New-Gen Kia Seltos – What We Know So Far | V3Cars

Nov 13, 2025, 02:30 PM IST
By Nikil Jonathan
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The next-generation Kia Seltos is gathering buzz ahead of its global unveil in December 2025 and an expected India launch in 2026. While the headline facts are already widely reported, this article digs deeper into what we do know and what the hints and spy shots suggest to give you a preview of what the Seltos 2026 could bring for Indian buyers.

New-Gen Kia Seltos – What We Know So Far

2026 Kia Seltos Design, Platform & Dimensions

The new Seltos is expected to be based on an upgraded version of the current model’s platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Creta. While the exact dimensions of the new-gen Seltos is not available at the moment, the spy shots suggest a boxier, more upright profile with a flatter roofline.

The new Seltos could also offer an increased wheelbase to free up more interior space, especially for rear passengers and luggage. An increase in wheelbase could also help the improve Kia ride quality and stability of the Kia SUV. Finally, an increase in size could help the new Seltos offer stronger road presence and a proper SUV-like stance.

Spy shots and renderings of the upcoming Seltos suggest the SUV will retain Kia’s signature “Tiger-nose” grille, albeit with vertical slats and a sharper, more premium look. The headlamps are expected to be squarish and LED lighting elements while the taillamps could feature a full-width LED bar. Based on spy shots, we expect the new Seltos to offer flush door handles, simpler surfaces and aero-optimised alloy wheels.

New Kia Seltos Interior And Features

The new Kia Seltos is expected to get a massive feature upgrade inside. We expect the new-gen Seltos to offer a new dashboard layout with larger, curved displays, connected car technology and enhanced ADAS features.

In terms of screens, Kia could offer the new Seltos with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display enclosed within a curved glass panel, as seen in the new Venue. We could also expect it to offer a smaller, third screen for climate controls like in the Syros.

Expect other premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, ample storage spaces, and better ergonomics as well.

2026 Kia Seltos Expected Powertrain Options

According to the Korean Car Blog, the upcoming Seltos is expected to introduce a petrol-hybrid powertrain across global markets, including India. A strong hybrid powertrain will allow the Kia Seltos to compete with the strong hybrid variants of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The new Seltos’ hybrid powertrain could later find its way under the bonnet of the next-gen Hyundai Creta as well.

Additionally, Kia are said to be developing a dedicated all-tine 4-wheel drive (E-AWD) system for the Seltos hybrid. Primarily aimed at the European market, it remains to be seen in Kia offer this option for the Indian market.

Apart from a strong hybrid option, we expect Kia to retain the current set of 1.5L normal and turbocharged petrol engines and the 1.5L diesel engine with manual and automatic transmission options.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikil Jonathan

Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

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