Kia has officially released the first teasers of the next-generation Seltos, confirming a radical design transformation, major technological upgrades, and a global reveal scheduled for December 10. The brand’s popular mid-size SUV is preparing for its biggest update yet, with teasers and test sightings showing a completely redesigned exterior, refreshed cabin, and potential introduction of a strong-hybrid powertrain.
The new-gen Seltos is positioned to re-establish Kia’s leadership in the highly competitive C-segment SUV market.
Key Takeaways on the Next-Gen Kia Seltos Teaser Reveal
- Completely redesigned exterior featuring a wider Tiger Face grille, flat bonnet, and bolder stance.
- New signature LED lighting including C-shaped DRLs, three-pod vertical LED structure, horizontal split headlamps, and connected LED tail lamps.
- Panoramic sunroof confirmed, along with matte-black X-Line teaser hints.
- Flush door handles, new alloy wheels, blacked-out pillars and stronger side profile.
- Significant interior upgrades expected: dual 12.3-inch screens, possible triple-display setup, redesigned dashboard and improved materials.
- Level 2 ADAS enhancements, 360-degree camera, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, powered tailgate and ventilated seats expected.
- Powertrain lineup unchanged: 1.5 NA petrol, 1.5 turbo-petrol and 1.5 diesel engines; hybrid option likely globally.
- World premiere on December 10, India launch expected early 2026 with pricing likely between Rs 11.30 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
A Radical New Exterior: Kia Pushes Seltos into a New Design Era
The next-generation Seltos undergoes its most extensive design overhaul to date. Kia has moved towards a sharper, more squared-off silhouette, reflecting the brand’s evolving global design direction seen on models like the Telluride and Sorento.
The front fascia introduces a rectangular, wider Tiger Face grille, accompanied by a split headlamp setup. Main headlamp units sit in square housings, flanked by tall vertical LED strips that form striking daytime running light signatures. The bonnet is now flatter, giving the SUV a boxier, more commanding appearance.
Teaser videos also confirm an LED welcome animation for the headlights and DRLs, adding a premium touch. Below the grille, redesigned bumper contours and a muscular silver skid plate complete the aggressive new front end.
Side Profile: Modern Lines, Flush Handles and New Wheels
The side profile has been completely reworked with multiple updates visible in teasers:
- Flush-type door handles, a premium feature adopted widely in newer models.
- Blackened pillars and satin chrome trim.
- Generous cladding along the wheel arches.
- New diamond-cut alloy wheels with an aerodynamic-inspired design.
- Kinked window line forming an hourglass-like effect that flows into the rear windscreen.
A matte black finish showcased in the teasers suggests the X-Line variant will launch from day one, enhancing the SUV’s sportier identity.
Rear Profile: Connected Tail Lamps and Sharper Styling
The rear of the new Seltos receives a dramatic update, highlighted by:
- A C-shaped, full-width connected LED tail lamp setup, similar to the Carens Clavis.
- A redesigned tailgate with sleeker surfacing.
- A subtle roof spoiler.
- A more pronounced rear skid plate with rugged styling cues.
These updates align the rear styling with the aggressive front-end changes, creating a cohesive and modern visual identity.
Interior Overhaul: More Screens, Better Materials and Redesigned Layout
While the official interior has not been revealed, teasers and confirmed details point toward a heavily updated cabin. Expected upgrades include:
Screens & Displays
- Dual 12.3-inch connected screens for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster.
- A possible triple-screen layout featuring a separate 5-inch climate control touchscreen, based on credible leaks.
Feature Enhancements
- Panoramic sunroof (confirmed).
- Ventilated front seats, with reports hinting at ventilated rear seats for added comfort.
- Powered co-driver seat with boss mode.
- Dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Bose 8-speaker premium sound system, expected to continue.
Build & Design
The dashboard is expected to adopt new materials, revised textures and reprofiled panels, offering improved ergonomics and a more refined layout.
These enhancements bring the new Seltos closer to the premium cabin experience seen in Kia’s international SUV lineup.
Safety and ADAS: Upgraded Level 2 Features
Safety has been a strong focus for Kia, and the new Seltos is expected to offer:
- Upgraded Level 2 ADAS suite
- Six airbags (standard)
- 360-degree camera system
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- All-wheel disc brakes
With advanced ADAS features and a strengthened safety profile, the new Seltos positions itself strongly against rivals like the Creta, Elevate, Taigun and Kushaq.
Powertrain: Proven Engines, Hybrid Expected
The next-gen Seltos will retain Kia’s trusted engine lineup in India:
| Engine Type | Power | Torque | Transmission |
| 1.5 NA Petrol | 115 PS | 144 Nm | 6MT, CVT |
| 1.5 Turbo-Petrol | 160 PS | 253 Nm | 6MT, 7DCT |
| 1.5 Diesel | 116 PS | 250 Nm | 6MT, 6AT |
A strong-hybrid powertrain has been seen in testing abroad, but its India launch remains unconfirmed.
Expected Price, Competition and Launch Timeline
The new Seltos is likely to be priced between Rs 11.30 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will take on:
- Hyundai Creta
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Hyryder
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Honda Elevate
- MG Astor
- Tata Sierra (upcoming)
The global reveal is set for December 10, with the India launch expected in January 2026.
Kia India MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee emphasized that this new-generation Seltos represents a “bold evolution” of India’s favourite mid-size SUV, highlighting its redesigned aesthetics, advanced technologies and refined performance.
A New Benchmark for the Mid-Size SUV Segment
The next-gen Kia Seltos brings one of the most extensive transformations in its lifecycle, combining a bold new design, powerful lighting elements, upgraded cabin, advanced safety tech and proven engine options.
With excitement building ahead of the December 10 global debut, the new Seltos is set to redefine expectations in the mid-size SUV segment and strengthen Kia’s presence in India’s competitive automotive market.
FAQs on the Next-Gen Kia Seltos Teaser Reveal
1. What is the launch date of the next-gen Kia Seltos?
The next-gen Kia Seltos will make its global debut on December 10, with the India launch expected in early 2026.
2. What major design changes are confirmed for the new Kia Seltos?
It gets a wider grille, split LED headlamps, vertical C-shaped DRLs, connected LED tail lamps, flush door handles, new alloys and a panoramic sunroof.
3. What new interior features will the upcoming Kia Seltos offer?
Expected upgrades include dual 12.3-inch screens, a possible triple-screen layout, redesigned dashboard, ventilated seats, wireless connectivity and a powered passenger seat with boss mode.
4. Will the new Kia Seltos have ADAS safety features?
Yes, the next-gen Seltos is expected to offer an upgraded Level 2 ADAS suite with 360-degree camera, ESC, hill assist and six airbags.
5. What engines will be available in the next-gen Kia Seltos?
It will continue with the 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, with a strong-hybrid option expected globally.
