Kia on Apr. 1 (local time) took part in the "2026 New York International Auto Show" at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York and unveiled the small sport-utility vehicle (SUV) "The All-new Seltos" and the electric small SUV "EV3" for the first time in the North American market.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales at Kia America, said, "Kia sold more than 850,000 vehicles in the United States last year, setting a new annual sales record for the third consecutive year," and added, "Buoyed by the launch of the 'All-new Telluride,' which is drawing attention in the local market, we will further cement our position in the U.S. market."
Kia plans to expand hybrid models across its entire SUV lineup in response to the sharp increase in demand for hybrids in North America. Starting in late May, it will produce the "Sportage" hybrid, the largest-volume segment in North America, at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) to actively meet local demand.
The newly launched Seltos for the North American market is a core vehicle in Kia's global SUV lineup. Gasoline and hybrid models were released together. Compared with the first-generation model, overall length has increased by about 60 mm, providing a spacious and practical interior. Kia AI Assistant, incorporating Generative AI technology, is also equipped.
Considering the North American market environment, where detached homes and garages are common, the "Kia myQ Connected Garage," which can automatically open and close the garage when the vehicle approaches or be remotely controlled via the in-vehicle display, is also provided.
Kia plans to sequentially launch the Seltos 1.6 turbo gasoline and 2.0 gasoline engine models in the United States in the second quarter of this year, and the 1.6 hybrid model in the fourth quarter of this year.
Along with the Seltos, the EV3 will also be released this year. The "Nightfall Edition," offered exclusively for the U.S. market, features black details and emblems across the exterior. The interior is finished in dark gray to deliver a restrained and sophisticated style.
In North America, Kia will offer the EV3 in two versions: a long-range model with an 81.4 kWh battery and a standard model with a 58.3 kWh battery.
In addition, at this New York auto show, Kia unveiled the "PV5 WAV" concept car, a vehicle specialized for transporting wheelchair users, developed in collaboration with North American mobility company BraunAbility. A low-floor design allows both wheelchair passengers and drivers to board and alight with ease.
Based on this concept car, Kia also carried out a proof-of-concept (PoC) in New York, one of the world's most iconic taxi markets, in collaboration with government agencies, facilities and organizations for people with disabilities, and ride-sharing platforms.
Based on feedback from actual vehicle passengers, administrators, and others during the demonstration, the company plans to produce high-quality WAV vehicles to support safer and more convenient mobility for passengers who use wheelchairs.