The next-gen Kia Seltos (codenamed SP3i) is set for a world premiere on December 10 in Korea. This will be the second-generation of the midsize SUV, the first-generation of which saw its global debut here in India. It will come with a completely overhauled exterior and interior and brand-new powertrain options, too. An India launch is expected sometime in 2026.
- Next-gen Kia Seltos to get hybrid powertrain option
- Is expected to be considerably larger than the current model
- India launch expected in 2026
Next-gen Kia Seltos exterior and interior
The second-gen Kia Seltos has been spied testing both abroad and in India several times already. Camouflaged test mules have hinted at a completely new design language as seen on the recently unveiled Kia Telluride. The overall shape is more upright and boxier, it gets vertical LED DRL signatures with connected light bands, and expect some quirky, if not polarizing, design details, too.
The new Seltos is also expected to be considerably larger than the model it replaces, which should also bode well for interior space. Speaking of which, the current Seltos is already very well-equipped on the inside, and the new-generation model can be expected to further build on that. Expect an all-new dashboard design and new interior upholstery as well.
Next-gen Kia Seltos powertrain details
The current Kia Seltos’ three engine options – the 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the 116hp 1.5-litre diesel – will likely continue in the second-gen model. But what’s more interesting is that Kia is expected to add a hybrid powertrain to the midsize SUV’s range. We’ve reported that the existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will be electrified for the new Seltos and power Kia’s upcoming 3-row SUV, too. This will help Kia to further take the fight to the hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. There are also talks of the Seltos getting an e-AWD system in markets abroad, but it is unlikely to be offered here in India.
By the time new Seltos arrives in India in 2026, the already crowded midsize SUV segment will have further grown with the likes of the upcoming Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton. So far, the Seltos has been one of the more popular models in its class, and it remains to be seen if the new-gen model can take it further with a wider powertrain lineup and additional tech.
Source: Korean Car Blog
