Gen 2 Kia Seltos Arrives in 2026 With a Grown-Up Look, New Hybrid Choice, 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 an entire makeover. It is a compact crossover we’ve examined and reviewed quite a few instances, and looking out again on our experiences, we will safely say we cherished the Gen 1 Seltos.

Our first assessment was titled 2021 Seltos SX Turbo AWD Evaluation – One other Hit From Kia. We bear in mind exploring logging trails within the small crossover, a process that appeared like it might be exterior 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 cherished the Seltos for not only one or two options, however for 5 essential 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 price by $1,500. Excellent timing to satisfy the challenges of inflation head-on, and provides entry-level customers one compelling purpose to buy Seltos first. We referred to as it “Tariff-proof.”

The second-gen Seltos will arrive in 2026, and we suspect it will likely 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 checklist, and so they appear spectacular for the section. Here’s a punch checklist of issues that jumped off the web page once we learn the information, which can have sneaked in a couple of bits that will probably 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 standard torque converter. 
3) There’s a guide transmission talked about within the press packet – Seemingly for base trims in Europe solely, however time will inform. 
4) A hybrid joins the lineup shortly after the preliminary launch – Value ready for for my part, so long as it comes with a spare tire.
5) Non-compulsory all-wheel drive and 6 drive mode settings imply you possibly can 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 quite a bit to love. These embrace:

• 2-tone colours
• Bodily buttons beneath the primary display screen
• A traditional 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 believe these advertising and marketing themes are dumb, however not this time. The brand new Seltos is tasked with lots of duty within the Kia line. Particularly, its job will probably be going head-to-head with strong choices from entrenched opponents. Seltos might want to attraction to a really big selection of customers, together with the essential 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 and marketing will get this section. Frankly, Protagonist could be a cool identify for a sports activities automobile. (Like Challenger is)

We’ll study 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 help of Kia, so don’t be shocked if we’re one of many first shops to do a week-long check and detailed assessment of the brand new Seltos in early 2026.

Inform us within the feedback beneath for those who just like the styling. 
 

John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an professional automobile tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a give attention to electrical autos, adopted by twenty 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 printed hundreds of articles and evaluations at American information shops. He’s recognized for providing unfiltered opinions on automobile matters. You possibly can join with John on LinkedIn and comply with his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. John employs grammar and punctuation software program when proofreading, and he generally makes use of picture technology instruments.