It’s not every time that a manufacturer changes the platform of a vehicle when upgrading it to the next generation, but Kia has done exactly so with the second-generation Seltos. The new Seltos sits on the latest K3 platform, which has made it larger than before, it’s compatible with hybrid powertrains for the future and it also sees notable updates on the equipment front. All of this comes together to make for quite a comprehensive update, even though the second-gen SUV gets the same powertrain options as its predecessor for now. Here, we take a close look at all the ways in which the new Seltos improves upon the outgoing model.
New Seltos is the longest in its segment
The biggest, and perhaps most important, update is that the Seltos has grown significantly – it’s now 95mm longer, of which 80mm has gone in increasing the wheelbase, and 30mm wider, too. Not only does that make the Seltos a lot more spacious inside, but it also lends the SUV a much greater road presence. In fact, it is now the longest SUV in its segment, with the wheelbase being second only to the Tata Sierra. The new Seltos also sees a marginal 14-litre improvement in boot space, which now stands at 447 litres.
Larger and better screens
The new Seltos gets Kia’s latest trinity panoramic display, which comprises two 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, along with an additional 5.0-inch screen for the HVAC controls. This is a notable update over the previous Seltos’ twin 10.25-inch screens. The screens run Kia’s latest software interface, which is really smooth and slick in operation. What’s nicer still is that despite a focus on tech and digitisation, Kia has retained plenty of physical hard buttons on the centre console and steering wheel for ease of operation.
A more luxurious driver’s seat
The new Seltos gets a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat on the top GTX trim, including powered adjustment for lumbar support; the previous Seltos got an 8-way powered driver’s seat. Not just that, but the driver’s seat now also features a memory and welcome function, the latter of which retracts the seat on opening the door for easier ingress. It also features something called a ‘relaxation mode’ with memory function, which allows the backrest to be reclined completely when the car is parked. The driver’s seat also gets a ventilation function and very cool-looking hollow headrests with a knitted mesh finish.
Improved safety suite
The Seltos gets radar-based ADAS with Level 2 autonomy, but that’s something even the previous Seltos got. What’s new here is that the Seltos is now a software-defined vehicle, which means Kia will have the opportunity to upgrade it to Level 2+ ADAS with additional safety assists with an OTA update. As it stands, the ADAS suite on the new Seltos is already more comprehensive than on the previous model. Additionally, the SUV now gets 10 parking sensors as opposed to 8 on its predecessor.
Subtle premium touches
Kia has also upped the premium quotient on the Seltos with this generation update. The first-gen model was already quite premium to begin with, but this one takes it further with subtle touches like the flush-fitting door handles that pop out automatically or the gas struts that hold up the bonnet when it’s open. The headlamps now also feature an animated welcome function, while on the inside, you get a 64-colour ambient lighting package which you adjust to suit your mood and taste.
The new Seltos has arrived at a time when the midsize SUV segment is buzzing with action. It’s hot on the heels of the newTata Sierra, and the early next year, this segment will the addition of the newRenault Duster. Bookings for the new Seltos are already underway, andprices are due to be announcedon January 2, 2026.
