2027 Kia Seltos Becomes More Boxy with Tasman Grille and Hybrid Engine | Carscoops

      The compact SUV is adopting a more vertical front end along with advanced LED lighting at both the front and rear.

      The second generation of the Kia Seltos has been spotted undergoing testing ahead of its anticipated debut in 2026.

      This SUV is expected to come with gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains.

      The exterior design takes cues from the Kia EV lineup, incorporating some rugged features.

      Kia is moving forward with the development of the next-generation Seltos, which is set to launch in early 2026, featuring both gasoline and hybrid options. Recently, spy photographers captured a heavily camouflaged prototype navigating the winter climate in Northern Europe, providing an initial look at its updated exterior. While the thick camouflage conceals much of the SUV’s new design, several updates are still apparent.

      In comparison to the current model, the upcoming Seltos appears somewhat more boxy, with a more vertical front end. Despite efforts to keep details confidential, the front end seems to include a Tasman-style grille, indicating a move toward a more rugged appearance.

      At the back, the Seltos has been fitted with slimmer, vertically aligned LED taillights, reflecting the futuristic styling found in its electric SUV family. Nevertheless, the heavy camouflage keeps the exact shape of the tailgate and the angle of the rear windshield from being clearly visible.

      Although clear images of the interior are not yet available, it is reasonable to expect a redesigned dashboard with updated technology and aesthetic features in the new Seltos. Following Kia's recent design trends, a digital-centric cockpit with enhanced connectivity and driver-assist options is anticipated.

      Powertrain and All-Wheel Drive Options

      Under the hood, the next Seltos will continue to feature gasoline engines while introducing a hybrid model for the first time. This hybrid configuration will likely resemble those available in the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, utilizing a self-charging system. Reports also indicate that Kia is working on an e-AWD hybrid version, which would bring all-wheel drive to the hybrid selection.

      The current Kia Seltos has been on the market since 2019 and underwent a mild facelift in 2023. According to The Korean Car Blog, the new generation is expected to unveil in January 2026. The rollout may differ by market, but production in Korea is reportedly set to commence in August 2026. It remains unclear whether the US-spec Seltos will be available for the 2026 model year or will arrive slightly afterwards.