Kia launches 2nd-gen Seltos

MANILA: The second-generation Kia Seltos has just made its global premier today.

Debuting online through a short film themed “The Protagonist” posted over the Korean automaker’s official Youtube page, the global subcompact sport utility vehicle’s (SUV) latest version combines strong presence with intelligent technology and enhanced comfort.

Per Kia, the model is designed to highlight the brand’s “design leadership and commitment to delivering refined practicality and advanced usability for modern lifestyles.”

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“The Kia Seltos has always represented best-in-class value, and the next generation model builds on that legacy with an enriched offering that resonates with the diverse passions of our customers. Its expanded global presence and abundant practical and stylish features underline Kia’s commitment to meeting diverse mobility needs worldwide,” Kia Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ho Sung Song said.

Here's what car buyers can expect from the all-new Kia Seltos.

Vehicle specifications

The crossover — developed under the “Opposites United” design philosophy, embodies the “Relentless Innovator” spirit. This design — borne in China and was further developed in its home country — results in the vehicle sporting a wider stance and structured portions to express its capability.

On paper, the all-new Kia Seltos is 4,430 millimeters (mm) long; 1,830 mm wide; and 1,600 mm tall with a 2,690-mm wheelbase.

Outside, the model carries Kia's star map lighting signature with dynamic welcome light sequence flanking the wider grille, flush door handles, sharp body lines, a floating roofline, strong shoulder contours, contrasting claddings and satin silver color accents, and vertical tail lamps.

Other variants can be easily identified through dark gun metal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes or body-colored accents.

The vehicle also sits on 16-, 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels— depending on the trim.

During the event, the all-new Kia Seltos was showcased in three body color options namely:

• Iceberg Green
• Gravity Gray
• Magma Red (matte)

Meanwhile, its interior — which was designed in Europe but further enhanced in Korea — was created to meet the evolving needs of modern mobility.

It comes with a low dashboard to create a sense of openness that complements its spacious head- and legroom for all passengers.

The center console has become less uncluttered following the adoption of a column-type shift-by-wire system.

Other amenities that were made available in the all-new Kia Seltos include:

• Wide panoramic sunroof
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Second-row reclining seats adjustable by a total of 24 degrees (12 degrees forward and backward)
• Premium Harman Kardon and Bose audio systems
• Kia Connect Store for digital personalization and entertainment options (including collaborations with Disney and NBA)

Powering the vehicle (which wears the latest K3 platform) are three internal combustion engine options mated to varying transmission configurations to meet diverse customer needs across global markets.

Here are the drivetrain configurations and their respective churns:

Engine option	1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged gasoline-fed (Standard)	1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged gasoline-fed (High output)	2.0-liter gasoline -fed
Maximum output (in horsepower)	178	190	147
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	265	265	179
Transmission options	Seven-speed dual-clutch type; six-speed manual	Eight-speed automatic	Not indicated

Further, the all-new Kia Seltos is offered with an optional all-wheel drive, paired with a multi-link rear suspension and Terrain Mode (which has different drive settings for Snow, Mud and Sand). Complementing these are the standard three drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport).

The company noted that a hybrid trim will join the all-new Seltos lineup next year that will have vehicle-to-load functionality as well as the Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 (which automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation data to optimize energy recovery).

Its ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel enhances body rigidity and occupant protection. Matching these is the comprehensive suite driver-assistance technologies that include:

• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Lane Following Assist 2
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
• Safe Exit Warning
• Surround View Monitor
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
• Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse

Moreover, the second-generation Kia Seltos boasts numerous convenience features such as:

• Head-up display
• Panoramic display (which combines a pair of 12.3-inch screens with a dedicated climate control panel
• AI Assistant
• Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates
• Digital Key 2 for secure smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing

The all-new Kia Seltos takes pride also of its class-leading luggage capacity of 536 liters (VDA) and flexible storage configurations, including a foldable dual-level cargo board.

With the global production set this month, the all-new Kia Seltos will be first rolled out in India — followed by launches in Korea, North America, Europe and China throughout 2026.

To note, the currently-offered Kia Seltos in the Philippines made its debut in November 2023.

Also read:

Kia Seltos SX arrives in PH

Here are the possible alternatives to the Kia Seltos

Old vs. new: What are the upgrades on 2024 Kia Seltos?

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