Header: Courtesy of Kia
The all-new Kia Seltos has officially arrived, debuting under the theme “The Protagonist.” This second-generation model moves the popular SUV onto Kia’s K3 platform, bringing larger dimensions and a fresh aesthetic derived from the brand’s “Opposites United” philosophy. With production starting in late 2025, the new Seltos aims to mix rugged SUV cues with a cleaner, more modern presence suited for city driving and weekend trips alike.
Exterior styling: Wider and more structured
The design team approached the new Seltos with a concept they call the “Relentless Innovator.” The result is a vehicle with a wider stance and more defined surfaces than its predecessor. The front end features a broader grille integrated with Kia’s Star Map lighting signature, which creates a distinct face day or night. A dynamic welcome light sequence adds a touch of digital interaction as you approach the car.
Moving to the side profile, the Seltos uses diagonal character lines and strong contours around the shoulders to give the car a sense of forward motion, even when parked. The roofline creates a floating effect, a visual trick that lowers the perceived height while maintaining cabin headroom. For the first time on this model, flush door handles are included. These sit flat against the bodywork to smooth out the airflow and clean up the side view.
At the rear, the design emphasizes stability. Vertical tail lamps stretch across the tailgate, making the car look wider and more planted on the road. The trim levels offer distinct visual personalities. The X-Line features dark gunmetal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes for a tougher, off-road look. In contrast, the GT-Line uses body-colored accents to create a sportier, street-focused appearance. Three new colors; Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and a matte Magma Red, highlight these new forms.
Interior design: Openness and usability
Inside, the focus shifts to creating space and reducing clutter. The dashboard follows a low, horizontal layout that improves forward visibility and makes the cabin feel airier. A major change is the shift gear selector. Kia has moved it to the steering column using a Shift-by-Wire system. This change clears up the center console, offering more storage space for daily items.
The technology centers on a panoramic display that houses two 12.3-inch screens side-by-side, paired with a dedicated panel for climate controls. This setup keeps information easy to read without overwhelming the driver. Materials throughout the cabin have been upgraded to feel more premium, supporting the “Protagonist” theme of empowering the user.
Comfort has also seen specific improvements. A wide panoramic sunroof brings more light into the cabin, while 64-color mood lighting allows drivers to change the interior atmosphere. Rear passengers get reclining seats that can adjust by 24 degrees, offering better comfort on long drives. The audio experience comes from either Harman Kardon or Bose systems, tuned specifically for the new cabin architecture.
Engineering and performance on the K3 platform
Under the metal, the new Seltos rides on the K3 platform. This architecture uses high-strength hot-stamped steel to stiffen the body, which helps reduce noise and vibration while improving handling stability. The vehicle measures 4,430 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. These expanded dimensions translate directly into more legroom and a class-leading luggage capacity of 536 liters.
Powertrain options cater to different driving needs. The lineup includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine available in two outputs (180 PS with a dual-clutch transmission or 193 PS with an 8-speed automatic) and a 2.0-liter petrol engine focused on efficiency. An optional all-wheel-drive system works with a multi-link rear suspension and a Terrain Mode selector to handle snow, mud, and sand.
Looking ahead, a hybrid variant will join the range in 2026. This model will introduce smart regenerative braking that uses navigation data to adjust energy recovery automatically. It will also offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, allowing the car to power external electronic devices.
The all-new Seltos represents a clear step forward for Kia. By moving to the K3 platform and adopting a cleaner, more structured design language, the brand has created a subcompact SUV that feels substantial and ready for modern life. The combination of the “Protagonist” design concept, increased interior space, and updated technology positions the Seltos as a strong option for drivers who want a vehicle that supports their individual lifestyle without compromising on practicality.
