Kia Unveils All New Seltos To Redefine SUV Market

On January 23, 2026, Kia Motors took center stage at Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), unveiling its much-anticipated second-generation Seltos—a compact SUV that, according to the company, is poised to shake up Korea’s competitive small SUV market. The launch event, attended by over a hundred journalists, marked not just a product reveal but a bold declaration: Kia intends to redefine what drivers expect from a compact SUV, both in terms of technology and comfort.

For those who have followed Kia’s journey, the Seltos has long been a familiar name. Since its first release in 2019, the model has topped sales charts, establishing itself as a go-to choice for urban drivers seeking both practicality and style. Yet, as Kia’s domestic business chief Jung Won-jung noted during the media day, the company wasn’t content to rest on its laurels. “The Seltos has led the domestic small SUV market for the past six years, but we started again from the voice of the customer,” he said, emphasizing that the new model was shaped by feedback and evolving consumer demands, as reported by Industry News.

So, what’s new with the “All New Seltos”? To start, it’s built on the newly developed K3 platform, which boosts structural rigidity by about 20%. This upgrade, achieved through increased use of ultra-high-strength steel and hot stamping, means the car offers not only better driving stability but also enhanced collision safety. “We have strengthened driving stability and ride comfort, and secured the best-in-class cargo space,” Jung explained, highlighting the model’s focus on both safety and utility.

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing update is the addition of a 1.6-liter hybrid model, a direct response to customer calls for greater fuel efficiency and greener options. This hybrid trim boasts a system output of 141 horsepower and a torque of 27.0 kgf·m, with an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 19.5 km/L. The hybrid system features smart regenerative braking (3.0) and a hierarchical predictive control system, which together optimize energy flow based on driving conditions and navigation data. As lead researcher Jeong Doo-seok from Kia’s MSV Project 4 team stated, “The hybrid model applies smart regenerative braking 3.0 and a hierarchical predictive control system to optimally control energy flow according to driving situations and routes, making automatic deceleration possible even when stopped.”

For those who prefer a bit more punch, the 1.6-liter gasoline turbo variant delivers a robust 193 horsepower, with the same maximum torque as the hybrid. Both versions aim to deliver a driving experience that’s not just efficient, but genuinely enjoyable—something that’s not always a given in the compact SUV segment.

But it’s not just about what’s under the hood. The new Seltos is packed with features that, until now, were more commonly found in larger or more expensive vehicles. The V2L (vehicle-to-load) function, for instance, provides up to 3.52 kW of external power output—enough to run electronic devices during camping trips or outdoor activities for up to an hour. The interior is designed for maximum comfort and flexibility, with the new model’s length extended by 40mm and its wheelbase by 60mm, resulting in an extra 25mm of second-row legroom and 14mm of additional headroom. The trunk has also grown, offering a class-leading 536 liters of cargo space (VDA standard), which should please families and adventure-seekers alike.

The cabin is equally impressive in terms of technology and aesthetics. A panoramic 12.3-inch wide display and a windshield-type head-up display (HUD) bring a futuristic edge to the driver’s experience. The interior layout emphasizes openness and intuitiveness, while premium materials and customizable color schemes cater to a range of tastes and lifestyles. As Min-young Lee from Kia’s Next Design Interior 1 team put it, “We applied a panoramic wide display based on a spacious and simple layout to enhance both the sense of openness and ease of operation.”

Safety and convenience features abound, including nine airbags, lane keeping assist 2, blind spot collision avoidance assist, surround view monitor, and augmented reality navigation. These advanced driver assistance systems, typically reserved for higher-end models, are now available in the compact Seltos, blurring the lines between vehicle classes. Yong-jun Son from Kia’s Domestic Product 1 team remarked, “We implemented advanced driving assistance systems and safety features at a level unprecedented in this segment.”

The design language of the new Seltos—anchored in Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy—melds classic SUV robustness with a forward-looking aesthetic. The front end features signature starmap lighting and a bold radiator grille, while horizontal and vertical elements along the flanks and rear create a sense of strength and stability. Customization options abound, with matte and two-tone color schemes designed to let owners express their individuality.

Pricing for the new Seltos reflects its premium ambitions, with the 1.6 gasoline turbo model ranging from 24.77 million to 32.17 million KRW and the 1.6 hybrid model from 28.98 million to 35.84 million KRW. Sales contracts open on January 27, with deliveries set to begin by the end of the month. Kia has set an ambitious domestic sales target of 55,000 units for 2026, a figure that underscores its confidence in the model’s appeal. According to Seoul Finance, Kia described the second-generation Seltos as “a model that combines economy with the best-in-class specifications, setting a new standard for the compact SUV market.”

To mark the launch, Kia is rolling out a comprehensive marketing campaign, including a pop-up exhibition at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil from January 30. The company also promises enhanced benefits across pricing, financing, and residual value, signaling a determination to challenge even the strongest competitors in the field.

Jung Won-jung summed up the company’s aspirations succinctly: “The All New Seltos is a model that redefines the standard for compact SUVs in every aspect—design, space, technology, and fuel efficiency. We will continue to lead the market and provide differentiated mobility experiences to more customers.”

With its revamped platform, expanded hybrid options, and a raft of high-tech features, Kia’s second-generation Seltos isn’t just vying for sales—it’s aiming to reset expectations for what a compact SUV can be in Korea’s fast-evolving automotive landscape.