2026 Kia Seltos Teased Before December 10 Debut

The 2026 Kia Seltos has been officially teased and fans can look forward to its global debut on December 10, 2025. This is the second generation model of the popular Seltos and it is expected to be offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. Rumours also suggest that a hybrid variant might be available although Kia has not confirmed this officially yet

Bold New Design For The Kia Seltos

The teaser images reveal a completely redesigned front end giving the Seltos a fresh, modern appearance

Key highlights include

• Updated Kia Signature Grille– The new grille adopts Kia’s latest design language providing a wider and more premium look
• New Headlamp Design– The headlamps have been reworked and now include vertically stacked LED DRLs, giving the Seltos a bold face
• International Styling Influence– The new front-end design aligns the Seltos with global Kia models like the Sorento and the Telluride, creating a more sophisticated SUV appearance

This design refresh completely changes the character of the Seltos making it more attractive and premium than the outgoing model

2026 Kia Seltos Updated Rear Design And Tail Lights

Teaser images also show that Kia has paid attention to the rear styling-

• Star Map Connected Tail Lights– The new tail lamps have a connected design giving a futuristic look
• Floating Roof Effect– Blacked-out pillars enhance the floating roof effect making the SUV appear larger and more stylish

The changes at the back complement the new front fascia giving the vehicle a balanced and modern SUV design

2026 Kia Seltos Interior And Cabin Features

Although Kia has not fully revealed the interior yet, reports suggest the India spec Seltos will have a cabin similar to the Carens Clavis launched earlier this year

This means buyers can expect

• Premium Cabin Materials– High-quality trims and improved interior finish
• Feature-Rich Setup– Modern infotainment system, connectivity features and a comfortable seating layout
• Practical Space– Roomy cabin with improved passenger and boot space

These updates make the Seltos competitive in its segment while offering a comfortable driving and riding experience

2026 Kia Seltos Engine Options And Powertrain

The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to continue offering the same trusted powertrain options as the current model while also hinting at future possibilities

• Petrol Engines- Buyers will have two petrol options. The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque, paired with a 6 speed manual or CVT. The 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque, available with a 6 speed manual or 7 speed DCT
• Diesel Engine- The 1.5 litre diesel engine offers 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed torque converter automatic
• Hybrid Variant Rumours- There is speculation about a hybrid powertrain for the next generation Seltos. While it could deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions Kia has not officially confirmed whether this variant will be available in India

Positioning And Market Competitiveness

The 2026 Kia Seltos will be an important model for Kia in India, strengthening its lineup in the competitive midsize SUV segment.

• Competition– It will directly compete with Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq
• Pricing– A major price hike is not expected but there could be more mid-spec variants to attract a larger customer base
• Features Across Variants– Higher trims may include advanced safety features, premium infotainment and more convenience options to match rivals

By offering multiple variants with updated styling and modern features Kia aims to attract a broad audience while keeping the price competitive

2026 Kia Seltos Global Debut And Launch Timeline

• Global Debut– Scheduled for December 10, 2025
• India Launch– Expected in early 2026 after the global rollout

The new Kia Seltos is positioned to be a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. With fresh styling, potential hybrid options, and improved features, it aims to attract buyers looking for a practical yet premium SUV