Update: ‘Pricing’ and ‘On the next-gen Kia Seltos’ section revised with new info.
Kia has launched the second-generation Seltos globally featuring a new design direction influenced by the brand’s recent EVs. Meanwhile, the current subcompact SUV continues for the 2026 model year in Canada and the U.S. with the same design, interior, and gas engines.
While the feature list is the same as last year’s car in Canada, expanded configurations and feature updates have been introduced for 2026 in the U.S., in what is likely the final model year for the first-generation Seltos in North America.
Recently, we got to check out the 2026 gas variant in the SX Turbo AWD, finished in the Pluton Blue exterior, and here’s what we observed.
Design
The 2026 Seltos carries over Kia’s Opposites United theme introduced in the 2024 model year refresh. A wide Tiger Nose grille frames the front with available projection LED headlamps. Star Map signature lighting spans the upper grille, creating a link to the rest of the Kia family.
The rear fascia mirrors this signature lighting with horizontal graphics and a full-width treatment. In the U.S., SX trims include standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while the EX Sunroof Package adds a new gloss black 17-inch wheel.
Interior
The interior retains the panoramic screen layout with linked instrument and infotainment displays. LX trims use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster.
S, EX, and SX trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition. EX and SX offer available dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays with an integrated 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Comfort features include heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a sunroof on higher trims. The model shown in this article is equipped with the SX Sunroof Package which brings ventilated front seats and a smartphone digital key. A wireless charging pad, smart power liftgate, and Bose audio system are available based on the variant.
Specifications
Kia offers the 2026 Seltos with a 2.0 liter gasoline engine rated at 147 hp, paired with FWD. SX AWD uses a more potent 1.6 liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 hp, paired to an 8-speed transmission. The introduction of LX FWD lowers the entry price and reduces monthly payments for shoppers.
Pricing
In the U.S., the 2026 Seltos starts at USD 23,790 for the LX FWD and tops out at USD 31,490 for the SX AWD. In Canada, pricing starts at CAD 28,924.
The subcompact is comfortably posting 50,000+ units sales annually in the U.S. In Canada, it is the brand’s second best-selling vehicle.
On the next-gen Kia Seltos
Kia has launched the new Seltos in the Asian market, and will gradually expand availability this year across the world.
Design
The second-generation Seltos measures 4,430 mm (174.4 in.) long, 1,830 mm (72.0 in.) wide, and 1,600 mm (63.0 in.) tall, with a 2,690 mm (105.9 in.) wheelbase, which makes it 45.7 mm (1.8 in.) longer, 27.9 mm (1.1 in.) wider, and 61.0 mm (2.4 in.) longer in wheelbase than the current model, while overall height is expected at around 15.2 mm (0.6 in.) lower than the current Seltos.
Exterior updates include Kia Star Map lighting, flush door handles, and vertical tail lamps. X-Line and GT-Line trims feature in the lineup with 16- to 19-inch wheels.
Interior
The cabin uses a low, horizontal dashboard and a column-type shift-by-wire selector. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, second-row reclining seats (24-degree total adjustment), dual 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate panel, and a windshield head-up display.
Specifications
Powertrains include a 1.6-liter turbo (standard output) at 180 PS (178 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft), a higher-output 1.6-liter turbo at up to 193 PS (190 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft), and a 2.0-liter gasoline engine at 149 PS (147 hp) and 179 Nm (132 lb-ft). Drivetrain choices include 2WD or AWD, with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand).
Kia has also announced a new 1.6-liter hybrid for the new Seltos lineup. The variant has debuted in South Korea with a system output of 141 hp and 195 lb-ft (27.0 kgf-m) and a maximum combined fuel economy of 45.9 mpg (19.5 kmpl) in the local test cycle, which far exceeds the turbo variant’s 29.4 mpg (12.5 kmpl).
The hybrid introduces Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0, which uses traffic flow and navigation data to automatically set regen levels and can slow the vehicle to a stop. It can also predict the route and road conditions to manage battery charge more effectively.
The Seltos Hybrid adds EV-style features, including an interior V2L outlet rated at up to 3.52 kW (220V) and a “Stay Mode” that can power convenience features while parked in P without engine idling.
Release Date
Global production of the all-new Seltos begins in December 2025 starting with India, followed by launches in Korea, North America, Europe and China throughout 2026.
From Hyundai Motor Group’s announcement on December 10, 2025
Kia has confirmed that the launch of the new Seltos will unfold in North America this year, and we expect it for the 2027 model year. We should hear about the U.S. sales launch and the hybrid variant’s availability in a few months.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
