2026 Kia Seltos SUV revealed
Kia’s second-generation small SUV arrives with bold styling and new technology inside and out.
Photo: The new Kia Seltos lineup
Kia has pulled the covers off the second-generation Kia Seltos ahead of the small SUV’s anticipated Australian arrival in the second half of 2026.
Sporting a bolder look, newfound interior space and fresh safety and technology, the 2026 Kia Seltos will renew the fight to popular small SUVs in Australia including the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi ASX.
Pricing and Australian model grades and specification will be confirmed closer to launch, however on a global scale, Kia is confident it can broaden the portfolio mix with the introduction of GT-Line and X-Line variants.
Measuring 4.43 metres long (+45mm), 1.83 metres wide and 1.6 metres high, the Seltos’ is developed on Kia’s latest K3 platform, featuring a 2690mm wheelbase (+60mm) to ensure a cavernous cabin layout as well as a 536-litre boot area.
The car makers says the K3 platform enables enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation and a tauter chassis for improved comfort and driving dynamics.
Three engine choices have been announced at the global launch: a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine in standard output and high output grades, plus a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. A hybrid model will join the ranks some time in 2026, bringing vehicle-to-load functionality for powering external devices, plus adjustable regenerative braking ability.
Sporting a bolder look, newfound interior space and fresh safety and technology, the 2026 Kia Seltos will renew the fight to popular small SUVs in Australia including the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi ASX.
Pricing and Australian model grades and specification will be confirmed closer to launch, however on a global scale, Kia is confident it can broaden the portfolio mix with the introduction of GT-Line and X-Line variants.
Measuring 4.43 metres long (+45mm), 1.83 metres wide and 1.6 metres high, the Seltos’ is developed on Kia’s latest K3 platform, featuring a 2690mm wheelbase (+60mm) to ensure a cavernous cabin layout as well as a 536-litre boot area.
The car makers says the K3 platform enables enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation and a tauter chassis for improved comfort and driving dynamics.
Three engine choices have been announced at the global launch: a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine in standard output and high output grades, plus a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. A hybrid model will join the ranks some time in 2026, bringing vehicle-to-load functionality for powering external devices, plus adjustable regenerative braking ability.
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Kia Australia is yet to confirm which engine grades will grace Aussie showrooms. In a statement, Kia’s Australian arm confirmed the second-generation would touch down later in 2026.
“Kia Australia can confirm the all-new Seltos will launch locally in Q4 2026,” a spokesperson said. “Local suspension tuning is to commence in early 2026, with further details on powertrains, trim variants, features, and pricing to be announced in due course.”
Kia says the Seltos will be available with a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts globally, together with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension layout in higher grade models (torsion beam axle on lower grades), plus a terrain mode offering Snow, Mud and Sand driving settings.
Infotainment comprises two 12.3-inch displays – one in the centre fascia, the other in the instrument cluster - offering a Chat GPT-style spoken AI assistant, over-the-air (OTA) updates and a digital key, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display will also be available in higher grades.
On the safety front, the Seltos offers a suite of driver assistance functions including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Safe Exit Warning and a surround view monitor (360-degree overhead camera).
The Seltos adopts Kia’s new ‘star map’ front light design, together with a wide grille and skid plate, while flush door handles and bolder lines highlight its flanks. Vertical tail lights adorn the rear, emphasising the SUV’s newfound width.
Kia Australia says it will reveal more local pricing and specification closer to the vehicle’s Australian rollout.
“Kia Australia can confirm the all-new Seltos will launch locally in Q4 2026,” a spokesperson said. “Local suspension tuning is to commence in early 2026, with further details on powertrains, trim variants, features, and pricing to be announced in due course.”
Kia says the Seltos will be available with a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts globally, together with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension layout in higher grade models (torsion beam axle on lower grades), plus a terrain mode offering Snow, Mud and Sand driving settings.
Infotainment comprises two 12.3-inch displays – one in the centre fascia, the other in the instrument cluster - offering a Chat GPT-style spoken AI assistant, over-the-air (OTA) updates and a digital key, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display will also be available in higher grades.
On the safety front, the Seltos offers a suite of driver assistance functions including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Safe Exit Warning and a surround view monitor (360-degree overhead camera).
The Seltos adopts Kia’s new ‘star map’ front light design, together with a wide grille and skid plate, while flush door handles and bolder lines highlight its flanks. Vertical tail lights adorn the rear, emphasising the SUV’s newfound width.
Kia Australia says it will reveal more local pricing and specification closer to the vehicle’s Australian rollout.
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