The all-new Kia Seltos: a bold SUV with a strong presence and maximised user experience

• Kia’s second-best-selling model globally, now introduced in Europe
• Designed with authentic SUV styling and practical functionality
• Strengthens Kia’s presence in the fast-growing C-SUV segment
• Democratising EV technology, the Seltos HEV is Kia’s first model to be equipped with e-AWD
• The Seltos is Hyundai Motor Group’s first hybrid model with V2L
• UK-bound Seltos to be manufactured in Korea
• Seltos to be offered in the UK in HEV form only, with pricing and specifications to be announced in Q3 2026

The all-new Kia Seltos, the second generation of the successful subcompact SUV, marks a bold evolution as the model arrives in Europe for the first time. Positioned in the C-SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing segments across Europe, the Seltos plays a key role in strengthening Kia’s SUV line-up during the industry’s ongoing transition to electrification on the continent.

With its European introduction, the Seltos underlines Kia’s design leadership and its commitment to delivering refined practicality, modern technology, and advanced usability for customers seeking a versatile SUV with a strong presence. 

The Seltos has been re-engineered to deliver a more confidence-inspiring driving experience and smarter everyday usability. Combining authentic SUV character with intelligent technology and a spacious, versatile interior within compact dimensions, the model sets a new benchmark in the C-SUV segment.​

“Globally, the Kia Seltos has always represented at its best Kia’s attention to value and has grown to become the brand’s second best-selling model worldwide, and, as we bring the second generation to Europe for the first time, we are not only strengthening our presence in one of the market’s fastest-growing SUV segments, but also reinforcing Seltos position within Kia’s global line-up,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe. “Seltos allows us to offer customers a versatile and technologically advanced SUV while maintaining momentum as electrification progresses at different speeds across European markets.”​

The outstanding SUV: practical, stylish, and confident 

The Seltos embodies Kia’s vision of a confident and versatile SUV that blends bold design, intelligent packaging, and seamless connectivity. Positioned to fill coverage in the low-electrification portion of the C-SUV segment, the Seltos reflects Kia’s progressive brand identity, making it functional, comfortable, and ready for any lifestyle.

Designed for modern explorers who value individuality and versatility, the Seltos combines urban agility with family-ready practicality. A spacious interior, generous cargo capacity, and intuitive convenience features make daily driving effortless and enjoyable while supporting active lifestyles.

Bold and progressive design for every dimension of life

Developed under Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the Seltos showcases the modern heritage of ICE SUVs combined with forward-looking sophistication inspired by Kia’s EV design language. Its bold, rugged stance and clean, precise surfacing deliver a leading SUV style in the segment.​

Key exterior highlights include:

• Dimensions: 4,430 millimetres (L) × 1,830 millimetres (W) × 1,600 millimetres (H); wheelbase 2,690 millimetres, delivering best-in-class versatility
• Front design: Kia’s Star Map signature lighting with a slim pattern extending into the upper grille, bringing EV-inspired design to the segment
• Side design: extended D-pillar enhances second-row roominess, while strong shoulder lines and a floating roofline create a dynamic silhouette
• Rear design: Star Map signature lighting graphic visually widens the rear profile, reinforcing a solid and rugged stance; downward-shaped spoiler improves aerodynamics, complemented by a hidden rear wiper
• Trims: Baseline: balanced and complete design for a broad customer base; ‘GT-Line’: sportier character with dedicated exterior body kit and distinctive interior; ‘X-Line’: rugged, top-trim expression with dark exterior accents, black interior, and dark emblem

The colour palette of the Seltos includes up to ten hues, ranging from modern sophistication to strong, lively colours. This includes three newly developed colours, exclusive to Europe: Tan Beige, Denim Blue, and Pale Grey.

