New Kia Seltos: Mark your calendars: December 10, 2025, is when Kia unveils the second-generation Seltos in South Korea and it’s bringing hybrid power, Level 2 ADAS, and a complete design transformation. For Indian buyers, the wait extends to early 2026, but what’s coming is worth the anticipation. This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive reinvention of India’s best-selling compact SUV.
New Kia Seltos Quick Specs Overview
| Feature | Current Seltos | New Seltos (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2019 | Dec 10, 2025 (Global) / Q1-Q2 2026 (India) |
| Length | 4,365mm | ~4,400mm (increased) |
| Wheelbase | 2,610mm | ~2,650mm (increased) |
| Displays | Twin 10.25″ | Triple screen (12.3″ + 12.3″ + 5″) |
| ADAS | Not available | Level 2 ADAS |
| Hybrid | Not available | 1.6L hybrid (~141 hp) |
| Expected Price | Rs 10.79-19.81 lakh | Rs 11.30-22 lakh |
Bold New Design: Bigger, Boxier, Bolder
The second-generation Seltos, internally codenamed SP3i, adopts a dramatically different design philosophy. Gone is the angular, sleek profile the new Seltos embraces a more upright, boxy stance inspired by Kia’s larger SUVs like the Telluride.
The front fascia commands attention with a wider grille featuring vertical slats and the most striking change: vertically-stacked LED headlamps with distinctive L-shaped DRLs. This design language, borrowed from the flagship EV9 and Carnival, gives the Seltos a premium, contemporary appearance that immediately distinguishes it from competitors.
Spy shots reveal a slightly longer wheelbase translating to improved cabin space while maintaining clear differentiation from the smaller Syros. The side profile showcases redesigned alloy wheels, blacked-out A-pillars, newly styled ORVMs, and flush roof rails contributing to a cleaner silhouette.
At the rear, longer vertical C-shaped tail lamps connected by a light strip create visual width, while a chunkier rear bumper and redesigned tailgate complete the transformation. The overall dimensions grow modestly from 4,365mm to approximately 4,400mm in length, with wheelbase expansion ensuring enhanced rear passenger legroom.
Interior Revolution: Triple-Screen Setup and Premium Materials
The cabin receives a comprehensive overhaul that draws clear inspiration from the recently launched Kia Syros and EV9. The centerpiece is a triple-screen dashboard layout consisting of:
- Two 12.3-inch displays (digital cluster and infotainment)
- A 5-inch touch panel dedicated to climate controls
This represents a significant upgrade from the current twin 10.25-inch setup, offering better screen real estate and improved functionality.
Material quality takes a leap forward with soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting, and premium upholstery options. The dashboard follows Kia’s modern minimalist philosophy with cleaner lines and better ergonomics, while two-tone cabin treatment with vibrant accents adds contemporary appeal.
Expected premium features include:
- Ventilated front seats with faster cooling
- 8-way powered driver seat with memory function
- Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents
- Wireless phone charging and panoramic sunroof
- Reclining rear seats with sunshade curtains
- 360-degree surround-view camera with front parking sensors
Connectivity gets a major boost with enhanced connected car technology supporting Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and potentially digital key functionality.
Powertrain: Familiar Engines Plus Game-Changing Hybrid
The core engine lineup remains familiar but refined:
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: 115 hp, 144 Nm (entry-level option) 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol: 160 hp, 253 Nm (performance variant) 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 116 hp, 250 Nm (torque-rich option)
Transmission choices mirror the current setup: 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, CVT, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and 7-speed DCT. Reports suggest improved DCT tuning for smoother shifts and enhanced NVH insulation for a quieter cabin.
The Hybrid Game-Changer
The most significant addition is a 1.6L hybrid engine producing approximately 141 hp similar to the Hyundai Kona Hybrid powertrain. This strategic move directly challenges the immensely popular Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrids, both of which have captured significant market share with impressive fuel efficiency.
The hybrid variant positions the Seltos as a complete package: premium features, modern design, and segment-leading efficiency in one compelling package. Select international markets may also receive an e-AWD system, though Indian availability remains uncertain.
