Kia Seltos

Kia

Kia is bringing the next-generation Kia Seltos to Europe for the first time, marking a significant expansion of its global lineup as the automaker navigates the region’s rapid shift toward electrification. The redesigned subcompact SUV enters the highly competitive C-SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing categories in Europe, positioning the brand to capture buyers who are not yet ready to fully transition to electric vehicles.

Long a strong performer globally, the Seltos has grown into Kia’s second best-selling model, and its European debut underscores the company’s broader strategy to balance traditional internal combustion offerings with electrified options. According to Sjoerd Knipping, chief operating officer of Kia Europe, the model plays a dual role: expanding Kia’s footprint in a key segment while maintaining momentum as electrification progresses unevenly across markets.

The second-generation Seltos has been re-engineered to deliver a more refined and driving experience, pairing everyday usability with a design language that blends rugged SUV cues and EV-inspired aesthetics. Its proportions—compact overall yet stretched through a longer wheelbase—prioritize interior space without sacrificing maneuverability.

Inside, the cabin reflects a growing industry trend: bringing the visual and technological sophistication of electric vehicles into traditionally powered models. A wide, horizontally oriented layout enhances the sense of openness, while a panoramic display integrates dual 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate interface. The setup is paired with ambient lighting, and a simplified control structure designed to reduce clutter and improve usability. Features such as reclining rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system aim to elevate comfort, while digital services—including smartphone-based vehicle access and over-the-air updates—extend functionality beyond the physical vehicle.

Practicality remains central to the Seltos’ appeal. With more than 500 liters of cargo capacity and flexible storage solutions, the SUV is positioned to meet the needs of both daily commuters and more active lifestyles. Modular accessories further expand its utility, reflecting a broader push by automakers to integrate lifestyle-oriented features into compact vehicles.

Under the hood, the Seltos offers a mix of powertrains tailored to a transitional market. A 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivers up to 180 horsepower, while a hybrid variant provides improved efficiency with output reaching 178 horsepower in all-wheel-drive form. Notably, the model introduces Hyundai Motor Group’s e-AWD system, designed to optimize torque distribution and enhance stability across varying conditions. Drive modes allow drivers to tailor performance, while a “Stay Mode” supports in-cabin comfort during stationary use.

In a nod to the growing influence of EV technology, the hybrid Seltos also incorporates Vehicle-to-Load capability, enabling the car to power external devices—an increasingly common feature in fully electric models but still rare among hybrids.

Safety and driver assistance technologies are another focal point. The Seltos is equipped with a suite of Level 2 systems, including highway driving assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-following support, and remote parking functionality.

Kia claims production for the petrol variant will start from the second quarter of 2026, while the hybrid will follow at a later date.