The New Kia Seltos Has Expanded So Much That It's Essentially a Smaller Version of the Sportage | Carscoops

      The second generation of the compact SUV, the Kia Seltos, has been enlarged, features tougher styling, and is preparing for its first-ever hybrid variant.

      10 hours ago by Thanos Pappas

      The new Seltos introduces a larger size with a more rugged design.

      It will offer 2.0-liter and turbo 1.6 engines, with a hybrid being introduced in 2026.

      The global rollout will begin in India, followed by Korea, North America, Europe, and China.

      Kia has revealed the next generation of the Seltos, showcasing a model that is larger, more robust, and completely updated inside. Kia aims for the Seltos to take on a key role in its global lineup, which was a central theme of their launch event.

      The redesigned Seltos features a sharper design language that aligns it more closely with Kia’s latest models. The front now sports a more futuristic appearance, complete with vertically stacked split headlights. The main lighting elements are integrated into a wider grille, which coordinates with a newly designed skid plate in Satin Silver.

      From the side, it shares distinct design characteristics with the EV5, particularly the flush door handles and extensive plastic cladding. The elevated beltline and floating roof nod to the first generation Seltos, while a new diagonal crease on the rear doors provides additional tension to the overall shape.

      At the rear, the design is finished with an elongated roof spoiler and a lighting arrangement that spans the width of the tailgate, featuring hourglass-shaped vertical extensions.

      Additionally, the new Seltos will be available in two distinct trims: the sportier GT-Line and the more rugged X-Line, both showcasing the same exterior design but differing in their finishes—body-colored accents for the GT-Line and dark gunmetal for the X-Line.

      Three new color options will also be available: Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and Matte Magma Red.

      Increased Dimensions

      The new Seltos has been enlarged compared to previous models and now approaches the dimensions of the EU-spec Sportage. The latest generation of the subcompact SUV measures 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) long, 1,830 mm (72.1 inches) wide, and 1,600 mm (63 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm (105.9 inches).

      This translates to a 45 mm (1.8 inch) increase in length and a 30 mm (1.2 inches) increase in width compared to the outgoing US version, along with a 60 mm (2.4 inches) extension in wheelbase.

      For comparison, the EU-market Kia Sportage is 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) wide, and 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) tall, with a slightly shorter 2,680 mm (105.5 inches) wheelbase. The US-spec Sportage is even larger, measuring 4,660 mm (183.5 inches) in length, 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) in width, and 1,665 mm (65.6 inches) in height, on a wheelbase of 2,755 mm (108.5 inches).

      Though the Seltos remains noticeably smaller than both versions of the Sportage, the difference, especially with the EU model, is less pronounced than it previously was.

      Modernized Cabin

      The interior of the Seltos has undergone a significant transformation, resembling Kia’s electric model lineup. The digital cockpit features dual 12.3-inch displays and a dedicated panel for climate controls.

      This setup includes sleek climate vents and some physical buttons on the center console. The infotainment system supports over-the-air updates and includes an AI Assistant.

      Other available features comprise a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, premium audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bose, and ambient lighting with 64 color options. The SUV also gains an upgraded suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

      With its increased size, the cabin is expected to be more spacious. Kia states that the new interior is designed with families in mind, offering more room and flexibility. Practical elements include a reclining rear bench and the Kia AddGear mounting system for accessories.

      The cargo area now provides 536 liters (18.9 cubic feet) of storage, which is an increase of 103 liters (3.6 cubic feet) thanks to a foldable, dual-level cargo floor.

      ICE and Hybrid Options

      The Seltos now utilizes the upgraded K3 platform, which is also shared with the Kia Niro and K4, along with Hyundai’s Kona and Elantra. Kia emphasizes improvements in structural rigidity, noise insulation, and chassis balance.

      Engine options at launch include a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 147 horsepower (110 kW / 149 PS)