We already know that Kia is working on the second generation Seltos which has been caught on camera on several occasions in recent months both in India and its home market in South Korea. The midsize SUV is one of the strongest sellers in its segment along with Hyundai Creta which is also expected to get a major overhaul in the next couple of years.
Another test unit of the secondgen Seltos has been spied testing, this time in South Korea. In the latest set of spy shots, we see a partially camouflaged testing prototype of the newgen Seltos which appears to look very similar to the latest crop Kia models including Carnival, EV9, and even the Syros.
2026 Kia Seltos: Exterior highlights
These upcoming models clearly reflect Kia’s evolved ‘Opposites United’ global design philosophy. However, the nextgeneration Seltos stands out with a slightly different headlamp design. Spy images indicate that the new Seltos will feature slim, angular vertical LED DRLs positioned alongside the main headlamps.
The redesigned front grille is a larger, concave unit inspired by Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride. While the horizontal air dams in the front bumper remain similar to the current model, they now incorporate an ADAS sensor. Additionally, the foglight housings have been redesigned. Previous spy shots also revealed a fullwidth LED light strip connecting the taillamps, echoing the styling seen on the EV5.
Most of the test mules spotted so far sport the same alloy wheel design, which appears to be 18 inches—consistent with those found on the current topspec GT Line and XLine trims. Other anticipated design changes include a revised window line with a triangular rear quarter glass, updated ORVMs, and new dualtone alloy wheels.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected powertrain specs
Although interior images have not yet surfaced, the cabin of the nextgeneration Seltos is expected to showcase a modern design and incorporate all the advanced features currently offered. Kia has not officially revealed the powertrain options, but it is likely that the existing lineup will be retained. This includes a 1.5litre turbopetrol engine producing 158 bhp and a 1.5litre diesel engine delivering 114 bhp.
Further, previous reports have suggested the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, which could replace the current 1.5litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The hybrid setup is expected to feature a 1.6litre petrol engine—sourced from the Hyundai Kona Hybrid—producing 141 bhp. Transmission options are set to include a 6speed manual, 6speed iMT (clutchless manual), 6speed torque converter, CVT, and a 7speed dualclutch automatic.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected launch timeline
First launched in August 2019, the Kia Seltos received a midcycle facelift in July 2023. The upcoming secondgen Seltos is expected to make its global debut either at the end of this year or early next year. An India launch is most likely expected in mid2026.
Image Source: RushLane
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