Kia has officially revealed the second-generation Seltos small SUV, confirming that the new model will retain familiar petrol engine options while also introducing an all-new hybrid variant. The updated Seltos is scheduled to arrive in Australian dealerships during the fourth quarter of 2026, between October and December, marking a significant evolution of one of Kia’s most important global nameplates.
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In terms of size, the new Seltos has grown in almost every direction. It now measures 4,430mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and rides on a 2,690mm wheelbase, making it longer and wider than the outgoing model while maintaining a similar overall height of 1,600mm. According to Kia, these dimensional increases translate directly into improved cabin space for passengers. Practicality has also been enhanced, with cargo capacity rising from 477 litres in the current model to a more generous 536 litres in the new generation. Externally, the second-generation Seltos adopts a more upright and squared-off design inspired by Kia’s EV5 and EV9 electric SUVs. Details such as flush-mounted door handles, contrasting lower-body trim, and black plastic wheel-arch cladding give the vehicle a tougher, more adventurous appearance.
The interior has undergone a comprehensive redesign to match the exterior transformation. Dominating the cabin are two 12.3-inch digital displays, one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The system integrates an AI-based assistant, while constant internet connectivity enables over-the-air software updates and digital key functionality. Depending on the trim level, buyers will have access to a wide range of features, including alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches, optional two-tone exterior paint, a 12-inch head-up display, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded premium audio system.
Safety technology is also a key focus for the new Seltos. Kia plans to offer a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assistance, a surround-view camera system, safe exit warning, and full 360-degree parking sensors, reinforcing the model’s positioning as a well-equipped compact SUV.
While Kia has not yet released full technical details of the hybrid system, it is widely expected to be closely related to the setup used in the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, which shares the same platform family. For reference, the Kona Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 104kW and 265Nm. Kia has confirmed, however, that the Seltos Hybrid will include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, a feature not currently offered on the Kona Hybrid, along with the brand’s latest regenerative braking technology. Importantly, the new Seltos will also be offered in Europe for the first time, supporting Kia’s ambitious target of 430,000 global Seltos sales per year.
Alongside the hybrid, three four-cylinder petrol engines have been confirmed for international markets. The entry-level option is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 110kW and 179Nm of torque. Above that sit two versions of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, offering outputs of 132kW or 142kW, both with 265Nm of torque. Transmission choices vary by engine, including a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. The gearbox for the 2.0-litre engine has not been confirmed, though similar applications suggest a CVT is likely.
The new Seltos is expected to maintain a trim structure similar to the current model, with the addition of an X-Line variant alongside the existing GT-Line at the top of the range in some markets. Kia will launch the new Seltos in India first, with further details on the hybrid system to be revealed next year, ahead of the Australian rollout in late 2026.