The Kia Seltos has been on sale in India since 2019 and is currently in its first-generation facelift avatar. Recently, the Korean manufacturer teased the next-generation Seltos, revealing that it will debut globally on December 10, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the midsize SUV’s second-gen model.
1. When will the new-generation Seltos launch in India?
India launch expected in the first half of 2026
As mentioned earlier, the next-generation Kia Seltos will make its global debut on December 10, 2025. Hence, its India launch is expected in the first half of 2026.
2. How many engine options will the new-generation Seltos offer?
Will debut a new hybrid engine for Kia India
At its 2025 Investor’s Day, Kia confirmed that the Seltos will debut a new naturally aspirated (NA) hybrid engine, which will also power the upcoming Telluride. Although technical details of the hybrid engine are not yet available, sources indicate that the next-generation Seltos will feature an electrified version of the current 1.5-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol engine. In its non-hybrid avatar, the NA mill produces 115hp and 144Nm.
The second-generation Seltos will also carry over the current model’s engine options: a 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 116hp 1.5-litre diesel.
3. How different is the new-generation Seltos’s exterior from that of the old model?
New Seltos will feature a bolder and more contemporary design
While the full reveal will take place on December 10, Kia has teased the new Seltos, giving a glimpse of its exterior design. The upcoming Seltos will feature a massive ‘Tiger Face’ grille with gloss-black elements and a series of vertical LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), giving it a contemporary look, similar to that of the new-generation Telluride, which was revealed globally.
The new-generation model will come with flush door handles, silver roof rails, body cladding on the wheel arches and a kinked window line, all of which are expected to give the SUV’s profile a lot of character.
The rear design takes inspiration from the Kia Carens Clavis, with a connected tail-light that enhances its modern appearance. The bumper will include black cladding and a silver faux skid plate for added contrast. While the current model also has a connected tail-light, the upcoming version will feature a more minimal and modern look.
4. What features will the new-generation Kia Seltos offer?
Expected to borrow the Syros’s 12.3-inch screens
So far, the teaser for the new-generation Kia Seltos has revealed a couple of features, including a panoramic sunroof and LED welcome animations, the latter being a first for the model. Other expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays (similar to those in the Syros and Hyundai Venue), a wireless phone charger, ventilated and powered front seats, electric boss mode (borrowed from the Creta) and a premium audio system.
The interior will likely showcase a completely redesigned dashboard, inspired by newer Kia SUVs, along with a new steering wheel. In terms of safety, the new Seltos is expected to come with 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and Level 2 ADAS.
5. What is the expected price of the new-generation Seltos?
Prices are likely to start from Rs 11.25 lakh
The new-generation Kia Seltos is expected to have a slight premium over the current model, whose ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 10.79 lakh to Rs 19.81 lakh. It will continue to rival mass-market SUVs, including the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate.
