The Kia Seltos first arrived back in 2019, and since then, it’s been a consistently strong performer for the Korean brand, amassing U.S. sales of roughly 300,000 units. But now it’s time for an all-new model, and Kia has shared the first clear images of the second generation of the subcompact SUV with a design that will bring it in line with the current range, thanks to the Opposites United design language. This means it will look more like an EV to some, but don’t worry – the same combustion powertrains are expected to carry over. Details on those will be revealed during next week’s online world premiere, on December 10. Until then, let’s take a closer look at the design.
A Sharp New Look For The Seltos
The all-new Seltos gets a front fascia with Kia’s Star Map daytime running lights, with a vertical element framing either side of the front end, drawing the eye to the hoodline. These large end lights also help increase visual width, while the inner DRL elements are separated from the grille but backed by gloss black cladding, again making the vehicle look wider. We can also make out some aluminum-colored elements lower down, giving the design some ruggedness. The same finish appears below the roof racks and above the blacked-out glasshouse, which creates a floating roofline effect and narrows around the D-pillar to reduce visual mass at the rear for an athletic feel.
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Muscular fenders with squared wheel arches fit with the overall design and give an impression of off-road readiness. Speaking of which, Kia has confirmed that the X-Line trim will return, as will the sporty GT-Line. At the rear, the Seltos adopts a full-width horizontal lightbar that is enclosed by vertical taillights with a sharp C shape. Lower down, black plastic cladding with more aluminum-style elements completes the design. Flush-fitting door handles, which have the potential to create a safety hazard but look sleek, give the crossover more of a contemporary feel and reduce aerodynamic drag. Finally, Kia says more exterior colors will be available.
No Hints Of The Interior Design, But Expect More Tech
Kia hasn’t shared any images of the cabin, but has said that the next-generation Seltos will have “a forward-looking, high-tech character,” which implies that there’ll be more screen real estate, new interior trim elements, and better safety technologies. The current 2026 Seltos starts at $23,690 and goes up to $31,390 and although the same front- and all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower/132 lb-ft of torque) and 1.6-liter turbocharged (190 hp/195 lb-ft) powertrains are expected to carry over (possibly with the addition of a hybrid option), we expect a slight increase in those prices. We’ll know more next Wednesday.
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