Next-Gen Kia Seltos to Get Boxier Shape, Debut Dec. 10

Key Points

• The new Kia Seltos will make its global debut Dec. 10.
• The second generation of the subcompact SUV wears boxier styling as well as brand-familiar design cues, such as the EV9’s flush-mounted door handles.
• The new Seltos has some big shoes to fill; the current-gen model has won two Cars.com Affordable SUV Challenges.

The first generation of Kia’s subcompact Seltos SUV was award-winning, taking home the top spot in Cars.com’s 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge against five class competitors after also winning in 2020. Kia recently announced the Seltos is getting redesigned and released a teaser image of the second generation of the subcompact SUV.

Related: 2024 Kia Seltos Review: Better Than Ever

While the brand isn’t giving us much, it’s clear from the teaser that the new Seltos is getting a beefier look with a boxier shape and Kia’s brand-familiar square headlights that are flanked by horizontal and vertical lights. Kia says the new Seltos borrows design cues from the brand’s electric-vehicle lineup, like the flush-mounted door handles that can also be found on the EV9.

The Seltos debuted for model-year 2021 and got its first significant refresh for 2024 with updated front styling and enhanced safety and tech features. For 2025, the Seltos got improved interior materials for a more upscale feel. In addition, more features were added to some trims; for example, the EX and SX trims got newly standard rear parking sensors, while AWD versions of those trims also got a power liftgate. The 2026 model carries over, which means the new version will likely arrive for the 2027 model year.

Although Kia hinted at electrification by referencing the EV styling cues, the brand didn’t announce any powertrain details for the new version of the subcompact SUV. The current Seltos uses a 146-horsepower four-cylinder engine or an available 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. All-wheel drive is standard on all but the S and EX trims, which come standard with front-wheel drive but offer AWD as an option.