The Kia Seltos has been one of India’s most successful midsize SUVs since its debut in 2019. After a major facelift, Kia is now preparing to roll out the second-generation Seltos, which has been teased ahead of its official global premiere. The updated model promises fresh styling, new powertrains, more technology and improved safety.
Here is everything that is known so far about the upcoming Seltos.
1. India Launch Timeline: When Is the Next-Gen Kia Seltos Coming?
The new Seltos will be showcased globally on December 10, 2025, and its Indian launch is expected to follow soon after. Kia is likely to introduce the SUV in India in the first half of 2026, possibly in the early quarters of the year.
This rollout schedule fits with Kia’s strategy of synchronising global and Indian introductions for key models.
2. Powertrain Options: New Hybrid to Make India Debut
Kia is preparing to introduce a hybrid powertrain on the Seltos, which will also make its way into other future models. Though specific figures are not confirmed, industry sources suggest it will pair the current 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electrified support system.
The current version of this petrol motor makes 115hp and 144Nm, but expect tuning changes when coupled with hybrid tech.
Apart from this, the next-gen Seltos is expected to continue with:
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp)
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1.5-litre diesel (116hp)
This means buyers should still get multiple fuel options, with the hybrid positioned as an efficiency-focused alternative.
3. Exterior Design: Bolder, Cleaner and More Premium
Early teasers show that Kia has gone for a more contemporary and upscale interpretation of the Seltos’ design language.
Notable highlights expected:
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Large, glossy “Tiger Face” grille
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Vertical LED daytime running lamps
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Sleek connected LED tail-lamp bar
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Flush-fit door handles
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Silver roof rails and rugged body cladding
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Pronounced window kink for a more dynamic silhouette
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Revised rear bumper with black cladding and faux skid plate
The design direction appears to take cues from Kia’s larger global SUVs like the Telluride, giving the new Seltos a more robust visual presence.
4. Interior and Features: Bigger Screens, More Comfort, Better Tech
Inside, the second-gen Seltos is expected to offer a complete redesign with more premium materials and tech-centric layout.
Confirmed and expected features include:
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Panoramic sunroof
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LED welcome animations
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Dual 12.3-inch connected displays for infotainment + instrumentation
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Wireless smartphone charging
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Powered and ventilated front seats
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Rear boss mode (electric recline) feature
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High-end audio system
On the safety front, the new Seltos is likely to come with:
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6 airbags as standard
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ADAS (Level 2)
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360-degree camera
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Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
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Tyre pressure monitoring system
These updates should help the SUV stay competitive against feature-rich rivals in the segment.
5. Expected Price: Slight Increase Over Current Model
Kia is expected to position the next-gen Seltos slightly higher than the current version to account for the hybrid tech, new features and design enhancements.
Estimated starting price: around Rs 11.25 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Seltos will continue to compete with:
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Hyundai Creta
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Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
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Toyota Hyryder
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Honda Elevate
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Tata Sierra
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Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Given the updated tech and design, the higher price positioning is likely to be justified.
Conclusion
The second-generation Kia Seltos aims to build on the strong foundation laid by the outgoing model by offering:
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Cleaner, more premium design
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New hybrid powertrain
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Bigger screens and more features
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Enhanced safety tech
If Kia delivers on these promises, the new Seltos could once again become one of the most compelling choices in India’s midsize SUV segment.
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