It was recently reported that Kia is working on the second generation model of the Seltos. A test mule of the new-gen Seltos was also spotted testing a couple of months ago on Indian roads for the first time. Prior to that, the all-new Seltos has been spotted testing on South Korean roads on a few occasions last year.
A test prototype of the new Seltos was spotted yet again in South Korea. Although the test mule is fully wrapped inside a camouflage, the latest spy images suggest the upcoming version of the SUV may receive a radical makeover, completely different from the current model, at least on the exterior.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected Design
Recent spy shots reveal several key highlights of the new Kia Seltos. For starters, the front fascia is completely overhauled to give it a fresh and more menacing appeal over the existing Seltos. The most distinctive feature has to be the redesigned grille which takes inspiration from the flagship Kia SUV — Telluride — on sale in North America.
This is complemented by tri-LED projector LED headlamps housed within a rectangular cluster with integrated LED DRLs on each side. Inside the headlight housing, three of the four LED elements are smaller in size and appear to be of equal height. There may be projector units between them, equipped with LED headlamps. The fourth LED element stands out with a noticeably taller structure and a unique design.
The fifth LED element is even taller and positioned outside the headlight unit, at the edge of the bumper, emphasizing the SUV’s width. Based on previous spy shots, both the fourth and fifth LED elements serve a dual purpose as turn indicators and LED DRLs. It appears that Kia has excluded fog lights from the new Seltos in favour of sleek LED DRLs.
It appears to feature six front parking sensors—four at the front and two on the sides. The upper grille incorporates vertical elements and houses a front camera, while the lower grille features horizontal elements along with a front radar module for ADAS. Previous spy images have indicated new L-shaped LED taillamps inspired by EV9 which were also visible in the previous spy images.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected Powertrain
There are no images of the interior yet, but it is expected to feature a modern design with all the advanced features found in the current model. Kia has not confirmed the powertrain options for the new-gen Seltos, but it is likely to retain the existing engine choices. These include a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine producing 158 bhp and a 1.5-liter diesel engine generating 114 bhp.
Reports also suggest the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, which may replace the current 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. The new 1.6-liter hybrid petrol engine, sourced from the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, is expected to deliver 141 bhp. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed clutchless manual, 6-speed torque converter, CVT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
