For the first time in a while, the domestic SUV market is giving a rousing welcome. It is the car both demand and supply had been waiting for: the new Seltos. It draws attention as both the most economical SUV and the best-selling model with the strongest demand. Prices start at 24.77 million won. It offers the best value for money in its class.

‘Kia Seltos’ full model change

Kia unveiled the specifications and pricing for the domestic flagship small SUV ‘The All New Seltos’ (hereinafter, Seltos) and began officially taking orders on the 27th.

Since the first-generation model launched in 2019 through last year (2025), it has sold more than 330,000 units in Korea, making it the most popular model in the domestic small SUV market.

The Seltos released this time is the second-generation full model change introduced six years after the first generation, combining a traditional SUV style with future-oriented design elements.

Among small SUVs, the top hit, the ‘Kia Seltos’, in its full model change.

A new 1.6 hybrid model has been added to the Seltos lineup, and electrification-focused technologies such as in-cabin V2L and Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 have been equipped. With best-in-class advanced safety and convenience features applied, overall product competitiveness has been further elevated.

Kia plans to leverage the enhanced product package to strengthen its leadership in the domestic small SUV market.

With the newly added hybrid lineup, the Seltos is offered with two powertrains: a 1.6 hybrid and a 1.6 gasoline turbo. The 1.6 hybrid delivers a system maximum output of 141 hp, maximum torque of 27.0 kgf∙m, and a maximum combined fuel economy of 19.5 km/ℓ, while the 1.6 gasoline turbo offers a maximum output of 193 hp, maximum torque of 27.0 kgf∙m, and a maximum combined fuel economy of 12.5 km/ℓ, delivering strong performance.

‘Kia Seltos’ full model change interior

‘Kia Seltos’ full model change

‘Kia Seltos’ full model change

In addition, the 1.6 hybrid model features Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 and a hybrid layered predictive control system that enhance fuel economy and driving convenience.

Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 uses traffic flow ahead and various navigation information to automatically set the optimal level of regenerative braking according to driving conditions, and it can even decelerate to a stop, reducing how often the driver needs to press the brake pedal.

The hybrid layered predictive control system predicts the route and road conditions to the destination and optimally manages the battery state of charge.

Kia also equipped the Seltos hybrid with in-cabin V2L and Stay mode, allowing customers to experience electrification-focused features previously enjoyed only in EVs.

In-cabin V2L provides up to 3.52 kW at 220 V, making it easy to use electronic devices for camping and other outdoor activities.

Stay mode provides a rest mode that, when parked (P), powers various convenience features via the high-voltage battery without engine idling.

The 1.6 gasoline turbo 4WD model features Terrain Mode, allowing the driver to select Snow, Mud, or Sand to optimally control the vehicle for various surfaces.

The Seltos also adopts the K3 platform with enhanced body rigidity, improving overall driving stability and safety performance.

This K3 platform was designed with reinforced crash safety performance as the core objective, expanding the use of ultra-high-tensile steel and hot-stamping to improve average body strength by about 20%, delivering stable and dependable driving performance across a variety of conditions.

Kia equips the Seltos with a wide array of advanced safety features and driver-assistance functions to support comfortable and safe travel.

The Seltos is the first internal-combustion vehicle in its class to apply Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 and Highway Driving Assist 2, and it is fitted with features such as steering wheel grip detection, a driver attention warning camera, Lane Following Assist 2, nine airbags, and a reverse guide lamp.

In addition, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (highway/expressway on- and off-ramps), Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (forward exit/driving), Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist help the driver in various potentially risky situations while driving.

Further, Surround View Monitor, front/side/rear Parking Distance Warning, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert carefully enhance safety and convenience when parking and alighting.

The Seltos also comes with top-tier convenience features that rival those of higher segments.

As the first internal-combustion vehicle in its class to do so, Kia applied Auto Flush Door Handles, Dynamic Welcome Light, Digital Key 2, a 100 W USB charging port for the first row, and a second-row center armrest sliding cup holder to elevate convenience and premium feel.

It also features advanced infotainment technologies such as an AI Assistant, the next-generation infotainment system (ccNC, connected car Navigation Cockpit), over-the-air software updates, Built-in Cam 2 Plus, and augmented-reality navigation, and it allows subscriptions to diverse digital content via the Kia Connect Store.

Additionally, Harman Kardon premium sound and an air purification system (including a fine-dust sensor) create a comfortable and upscale cabin environment.

Other practical convenience features include safety windows for all seats, a smartphone wireless charging system, an automatic toll payment system (including the e Hi-pass function), and a Smart Power Tailgate.

Based on Kia’s design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, the Seltos emphasizes a future-oriented image on top of a traditional SUV style to deliver a distinctive design.

Up front, an imposing radiator grille contrasts with sleek Star Map signature lighting to realize the Kia family look.

The side profile centers on a robust silhouette, with a diagonal character line, bold cladding along the lower body, and door side sills creating a dynamic SUV style, while at the rear, tail lamps connected horizontally and vertically express the body’s solidity and convey a modern mood.

