Kia Seltos

The design evolution is striking. Side by side with the outgoing model, the new Seltos showcases natural changes, adopting various styling cues, like the flush-mounted door handles, distinct rear corner geometry, and lighting from electric models like the EV6 and EV9. In the process, the vehicle looks more modern, sophisticated, and even upscale than the original Seltos.

Without something to represent scale in the images, it is easy to look at the photos and expect the Seltos to have grown to the proportions of the Sportage or Sorento. Not quite, but it has gained in most dimensions. Increasing slightly in length, width, and wheelbase, the new Seltos provides more passenger and cargo room than before. This should add to its appeal for Americans, who favor a bit more elbow room than other markets, and strengthen the case for owners to trade in for the new model.

The X-Line is distinguished by its elevated ride height (8.1 inches!), dark metal finishes, and added lower trim elements, which give it a more rugged appearance.

New colors are available, as well as a contrasting black roof. The global version will be available in a matte finish, which looks cool, but buyers should be aware of paint care restrictions before buying. Often, matte finishes cannot be run through an automatic car wash, and there can be rather stringent guidelines for cleaning the paint without scratching.

Integrating the headlamps into the grille to create a “star map” lighting effect, with a twinkling welcome sequence when the driver is approaching the vehicle, is neat, as seen on other models. But we don’t love motorized exterior door handles. They can be difficult to operate when coated in winter ice, have an odd shape to grip, and generally complicate one of the simplest functions on a car. But sure, it looks cool, especially on a lower-priced vehicle.

As we have seen with other recent Kia models, the interior features a modern design with a clean aesthetic that exudes a distinctly upscale feel. The available wide panoramic display, as used on other Kias, consists of two 12.3-inch screens and a dedicated 5-inch climate control panel. The benefit to this approach is that climate settings are readily available, without needing to navigate through the function-rich infotainment system. Plus, there are physical buttons for some common functions.

The AI-enabled digital assistant for voice controls and various infotainment functions runs on ChatGPT, based on information released for global markets. When parked, the Seltos will offer access to streaming entertainment and gaming content, as well as personalization through a partnership with Disney.

Behind the not-quite-round steering wheel is a 12-inch head-up display that projects speed, speed limit, directions, and safety-related alerts onto the windshield in front of the driver—a premium feature for the class. There is a driver attention monitor that senses whether hands are on the wheel.

Depending on the version, there is either a column-mounted shifter or a console-mounted gear selector.

The interior color options include earthy tones inspired by the elements, as well as a traditional, all-business black presentation.

There are USB-C ports throughout the cabin, and a 100-watt USB port is available up front, along with a wireless phone charging mat.

A panoramic moonroof is optional.

The rear seat can recline, and Kia says passenger space there and in the cargo compartment is notably roomier than in the previous Seltos. The automaker says the glass is thicker to reduce interior noise, addressing one of CR’s past criticisms.

Based on the new K3 platform, the Seltos is configured with three gasoline engines—more choices than its typical rivals.

Based on figures for other markets, the base 2.0-liter engine will have about 149 hp and be mated to a continuously variable transmission. The step-up is a confirmed 190-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That 1.6-liter will be available in front- or all-wheel drive. Driver-selectable modes allow a choice of Eco, Normal, or Sport—as is common on many vehicles these days. Additionally, all-wheel-drive models have a terrain control selector with choices that include Snow, Mud, and Sand.

The automaker has pledged that a hybrid powertrain is coming in late 2026. Given the company’s strategy of sharing powertrains, and indeed many features, across its models, it is reasonable to expect that the hybrid will be similar to the offering in the Kia Niro. That delightful hatchback is equipped with a 139-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos hybrid will use the company’s next-generation regenerative braking system to capture energy from braking. The hybrid will feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the SUV to serve as a mobile power source or even an emergency backup, much like a portable generator.

Kia executives have announced that the automaker is aiming to offer a hybrid version of every non-electric car, so expect to see even more hybrids in the future.

The suspension has been redesigned and tuned for each market. With the last Seltos we tested, ride quality was a shortcoming, so we’re eager to see whether the new model brings a marked improvement.

A generous roster of driver assistance systems will be available on the Seltos, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and driver distraction monitoring. Standard Lane Following Assistance 2 uses a hands-on steering wheel sensor to ensure driver engagement, and the system provides lane centering assistance.

Available advanced driver assistance systems features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, surround view camera, and safe exit warning to prevent occupants from opening a door when a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from behind.