- The second generation of the Kia Seltos has been spied testing ahead of a 2026 debut
- The SUV is believed to be available with gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
- The exterior design borrows elements from the Kia EV lineup, with a few rugged details.
Kia is pressing ahead with the development of the next-generation Seltos, set to arrive in early 2026 with both gasoline and hybrid powertrain options. Spy photographers recently caught a heavily camouflaged prototype braving the winter conditions in Northern Europe, offering a first glimpse at its new exterior. While the thick coverings obscure much of the SUV’s new look, a few design updates are still noticeable.
Compared to the current model, the new Seltos appears slightly boxier, with a more upright front end. Although Kia has gone to great lengths to keep the details under wraps, the front fascia seems to feature a Tasman-style grille, suggesting a shift toward a more rugged aesthetic.
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At the rear, Kia has given the Seltos a pair of slimmer, vertically oriented LED taillights, echoing the more futuristic styling seen in its electric SUV lineup. However, heavy camouflage makes it difficult to discern the exact shape of the tailgate or the rake of the rear windshield.
While there are no clear shots of the interior yet, a revamped dashboard with updated tech and design features seems like a safe bet for the new Seltos. Given Kia’s recent trends, expect a digital-heavy cockpit with more connectivity and driver-assist features.
Hybrid Powertrain and All-Wheel Drive Possibilities
Under the hood, the next Seltos will continue to offer gasoline engines while introducing a hybrid variant for the first time. The hybrid setup will likely be similar to those found in the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, featuring a self-charging system. Reports also suggest Kia is developing an e-AWD hybrid version, bringing all-wheel drive to the hybrid lineup.
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The current Kia Seltos has been around since 2019 and received a mild facelift in 2023. According to The Korean Car Blog, the new generation is expected to debut in January 2026. The rollout will likely vary depending on the market, but Korean production is reportedly scheduled to start in August 2026. At the moment, it is not clear if the US-spec Seltos will arrive for the 2026 MY or a bit later.