Together, these design elements create a bold and expressive SUV that merges rugged capability with refined modernity.​​

Key interior highlights

The interior of the Seltos translates EV-inspired design into a traditional powertrain SUV, delivering a dynamic, sleek, and modern environment tailored to everyday European mobility needs. Wide, clean horizontal forms create a sense of openness, while optimised packaging ensures generous headroom and legroom for all passengers. A centre console with an open design enhances functionality and reinforces the modern, high-tech feel of the cabin. Premium materials and an uncluttered layout combine comfort with visual clarity.

Interior convenience and comfort highlights include:

• Integrated panoramic wide display:
  • 12.3-inch digital cluster
  • 5.3-inch climate display
  • 12.3-inch multimedia screen
• Unified graphic user interface for intuitive operation
• Interior-wrapped ambient lighting with multi-source illumination
• Relaxation driver seat (depending on trim)
• Wide panoramic sunroof for an open, airy atmosphere
• Customisable 64-colour mood lighting to enhance in-car ambience
• Second-row reclining seats are adjustable by 24 degrees (12 degrees forward and backwards)
• Premium Harman Kardon audio system for immersive sound
• Kia Digital Key 2.0 for smartphone-based access and sharing
• Kia Connect Store for digital personalisation and entertainment options, including collaboration with Disney

With a class-leading luggage capacity of 536 litres (VDA) and flexible storage configurations, including a foldable dual-level cargo board, the Seltos supports both daily life and weekend adventures. Kia’s AddGear accessory system further enhances everyday usability by allowing customers to attach modular storage accessories to keep everyday essentials neatly organised.

“Seltos brings together the qualities European customers expect from a modern SUV: a bold, rugged design with a strong on-road presence, a spacious and versatile interior, and advanced technologies associated with EV,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, Vice President Product, Brand & Customer Experience at Kia Europe. “Remarkable cargo capacity, e-AWD, V2L, and Stay Mode demonstrate how Seltos translate EV innovation into a practical product for everyday use.”

Driving performance and powertrain

Built on Kia’s latest platform architecture, the Seltos delivers confident, refined, and versatile driving performance. Enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation, and balanced chassis tuning ensure composed handling and comfort across a wide range of driving conditions.

The Seltos arriving in Europe offers all-wheel drive availability on both ICE and HEV powertrains, democratising advanced drivetrain technology within the segment. It is also the first Kia model to be equipped with Hyundai Motor Group’s e-AWD system, which enables precise torque distribution, improved traction, and enhanced stability. Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport) allows drivers to adapt performance characteristics to different environments, maintaining comfort and control in everyday driving. In addition, Stay Mode enhances cabin comfort for occupants during stationary use.

The ICE version comes with a 1.6-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers both 180PS and 265Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A hybrid variant further expands the line-up, enhancing everyday usability and efficiency. The 2WD version offers 154PS, while the e-AWD version achieves 178PS.

Finally, the Seltos marks the first time that Hyundai Motor Group has applied Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), a technology typically found in EVs, to a hybrid model. The functionality allows external devices to be powered and charged directly from the vehicle.

Technology, safety, and convenience in harmony

The Seltos places safety at the core of its development, featuring advanced structural engineering and a full suite of Level 2 ADAS technologies designed to support driver confidence in diverse traffic situations.

Available Driver Assistance Systems include:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
• Smart Cruise Control 2.0 (SCC 2.0)
• Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA, HEV exclusive)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)
• Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R)

Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key driving information directly onto the windshield for improved awareness and safety. Together, these systems help ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Following its safety-first foundation, the Seltos integrates intuitive technology to enhance everyday convenience:

• Panoramic display combining two 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate control panel
• AI Assistant powered by generative AI for natural, conversational interaction
• Over-the-air (OTA) software updates and Kia Upgrade keep the vehicle future-proof throughout its lifecycle
• Digital Key 2 for secure smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing

European rollout

The Seltos is being introduced in Europe as part of Kia’s strategy to support the continent’s transition to full electrification. The petrol version will enter production from the second quarter of 2026, while the hybrid version will come at a later date.

In the UK, the Seltos will be offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Full UK specifications, line-up and pricing will be announced in Q3 2026.