The New Kia Seltos Grows Up: Hybrid Tech and More Space for Compact SUV

In the relentless game of "who can build the best family hauler," Kia rarely misses a beat. The current Seltos has been a runaway success, finding that sweet spot between size, price, and rugged charm. 

Still, the game moves swiftly, and with many rivals sharpening their knives, Kia has pulled the covers off the second-generation Seltos. It's bigger, smarter, and electrified - well, sort of.  

Under the Bonnet: Familiar Faces and a Hybrid Hero

Let's get straight to the oily bits. Kia has confirmed that the new SUV will ride on the same "K3" platform that underpins the latest Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona. This architecture permits a mix of powertrains, ensuring there is an engine for every type of buyer.

Headline news, of course, is the addition of a hybrid powertrain: exact output figures for the hybrid remain under wraps, but its shared platform would suggest it will doubtless borrow the same 1.6-litre hybrid setup as the Niro, which returns great fuel economy and a handy vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. It means you can power your laptop, or indeed your coffee machine, directly from the car - which is a neat party trick.

As for traditionalists who still believe in combustion, the familiar engines return, virtually unchanged:

• 2.0-Litre Four-Cylinder: Naturally aspirated, entry-level unit, making around 147 bhp.
• 1.6-Litre Turbo: More punchy, for those that want a little more shove; delivering 190 bhp.

The turbo model pairs with an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive remains an option across the range for those that need extra grip.

A Growth Spurt

Always on the larger side of the "compact" SUV segment, the Seltos has just grown some more. The new model is about three inches longer than the outgoing car, with a matching stretch in the wheelbase. It's also wider.

This expansion pays dividends inside. The cabin has been completely overhauled, borrowing heavily from the flagship Telluride. The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, one for the instruments and one for infotainment, creating a seamless, panoramic digital cockpit. Thankfully, Kia has retained physical buttons for the climate control, proving that some lessons don't need to be unlearned in the pursuit of minimalism.

Design and Tech 

Where design is concerned, this new Seltos has adopted a sharper, more vertical language. The front grille is wider, the roofline floats, and the taillights have gone vertical. There are even flush door handles to add a touch of premium flair, while the new matte "Magma Red" paint option suggests Kia wants this SUV to stand out in that school run sea of greys and silvers. 

On the tech front, it supports OTA updates to keep the software fresh long after you've driven off the forecourt. There's an AI voice assistant on board, too, which will handle conversational commands, though we'll reserve judgement on its usefulness until we try it. Production begins this December, with the car likely to hit showrooms next year. No word yet on the launch of the car in the Middle East region.

Here is a summary of the expected powertrains:

Looking for a used car in Dubai or new car deals? Explore YallaMotor’s verified listings today.

FAQs

Will the new Seltos have a hybrid version? Yes. Kia has confirmed a hybrid powertrain for the new generation. While specs are unconfirmed, it is expected to mirror the efficient setup found in the Kia Niro.

Is the new Seltos bigger than the old one? Yes. The new model is approximately three inches longer and features a longer wheelbase and wider body, which should translate to improved passenger space and boot capacity.

Does it still have physical buttons? Happily, yes. While the dashboard features massive dual screens, Kia has retained a row of physical buttons for essential functions like climate control.

When will the new Seltos be released? Production starts in late 2025, with the car expected to arrive in dealerships as a 2026 or 2027 model, depending on the market.

Is the 1.6-litre turbo engine still available? Yes. The punchy 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine returns, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a sportier alternative to the base engine and the hybrid.