Kia Seltos fills space between Niro and Sportage
Naming Kia Seltos
The name ‘Seltos’ is derived from the Greek myth of Celtos, the son of Hercules, who was the ancestor of the Celts. The ‘S’ stands for speed and sportsmanship.
Positioning in a crowded segment
Kia places the Seltos exactly between two models that are already firmly established in Europe. The Niro, now best known as an electric crossover, and the popular Sportage form the framework within which the Seltos gets its place. With that starting point, Kia seems to be responding to the growing demand for compact as well as spacious SUVs.
second generation
The Seltos should be complementary to the existing model line, but not compete with the established names within its own portfolio. The first generation Kia Seltos was already one of Kia’s bestsellers worldwide, only Europe was not yet in the planning. With this second generation, Kia is taking a global approach. The model is now tailored to all markets around the world. According to Kia, it will be a “Core Global Model. Only the hybrid version will be available for the Netherlands. In this way, Kia stays in line with the electrification trend in Europe, without immediately introducing an all-electric variant.
Design according to Opposites United
The design of the Kia Seltos follows the brand’s well-known “Opposites United” philosophy. The car combines sharp lines with clean surfaces and a relatively wide stance. The front end is characterized by a large grille with “Star Map Lighting,” a design element found in several recent Kia models.
Along the sides, diagonal character lines stand out, along with a floating roofline that makes the car appear visually longer. Recessed door handles contribute to a calmer side view and higher aerodynamic efficiency. At the rear, vertical taillights continue toward the tailgate, further emphasizing width.
Models Kia Seltos
The car will be available as GT-Line and X-Line, among others. The GT-Line looks a bit sportier. The X-Line is a variant that targets customers who want a slightly tougher look with specific exterior details. No full-fledged GT variant is planned for the Seltos. The GT variant is mainly reserved for electric versions, and so the Seltos is not that. This Seltos should appeal to a broad, general target group, which is why Kia is limiting itself to the GT-Line and X-Line.
Interior Kia Seltos: focused on tranquility and space
Inside, the Seltos has been redesigned, with a horizontal layout of the dashboard that should ensure a tidy appearance and good forward visibility. The K3 platform on which the Seltos is based allows for an efficient interior layout. This creates ample head and legroom for all occupants.
Shift-by-Wire operation
Because Kia is switching to Shift-by-Wire controls, a compact center console is sufficient. This intervention gives a more open feel especially in the front. An optional panoramic sunroof becomes available, and Kia offers adjustable ambient lighting with 64 color settings. The audio system from Harman Kardon is tailored to the cabin’s acoustics and focuses on clear playback, without excessive emphasis on bass.
Digitalization plays a big role in the new Seltos. The Kia Connect Store provides access to themes, apps and additional features, including animations and collaborations with entertainment brands.
Powertrain Kia Seltos: hybrid for the Netherlands
Although Kia supplies several engine variants worldwide, the Dutch importer chooses a clear focus: the hybrid. This is expected to get about 200 horsepower and also V2L technology, as Kia made clear in a presentation. The new Seltos uses Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which automatically adjusts the degree of regenerative braking based on traffic situations and navigation data.
The K3 platform was developed with attention to body stiffness and sound insulation. The suspension and steering have been retuned, with the intention of making the car predictable and stable in response. In doing so, Kia is targeting a broad audience that wants to drive comfortably and efficiently, without the car feeling complex.
Safety and assistance systems
As with more recent Kia models, the range of driver assistance systems has been expanded. The Seltos will be available with, among other things:
- Highway assistance (HDA 2.0), including lane change support
- Lane following assist (LFA 2.0) with hands-on detection
- Autonomous emergency braking assistance (FCA 2.0) with detection of pedestrians, cyclists, oncoming and intersecting traffic
- Exit protection
- A 360° camera system
- Rear parking assistance supported by sensors around the car
A head-up display
Standard infotainment includes a 30-inch panoramic display consisting of two linked 12.3-inch screens and a smaller 5-inch display. Over-the-Air updates allow upgrading features or adding new software without a dealer visit. Digital Key 2.0 is also present, which allows a smartphone to serve as a key. Of special note is that the infotainment system also supports things like streaming and gaming. ChatGPT is also built-in.
Practical deployment
The Kia Seltos focuses on everyday practicality. The luggage compartment of 536 liters (VDA standard) is supported by an adjustable load floor and smart interior storage compartments. The modular AddGear system allows users to add additional storage modules or holders tailored to their own usage patterns.
Global rollout and introduction in the Netherlands
The market introduction of the new Kia Seltos is proceeding in phases. India is leading the way, followed by South Korea, North America, China and finally Europe. The Dutch market will get the hybrid version in late 2026, when official specifications and prices will also be announced.
Sales Target
Kia’s goal is to sell about 430,000 units of the Seltos on an annual basis, of which about 60,000 will be in Europe. The United States, according to Kia, will be a market of about 100,000 Seltos – is that a word? – on an annual basis. In India, Kia is also aiming for 100,000 units a year. In Europe, its main competitors are the Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen T-Roc. Production of the Kia Seltos takes place in India and China, among other places. Outside the Netherlands, Kia’s SUV range consists of the Niro, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento and Carnival.