Kia's flagship small sport utility vehicle (SUV) Seltos has returned as "The All New Seltos" after a full redesign for the first time in six years. With a larger body than the previous model and a range of powertrains including a hybrid, the goal is to sell 430,000 units annually in global markets including Korea.
Kia unveiled The All New Seltos at a world premiere on the 10th. It has been six years since the first generation launched in 2019. As the first model sold more than 2 million units in global markets, it established itself as a core model in Kia's SUV lineup. It is scheduled to launch in Korea in the first quarter of next year, followed by a phased rollout in North America, including India, Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe and China.
Kia President Song Ho-sung said, "Seltos has always provided the best-in-class value, and the newly introduced model will carry on its reputation with a standout design and product appeal that meets customer needs," adding, "The global sales target is an annual average of 430,000 units, and we will work closely with dealers and partners around the world." Of the 430,000-unit target, Kia expects about 130,000 units in North America, 100,000 in India, 52,000 in Europe, and 54,000 in the domestic market.
The new Seltos actively reflects consumer demands. Song said, "When we conducted market research on areas needing improvement for the new Seltos, there were two major demands," adding, "One was to increase interior space, and the other was to diversify the powertrains further."
Accordingly, the second-generation Seltos applies the K3 platform compared with the previous model, resulting in a larger body. Seo Ha-jun, head of Kia's Domestic Product Division (senior vice president), explained, "Overall length is up 40 mm to 4,430 mm, overall width is increased by 30 mm to 1,830 mm," adding, "The wheelbase is extended by 60 mm to 2,690 mm, providing versatile space." The addition of a hybrid powertrain starting with this model also reflects consumer demand.
The gasoline model has also been strengthened. The 1.6 turbo gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 193 horsepower and a maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m. The 4WD model is equipped with Terrain Mode, enabling stable driving on various road surfaces. Terrain Mode lets the user select the appropriate driving mode—snow, mud or sand—based on road conditions.
For the exterior design, Kia's design philosophy of "Opposites United" (creative fusion of contrasting concepts) underpins the look. At the front, a strong, wide-image radiator grille integrates with the lamps to form a vertical grille pattern in harmony. The Seltos' signature daytime running lights offer a sharp design in contrast. There is also a design-specialized trim, "Seltos X-Line," which further highlights a dynamic and bold image.
The new Seltos is packed with advanced safety and driving assistance features. ▲ Steering wheel grip detection ▲ Forward collision-avoidance assist ▲ Lane departure prevention assist ▲ Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist ▲ Safe exit assist ▲ Intelligent speed limit assist ▲ High-beam assist ▲ Blind-spot view monitor ▲ Driver attention warning functions, among others, help the driver in various hazardous situations that can occur while driving. With navigation-based smart cruise control and lane keeping assist, driving safety has also been enhanced.
Kia says a price increase is unavoidable compared with the first generation. Seo said, "The new Seltos has larger dimensions and is packed with many cutting-edge features preferred by customers, so we believe some price increase is inevitable," but added, "We are reviewing a reasonable price by considering positioning among competing models and Kia's internal RV lineup." Retail pricing for consumers has not yet been finalized.
Song said, "Seltos embodies Kia's bold and progressive brand identity, and Kia has high expectations for expanding its global market through it," adding, "The new Seltos, along with Sportage and Sorento, will further solidify its status as a key model in Kia's representative global SUV lineup."