Inside, the Seltos creates a sophisticated, future-oriented atmosphere based on a wide, simple layout, and its high space efficiency delivers a versatile cabin that suits a variety of lifestyles.

Compared with the previous model, overall length is up by 40 mm, wheelbase by 60 mm, and width by 30 mm, for dimensions of 4,430 mm (L), 2,690 mm (wheelbase), 1,830 mm (W), and 1,600 mm (H, unchanged). Second-row headroom and legroom increase by 14 mm and 25 mm, respectively, securing best-in-class interior space and second-row comfort.

It also adopts a panoramic wide display composed of a 12.3-inch cluster, 5-inch HVAC display, and 12.3-inch infotainment system, while a windshield-type head-up display (HUD) and a column-type electronic shift lever enhance intuitiveness and space efficiency.

Kia equipped Relaxion Comfort seats in the first row and freely adjustable reclining seats in the second row (up to 24 degrees) to improve convenience, and for the first time in a Kia, fitted Vibro sound seats to deliver a richer media experience for occupants.

The Vibro sound seats are applied to the driver and front passenger; by linking media audio with vibrators embedded in the seats, they create a more immersive sound environment through seat vibration and the vehicle’s speakers when audio is played.

The Seltos offers one of the largest luggage capacities in its class at 536 L (VDA), and Kia Addgear enhances practicality by improving storage convenience.

The X-Line, a design-focused trim, further accentuates a dynamic and rugged image.

At the front and rear of the X-Line trim, square dark-metal pocket-type garnish and black high-gloss skid plates emphasize volume and a wide stance, while hot-stamping on the radiator grille conveys a premium image.

It also completes a differentiated style with black high-gloss cladding, dark-metal door garnish pieces and roof garnish, exclusive 19-inch black wheels, and exclusive emblems.

Inside the X-Line trim, an exclusive steering wheel, first-row mesh-type headrests, exclusive patterned-embossed seats, metal pedals and door scuffs, and a black headliner enhance the premium feel and create a more dynamic atmosphere.

Exterior colors comprise six gloss optionsSnow White Pearl, Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, Ivory Silver, Frost Blue, Fusion Blackand two two-tone optionsFusion Black/Snow White Pearl and Fusion Black/Iceberg Green. Two matte colors exclusive to the X-Line are Ivory Matte Silver and Magma Matte Red.

Interior color choices include three schemes: Gray interior (Human Gray/Black), Brown interior (Marron Brown/Misty Gray), and Black interior (Smoky Black/Hunter Green, exclusive to X-Line).

Kia plans to deliver the gasoline and hybrid models of the Seltos sequentially starting at the end of this month.

Seltos pricing is as follows. For the 1.6 gasoline turbo: Trendy 24.77 million won, Prestige 28.40 million won, Signature 31.01 million won, and X-Line 32.17 million won. For the 1.6 hybrid: Trendy 28.98 million won, Prestige 32.08 million won, Signature 4.69 million won, and X-Line 35.84 million won.

With the Seltos launch, Kia is conducting a variety of marketing activities and operating purchase-benefit programs.

Starting on the 27th, Kia will present the ad campaign ‘LIKE JEANS (Like Jeans)’, which trendily conveys the value of the Seltos by likening its brand concept ‘All Ways Fit (All Ways Fit)’loved widely across generations and suited to every lifeto jeans.

To amplify the brand message, Kia will produce photo and video content connecting jeans and the Seltos with models Chae Jong-seok and Jay, and upload it to leading domestic fashion magazines and Kia’s official social channels.

From the 30th of this month to February 8, Kia will hold a Seltos pop-up exhibition at the Jamsil Lotte World Mall Atrium, offering diverse customers the chance to see and feel the vehicle firsthand and experience its outstanding product appeal.

Kia will also host ‘The All New Seltos Exclusive Preview’ for contract customers, where they can see the actual vehicle and hear explanations from professional docents, on January 31 (Sat) and February 1 (Sun) at 14 Kia locations nationwide, including Kia 360, EV Unplugged Ground Seongsu, flagship stores in Incheon/Gwangju/Wonju, and showrooms.

Along with the start of Seltos contracts, Kia is operating tailored purchase benefits and dedicated finance programs for a broad customer base.

Kia is running a special Seltos finance program that minimizes monthly payments and even eases concerns over used-car depreciation through a ‘Residual-Value Guaranteed Deferred Installment’ plan, which allows deferring up to 70% of the vehicle purchase price for 36 months at an interest rate of 3.6%. If a customer purchases a Seltos priced at 24.77 million won, they only need to pay a monthly installment of about 60,000 won for 36 months (based on a 29% down payment).

A Kia representative said, “The Seltos we are introducing this time is a further-evolved model based on the customer trust built over the past six years,” adding, “From its traditional SUV design and top-of-class features to the new hybrid, it embodies all the values customers want.” They continued, “The Seltos will once again set a new standard in the domestic small SUV market and deliver a differentiated experience to even more customers.”