans to begin domestic sales of the Seltos in the first quarter of next year, followed by sequential launches in North America, Europe, and China. Pricing will be announced at the time of launch, and with the inclusion of many advanced features, a price increase is inevitable.

Kia President Song Hoseong said, "In planning the second generation, we aimed to reflect customer demands for increased interior space and a more diverse powertrain lineup. Our sales target is 430,000 units per year."

President Song also addressed potential overlap between the Seltos Hybrid and other models like the compact electric SUV 'EV3' and the Niro Hybrid, stating, "We will respond to electrification with the EV3, target customers seeking fuel efficiency with the Niro Hybrid, and appeal to those wanting both fuel efficiency and a compact SUV with the Seltos Hybrid. Each model targets a different customer group."

Kia 'The All New Seltos'. Kia

Kia 'The All New Seltos'. Kia

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.