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 mid-size 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 second-gen 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 new-gen 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 next-generation 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 fog-light housings have been redesigned. Previous spy shots also revealed a full-width LED light strip connecting the tail-lamps, 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 top-spec GT Line and X-Line trims. Other anticipated design changes include a revised window line with a triangular rear quarter glass, updated ORVMs, and new dual-tone alloy wheels.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected powertrain specs
Although interior images have not yet surfaced, the cabin of the next-generation 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 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 158 bhp and a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering 114 bhp.
Further, previous reports have suggested the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, which could replace the current 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The hybrid setup is expected to feature a 1.6-litre petrol engine—sourced from the Hyundai Kona Hybrid—producing 141 bhp.
However, the hybrid powertrain option could see daylight in 2027-28. Transmission options are set to include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual), 6-speed torque converter, CVT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected launch timeline
First launched in August 2019, the Kia Seltos received a mid-cycle facelift in July 2023. The upcoming second-gen Seltos will make its global debut in 2026. An India launch is most likely expected in 2027.
Image Source: RushLane
