Gen 2 Kia Seltos Arrives in 2026 With a Grown-Up Look, New Hybrid Possibility, and a Lot of Accountability

Kia continues to modernize and refine its fashions within the North American market. Now it’s the Seltos’ flip to get a whole makeover. This can be a compact crossover we’ve examined and reviewed quite a few instances, and searching again on our experiences, we are able to safely say we liked the Gen 1 Seltos.

Our first assessment was titled 2021 Seltos SX Turbo AWD Overview – One other Hit From Kia. We bear in mind exploring logging trails within the small crossover, a process that appeared like it might be outdoors of the automobile’s consolation zone. But, it was splendid on these New Hampshire unpaved sections.

Our second assessment was titled 5 Causes To Purchase The 2024 Kia Seltos. Once more, we liked the Seltos for not only one or two options, however for 5 vital causes. Lastly, in our final information replace on the Seltos, we fortunately reported that the ultimate mannequin yr of Gen 1 would drop its base trim’s value by $1,500. Excellent timing to fulfill the challenges of inflation head-on, and provides entry-level buyers one compelling motive to buy Seltos first. We referred to as it “Tariff-proof.”

The second-gen Seltos will arrive in 2026, and we suspect will probably be referred to as a 2027 as a result of we have already got costs for a 2026 mannequin yr Gen 1. We’ve seen the complete specs record, they usually appear spectacular for the section. Here’s a punch record of issues that jumped off the web page after we learn the data, which can have sneaked in a number of bits that will likely be for the European model:
1) A grown-up “Mini-Telluride” design language.
2) Two automated transmissions – An 8-speed Auto and a 7-speed DCT, each of which might be mated to a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. I’ll take the 8-speed with a conventional torque converter. 
3) There’s a guide transmission talked about within the press packet – Doubtless for base trims in Europe solely, however time will inform. 
4) A hybrid joins the lineup shortly after the preliminary launch – Price ready for for my part, so long as it comes with a spare tire.
5) Elective all-wheel drive and 6 drive mode settings imply you’ll be able to tailor the Seltos to your situations. 
6) Head-up show
7) Full energetic security suite

Wanting over the inside of the brand new Seltos we see rather a lot to love. These embody:

• 2-tone colours
• Bodily buttons underneath the primary display screen
• A standard gear shifter
• Completely positioned telephone cradle and cupholder
• Open and ethereal greenhouse for good visibility

Kia picked a theme for its on-line media launch named “The Protagonist.” Usually, I feel these advertising themes are dumb, however not this time. The brand new Seltos is tasked with loads of accountability within the Kia line. Particularly, its job will likely be going head-to-head with strong choices from entrenched rivals. Seltos might want to attraction to a really wide selection of customers, together with the vital entry-level shopper, since Soul is being sunsetted. If Subaru’s Crosstrek and Mazda’s CX-30 are the “antagonists,” then Seltos is the protagonist. Very cool, and somebody in advertising will get this section. Frankly, Protagonist can be a cool identify for a sports activities automotive. (Like Challenger is)

We’ll be taught extra and report extra particulars as we enter the brand new yr. Count on pricing to be introduced in Q1 and availability mid-year or later. Torque Information enjoys the complete assist of Kia, so don’t be shocked if we’re one of many first retailers to do a week-long check and detailed assessment of the brand new Seltos in early 2026.

Inform us within the feedback under when you just like the styling. 
 

John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an skilled automobile tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a give attention to electrical automobiles, adopted by 20 years of labor in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive provide chain earlier than changing into a information contributor. He’s a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). Along with his fourteen years of labor at Torque Information, John has revealed 1000’s of articles and critiques at American information retailers. He’s recognized for providing unfiltered opinions on automobile subjects. You’ll be able to join with John on LinkedIn and observe his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. John employs grammar and punctuation software program when proofreading, and he typically makes use of picture technology instruments.