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- Heading the list of new features for the next Kia Seltos is hybrid power.
- Sales in the U.S. will begin in 2026, likely as a 2027 model.
- Virtual assistant powered by Chat GPT is now available.
Kia Motors is hoping to inject some Telluride magic into its cheaper Seltos subcompact SUV and roll out the new model worldwide in 2026.
The new Seltos has grown in almost every way, adding more features and styling to match Kia’s popular Telluride and EV9 three-row SUVs.
For the first time, Kia Motors plans to add a hybrid version of the five-seater Seltos, which is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2026. Kia Motors does not have an electric Seltos in its plans.
Kia Motors unveiled the new Seltos in South Korea this week. Prices and fuel efficiency will be announced near the start of sales. Pricing for the 2026 Selto starts at $23,690. Kia Motors says that new models will continue to be offered at affordable prices.
The Seltos competes with small SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos.
It will likely be badged as a 2027 model in the US.
New Kia Seltos trim levels
Big sellers get even bigger
Kia sold 2 million original Seltose units in the past five years. The new model, built on the company’s new K3 platform, is expected to sell 430,000 units annually.
Kia plans to assemble the new Seltos in India, South Korea, and China. This is the basis of the automaker’s plan to sell more vehicles in India. This is the first time that Kia Motors will sell the Seltos in Europe.
At 174.4 inches, the new Seltos is 1.8 inches longer than the old model. The vehicle’s wheelbase has grown by 2.4 inches. Width has increased by 1.1 inches and height has decreased by 0.6 inches to create a sportier profile.
Kia executives say the vehicle will have more passenger and cargo space, but could not provide further details because the vehicle has not yet been measured using U.S. standards. The 2026 Seltos remains on sale in the United States.
New Kia Seltos dimensions
Length: 174.4 inches
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Width: 72 inches
Height: 63 inches
US sales expected in 2026.
More comfort, technology and storage
Customer research revealed demand for more space, connectivity, and safety features. Kia is responding by adding two new trim levels: the sporty GT-Line and the rugged-looking X-Line.
Because it’s sold in such a wide market, available features range from basics like a 6-speed manual transmission to things like a 12-inch head-up display and a virtual assistant for navigation using ChatGPT AI.
Kia hasn’t said which features will be available and where, but it’s safe to assume that in the US it will have a HUD and AI, but not a manual gearbox.
Kia has added sound deadening and thicker glass to make the interior quieter.
Seltos offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive and drive modes to suit different types of driving, terrain and weather.
Kia plans to build the Seltose with three gasoline engines producing 149, 180, and 193 horsepower.
The extremely wide transmission lineup consists of manual, 6-speed and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 8-speed automatic, and continuously variable transmission.
With the arrival of hybrids, there will be even more variations.
There’s no doubt that the hybrid will be available in the U.S., but it’s unclear which gasoline engines Kia will offer here.
New features available on Kia Seltos
- AI virtual assistant powered by ChatGPT
- panoramic sunroof
- 16, 17, 18, 19 inch tires
- 64 color interior lights
- column shifter
- mesh headrest
- matte paint
- 12 inch head up display
- Twin 12.3 inch screens
- Front wheel drive or all wheel drive
- 3 gasoline engines
- Hybrid model (late arrival)
- harman kardon audio
- bose audio
Fresh style inside and out
The Seltos’ wide grille and “star map” style running lights are reminiscent of the Telluride and EV9. The grille contributes to the wide feeling. Other exterior features include flush door handles, two-tone roof, and matte paint.
Inside features include a pair of 12.3-inch screens surrounding a 5-inch touch screen that houses most controls. A few physical buttons and dials control volume and other functions. Kia did not say whether Apple CarPlay and Android Auto would be available.
The rear seats can be folded flat for cargo, and the seatbacks can be moved 24 degrees when reclined. When the Seltos is stationary, you can fold the driver’s seat back and relax.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
