Next Gen Kia Seltos Revealed – Bold Design, Advanced Features, and Enhanced Performance

Kia is cooking up something big, and it’s not just a facelift. The next-generation Seltos, set to arrive for the 2027 model year, is undergoing extensive testing in Europe—and spy shots from the Alps suggest it’s going through a serious transformation. This isn’t just a few tweaks here and there. It’s a whole new vibe for one of Kia’s most important global models.

Redesign

The spy shots reveal a much boxier and more aggressive design. Think of it as the Seltos hitting the gym and coming out with a more rugged and muscular shape. The upright grille, chunkier body lines, and larger dimensions give it a more SUV-like presence—reminiscent of its bigger brother, the Kia Sportage. The headlights are wider, and the rear end seems to have a broader stance, which could translate into more interior room and cargo space.

This more upright and bold profile doesn’t just look tougher; it’s likely aimed at better competing with popular compact SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Tucson in various global markets.

Engines

Kia seems to be going for market-specific engine strategies. For India, the new Seltos is expected to stick with a 1.5-litre engine, likely to keep pricing competitive and fuel efficiency decent. For international markets, a more powerful 1.6-litre unit is on the cards.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting—Kia is reportedly working on an e-AWD system for Europe. This setup would include a rear-mounted electric motor, enabling all-wheel drive. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Toyota and Lexus use something similar in their hybrids. It’s a clever way to give buyers AWD without relying on a full mechanical system, which helps with weight and fuel economy.

Global

India is expected to see the new Seltos before the rest of the world. Given how popular the Seltos is in the Indian market, it’s no surprise that Kia wants to roll it out there first. After that, a global launch will follow, possibly starting in Europe and then moving to North America and other key markets.

The new model, codenamed SP3, is scheduled to enter production in South Korea by August 2026. That gives Kia enough time to ramp up marketing and production before a global release the following year.

Features

While exact details are still under wraps, we can expect a tech upgrade inside the cabin. Kia’s latest SUVs feature dual screens, wireless charging, advanced driver assistance systems, and better connectivity features, and it’s safe to say the new Seltos will follow suit.

Also on the table could be a hybrid variant, especially for markets like Europe where emissions standards are tight. With electrification becoming a key trend, offering a hybrid Seltos makes perfect sense.

North America

In the US and Canada, expect the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine to stick around in the base models. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. However, for those craving a bit more power, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission should continue. That said, don’t expect miracles in terms of fuel economy—it’s more about performance than efficiency.

Here’s a quick comparison of expected engine options:

Market	Engine	Notes
India	1.5-litre NA	Budget-friendly, fuel efficient
International	1.6-litre NA	More power, global focus
Europe	e-AWD Hybrid	Electrified AWD, better traction
North America	2.0-litre NA / 1.6 Turbo	Base & performance options

So, what’s the bottom line? The 2027 Kia Seltos is shaping up to be more than just an update. With bigger dimensions, bolder design, and possibly hybrid and e-AWD options, it could become one of the most versatile compact SUVs out there. And with a global strategy that starts in India, Kia’s clearly betting big on this next-gen crossover.

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