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● Boxy front design resembling the Sportage... Featuring EV5-style taillights
● Likely to feature a 1.6 turbo hybrid... First entry into the European market is imminent
● Possibility of a next-generation e-AWD system... Expect improvements in driving stability and fuel efficiency
Hello.
I am Uniji (Yuka Post), an automotive influencer.
Kia's global best-selling compact SUV, the 'Seltos,' has announced a major transformation for the 2026 model year. Since its initial launch in 2019, the Seltos has sold over 1 million units globally. Recently, a camouflaged vehicle undergoing testing was spotted in Europe, raising expectations for its new design and powertrain.
The new boxy design continues the lineage of the Sorento and Sportage
The new boxy design continues the lineage of the Sorento and Sportage
The newly spotted test vehicle for the Seltos in Europe shows a more angular silhouette and a wider body ratio, revealing a similar identity to Kia's latest SUVs, including the Sorento, Carnival, and Sportage. The front design of the Seltos features a straight-lined bumper, a large grille, and vertically stacked LED headlights, with a radar device likely intended for ADAS sensors, enhancing advanced driving assistance technology.
The side design breaks away from the somewhat conservative existing lineup, featuring more muscular fenders and a flat roofline. The rear design highlights vertical LED taillights, reminiscent of the EV5, which serves as an impressive focal point. Notably, the relocation of the license plate from the tailgate to the lower bumper enhances the overall quality of the rear design.
Expected to feature a 1.6L turbo hybrid system
Expected to feature a 1.6L turbo hybrid system
The most notable change lies in the powertrain. Kia is likely to apply the 1.6-liter turbo-based hybrid system announced by the Hyundai Motor Group last April to the new Seltos. This system improves fuel efficiency by over 4% compared to the previous model, enhancing competitiveness against traditional internal combustion engines with its high efficiency and suitability for urban driving.
Additionally, the electronic AWD (e-AWD) system announced by the Hyundai Motor Group is also under consideration for inclusion. This system provides excellent traction and stable handling in adverse weather conditions by separately installing an electric motor on the rear wheels.
First entry into the European market... A leap as a global strategic SUV
First entry into the European market... A leap as a global strategic SUV
Until now, the Seltos has primarily been sold in major emerging markets such as North America, India, and Korea. However, the new model plans to officially enter the European market. Analysts believe that Kia prioritized hybrid and electrification technologies to meet the high fuel efficiency standards and carbon regulations of European consumers, interpreting this as a strategic move to elevate the Seltos to a global strategic SUV.
For reference, the Seltos sold nearly 60,000 units in the U.S. market last year, ranking among the top in the compact SUV segment. Competing models include the Hyundai Kona, Toyota C-HR, and Honda HR-V, and the new Seltos is undergoing product upgrades aimed at direct competition with these vehicles.
The Seltos plans to significantly enhance both its design and performance in this full model change, building on its proven practicality and marketability in the global market. The combination of the hybrid system, e-AWD technology, and entry into the European market positions the Seltos to once again lead the global compact SUV market.
The new Seltos is expected to officially launch in early 2026 or the second half of 2026, with a sequential release planned for markets worldwide, including Korea. The industry is keenly focused on how the 'Seltos full model change' will perform. We appreciate your valuable comments and hope you have a pleasant and happy day as we conclude this post.
Anticipation builds for the new Seltos, which promises to change the landscape of the global SUV market
Anticipation builds for the new Seltos, which promises to change the landscape of the global SUV market
Kia Seltos has built a solid position in the global compact SUV market by emphasizing 'practicality' and 'marketability.' Now, it prepares for another leap with the addition of a hybrid powertrain, an electronic AWD system, and a redesigned boxy aesthetic.
With its upcoming entry into the European market, the new Seltos is poised to become a pivotal model, marking a turning point for Kia's SUV lineup. We welcome your valuable comments and wish you a joyful and happy day as we conclude this post.
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