Kia is expanding its SUV lineup with the introduction of the new, second-generation Kia Seltos. The name probably won’t ring any bells since the first-generation Seltos isn’t sold in the UK. The all-new version will be, however, to fill the (small) gap between the Kia Niro and Kia Sportage. It will go on sale in 2026 and will be available with either petrol or hybrid power.
Here’s what we know so far about the 2026 Kia Seltos.
2026 Kia Seltos: Price, Specs and Release Date
- 2026 Kia Seltos: styling and dimensions
- 2026 Kia Seltos: interior design and practicality
- 2026 Kia Seltos: engines and driving dynamics
- 2026 Kia Seltos: price and release date
2026 Kia Seltos: styling and dimensions
The 2026 Kia Seltos is quite different to the first one. That car was a rather bland, generic-looking crossover, but the new Seltos has the bold, clean lines and futuristic details we’ve come to expect from a modern Kia. It’s also slightly larger than the first-generation car, and has a more rugged look.
From many angles, the new Seltos looks like a scaled-down version of the larger Kia EV5, with a similar profile and side window line. The resemblance is especially strong at the rear, with both cars having full-width light bars that extend downwards into the bumpers, as well as black trim at the top of the ‘C’ pillars that creates a ‘floating roof’ effect.
At the side, the Seltos has diagonal character lines that differ from the more horizontal emphasis of the EV5, while at the front the Seltos has a look all of its own, with its main headlights set into a wide front grille and separate vertical secondary light units at each side.
The Kia Seltos is significantly larger than the Kia Stonic, and sits between the Kia Niro and Kia Sportage in size. At 4,430mm long, it’s 10mm longer than the Niro, and 110mm (about four inches) shorter than the Sportage. It’s a fraction wider and taller than the Niro, too, but it’s 33mm narrower and 45mm lower than the Sportage. Overall, the Seltos’ dimensions are within a few millimeters of the current Nissan Qashqai's, putting it squarely in the mid-size SUV category.
2026 Kia Seltos: interior design and practicality
If you’re thinking the interior of the Kia Seltos looks familiar, that's because the design is extremely similar to that in all of Kia’s latest models. As with the EV3, EV4, EV5 and updated Stonic, there’s a widescreen display that incorporates two separate 12.3-inch screens and what Kia describes as a ‘low, horizontal dashboard (that) enhances forward visibility and creates a sense of openness’.
While many functions are controlled through the central touchscreen there’s a row of physical shortcut buttons below it. Beneath that there are simple rocker-style switches for the air-con. There are also ‘proper’ switches on the steering wheel and individual buttons for the windows and door mirrors on the driver’s door armrest.
Practicality is likely to be very impressive. A wheelbase of 2,690mm outdoes both the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, while the availability of reclining rear seats and a panoramic sunroof should boost onboard comfort.
