New Kia Seltos India spy shots show redesigned front

The second-gen Seltos will likely launch in early 2026, and the option of a hybrid powertrain is expected later.

Published On May 19, 2025 01:16:00 PM

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The new Kia Seltos has been spied testing in India again, but this time, more design details are visible from the images. The second-gen Seltos will feature a new nose and revised front and rear light units, along with new alloy wheels. As we’ve reported, the Seltos hybrid is also expected to join the line-up after the new-gen model arrives in India early next year.

Next-gen Seltos uses Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language
Seltos hybrid likely to arrive after the second-gen model

New Kia Seltos exterior highlights

New Seltos adopts same design language as Syros, EV9

The latest spy shots clearly show that the second-gen Seltos adopts Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language seen on the recently launched EV9 and Syros. However, Kia’s midsize SUV sports a slightly tweaked version, with slim and angular vertical daytime running lights framing the headlight units. The concave grille between the headlights is a new unit, and while the horizontal slats in the front bumper are the same as the outgoing model, the fog-light housings are new.

Previous spy shots showed a new LED lighting strip that connected the tail-lamps, similar to the setup in the EV5. Most test mules so far seem to sport the same design for the alloy wheels, though their size appears to be 18 inches, like in the current Seltos’ top-spec GT Line and X-Line trims. While the latest spy shots do not show the next-gen Seltos’ interior, we expect significant changes in the cabin, from a dash redesign and new upholstery to more features, including those for safety.

New Kia Seltos engine options and hybrid powertrain

Likely to be available with four engine options: two petrol, a diesel and a hybrid

The current Kia Seltos’ three engine options – the 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the 116hp 1.5-litre diesel – will likely continue in the second-gen model. However, Kia India is expected to add a hybrid powertrain to the midsize SUV’s range a while after it launches the new-gen model. We’ve reported that the existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will be electrified for the new Seltos and power Kia’s upcoming 3-row SUV, too. Also, the manual and automatic gearbox options available with the pure ICE powertrains are expected to continue with this Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara and Tata Curvv rival.

IMAGE SOURCE: nitrorush_01 via Instagram

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