Safety First: Level 2 ADAS Arrives
Safety takes center stage with Level 2 ADAS—a significant upgrade that includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction functionality
- Blind Spot Collision Warning and Avoidance
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist
Standard safety equipment spans six airbags across all variants, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist, Traction Control, and TPMS. The addition of front parking sensors expands parking assistance capabilities alongside the 360-degree camera.
Market Positioning: Taking On Everyone
The new Seltos enters one of India’s most competitive battlegrounds, facing:
- Hyundai Creta (segment leader and platform sibling)
- Maruti Grand Vitara & Toyota Hyryder (hybrid dominators)
- Honda Elevate (practical family choice)
- Volkswagen Taigun & Skoda Kushaq (European handling)
- Tata Sierra (upcoming wildcard)
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | Seltos (New) | Creta | Grand Vitara | Hyryder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~Rs 11.30 lakh | Rs 11.00 lakh | Rs 10.70 lakh | Rs 11.14 lakh |
| Hybrid Available | Yes (1.6L) | No | Yes (Strong) | Yes (Strong) |
| Level 2 ADAS | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Screens | 3 (12.3″+12.3″+5″) | 2 (10.25″ each) | 1 (9″) | 1 (9″) |
| Turbo Petrol | 160 hp/253 Nm | 160 hp/253 Nm | No | No |
| Diesel Available | Yes (116 hp) | Yes (116 hp) | No | No |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | Front | Front | Front | Front |
| 360° Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Seltos hybrid fills a crucial gap, offering ADAS technology that the Grand Vitara and Hyryder lack, while matching their fuel efficiency advantage. Against the Creta, the Seltos differentiates through bolder styling and the strategic pricing gap that has always existed between the siblings.
India Launch Timeline and Pricing
Global Debut: December 10, 2025 (South Korea) India Launch: Q1-Q2 2026 (likely February-March) Pre-Launch Update: Kia India may share details on December 1, 2025
Pricing is expected to command a 10-15% premium over the current model:
- Base Variant: Rs 11.30 lakh (currently Rs 10.79 lakh)
- Top Variant: Rs 22 lakh (currently Rs 19.81 lakh)
The hybrid variants will likely occupy the Rs 18-22 lakh range, positioning them competitively against Grand Vitara and Hyryder hybrids while offering superior features.
Who Should Wait for the New Seltos?
Current Seltos Owners Considering Upgrades: The leap in technology (ADAS, hybrid, triple screens) justifies waiting if you’re planning to upgrade anyway.
Hybrid Priority Buyers: If fuel efficiency matters but you want more features than the Grand Vitara/Hyryder offer, the Seltos hybrid is your answer.
Safety-Conscious Families: Level 2 ADAS at this price point is rare. If active safety features top your priority list, wait for the new Seltos.
Feature Enthusiasts: The triple-screen setup, OTA updates, and comprehensive connectivity make this the most tech-forward compact SUV.
The Verdict: Worth the Wait?
The second-generation Kia Seltos represents everything a modern SUV should be: stylish yet practical, efficient yet powerful, tech-laden yet user-friendly. The addition of hybrid powertrains addresses the biggest gap in Kia’s lineup, while Level 2 ADAS sets new safety benchmarks.
For buyers in the market right now, the decision hinges on urgency. Need an SUV immediately? The current Seltos, Creta, or Grand Vitara are excellent choices. Can you wait 3-4 months? The new Seltos promises to be worth every day of anticipation.
The December 10 unveiling will answer remaining questions about final specifications and features. But one thing is certain: the second-generation Kia Seltos isn’t just joining the compact SUV battle it’s rewriting the rules of engagement.
Planning to wait for the new Seltos or buying something else? What features matter most to you hybrid efficiency, ADAS safety, or premium interiors? Share your thoughts below!
If you’re interested in Kia’s future lineup, don’t miss our full coverage of the 2027 Kia Telluride Revealed with complete design details and feature upgrades.
Read here: https://www.motors77.com/2027-kia-telluride-revealed/
