The all-new Kia Seltos is a mishmash of different Kia crossovers

The all-new Kia Seltos, its second generation after the nameplate was first revealed in 2019, has been unveiled for the world to see. 

Built on the K3 platform, the all-new Seltos is larger than before, measuring at 4,430mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,600mm tall. It rides on a slightly longer 2,690mm wheelbase as well.

And as you’ve read on the title, it’s a mishmash of different Kia crossovers, following the brand’s Opposites United design language. 

The front fascia features a wide implementation of the brand’s signature Tiger Nose front grille that integrates the headlights with their Star Map signature lighting, following design cues from the Sorento, EV9, and the newly updated North American Telluride. 

The bumpers give off a rugged vibe, matched with geometric-styled alloy wheels (ranging from 16- to 19-inches in size) that add a futuristic touch, while the taillights wrap around the rear and also look similar to what you’d find on the Kia EV5.

As for its interior, it should look familiar as it follows the same overall vibe as other current Kia products with its large panel housing dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment system, open center console, and stacked layout. 

Features include reclining rear seats (up to 24 degrees), a panoramic sunroof, premium Harman Kardon or Bose audio systems, 64-color ambient lighting, and Kia Connect Store functionality for digital personalization and entertainment.

For now, two gasoline engine options will power the all-new Kia Seltos.

First is a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged engine making 180 horsepower and 265Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. A higher output version is also available, making an increased 193 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For those who prefer a more traditional setup, there’s a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine making 149 horsepower and 179Nm of torque, mated to a CVT.

And for those who are already into electrification, a hybrid powertrain will be added in the future. No exact specifications for this powertrain have been revealed except that it will come with Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) functionality and Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0.

The Kia Seltos’s presence in our market is rather quiet compared to the Korean automaker’s other models. This gives us a few doubts about this second generation version’s local arrival. But if Kia Philippines were to offer it, would you take this over other subcompact crossovers on the market?

But anyway, this new-generation subcompact crossover will begin sales this month in India, with a global rollout following in 2026 with South Korea, North America, Europe, and China.

_{Photos from Kia}