The next-generation Kia Seltos has been spied again, with the small Korean SUV wearing bolder styling reminiscent of the brand’s newest electric vehicles (EVs).
Now undergoing winter testing in Europe, this is our best look yet at the new Seltos, which Kia is expected to debut in January 2026 – making the current model almost seven years old by the time its successor comes out.
Though a majority of its finer details are covered in camouflage, the Seltos’ overall design is even boxier and more squared-off than the current model, with its front and rear echoing the EV5 mid-sized electric SUV, as well as combustion-powered models like the Cerato-replacing K4 small car.
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Unique styling cues from the current first-gen Seltos like integrated roof rails and wheel-arch mouldings will continue, though the latter are set to become larger.
Multiple South Korean media outlets have reported the new Seltos will offer a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains.
The Seltos Hybrid is expected to feature the same powertrain as the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, but also the option of an electronic all-wheel drive (E-AWD) system.
The front-wheel drive-only Kona Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 32kW/172Nm electric motor, a 1.32kWh battery pack, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Total system outputs are 104kW and 265Nm.
Kia already has a similarly sized hybrid SUV in the Niro, which also offers the option of an electric powertrain.
That sees the Niro overlap with the electric EV3, which is due on sale here in 2025, but Kia has said it sees room for both the electric Niro and the EV3.
Much as the EV3 appears to cannibalise the Niro EV, the first Seltos Hybrid could steal sales from the Niro HEV.
The Seltos is currently one of Kia’s most popular models in Australia, with 7777 examples sold last year – putting it behind only the Sportage, Cerato, Carnival people mover and Sorento large SUV.
Kia Australia currently offers hybrid versions of the Sportage, Niro, Sorento and Carnival, which combined for 5682 sales last year – ranking the Korean brand sixth out of 11 carmakers in the hybrid vehicle market.
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