The Kia Seltos has been on sale in India since 2019 and is currently in its first-generation facelift avatar. Recently, the Korean manufacturer teased the next-generation Seltos, revealing that the updated mid-size SUV will debut globally on December 10, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about it ahead of its debut.
1. When will the new-generation Kia Seltos launch in India?
India launch expected in the first half of 2026
As mentioned earlier, the next-generation Kia Seltos will make its global debut on December 10, 2025. Hence, the mid-size SUV is expected to be launched in India in the first half of 2026.
2. How many engine options will the new-generation Seltos offer?
Will be debuting a new hybrid engine for Kia India
At its 2025 Investor’s Day, Kia confirmed that it will debut a new naturally-aspirated hybrid engine on the Seltos, which will also power the upcoming Telluride. Although technical details of the hybrid engine are not yet available, sources indicate that the next-generation Seltos will feature an electrified version of the current 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. In its non-hybrid avatar, the naturally aspirated engine produces 115hp and 144Nm.
The next-generation Seltos will also be powered by the currently available 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and the 116hp 1.5-litre diesel engine options.
3. How different is the new-generation Seltos’ exterior from the old model?
Will get a bolder and more contemporary design
While the full reveal will take place on December 10, Kia has shared a teaser and images of the Seltos, giving a glimpse of its exterior design. The upcoming Seltos will feature a massive ‘Tiger Face’ grille with gloss-black elements and a series of vertical LED DRLs, giving it a contemporary look, similar to the new-generation Telluride, which was revealed globally.
The new-generation model will come with flush door handles, silver roof rails, body cladding on the wheel arches and a kinked window line, all of which are expected to give the SUV’s profile a lot of character.
The rear design takes inspiration from the Kia Carens Clavis with a connected taillight that enhances its modern appearance. The rear bumper will include black cladding and a silver faux skid plate for added contrast. While the current model also has a connected taillight, the upcoming version will feature a more minimal and modern look.
4. What features will the new-generation Kia Seltos offer?
Expected to borrow the Syros’ 12.3-inch screens
So far, the teaser for the new-generation Kia Seltos has revealed a couple of features, including a panoramic sunroof and LED welcome animations, the latter being a first for the model. Other expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays (similar to those in the Syros and Hyundai Venue), a wireless phone charger, ventilated and powered front seats, electric boss mode (borrowed from the Creta), and a premium audio system.
The interior will likely showcase a completely redesigned dashboard, inspired by newer Kia SUVs, along with a new steering wheel. In terms of safety, the Seltos is expected to come with 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and Level-2 ADAS.
5. What is the expected price of the new-generation Seltos?
Prices are likely to start from Rs 11.25 lakh
The new-generation Kia Seltos is expected to have a slight premium over the current model, which is priced between Rs 10.79 lakh and Rs 19.81 lakh. It will continue to rival mass-market SUVs, including the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate.
All prices are ex-showroom, India
