Kia has just pulled the covers off the second-generation Seltos, and there’s some brilliant news for British drivers: this globally successful SUV is finally heading to our shores in 2026.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the impressive Kia SUV range, this is the missing piece of the puzzle you’ve been waiting for.
What Makes the All-New Kia Seltos Special?
The Seltos has been quietly racking up impressive sales figures around the world, and now we’re getting our chance to see what all the fuss is about.
This isn’t just another compact SUV; it’s been completely redesigned from the ground up to offer a proper blend of style, practicality, and modern technology.
At 4,430mm long and 1,830mm wide, it sits perfectly in that sweet spot between urban manoeuvrability and family-friendly space.
The 2,690mm wheelbase translates into a genuinely roomy cabin, whilst the 536-litre boot should swallow the weekly shop with ease.
A Design That Turns Heads
The Kia designers have really gone to town with the All-new Kia Seltos. Following the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, it manages to look both rugged and refined at the same time.
The wider grille features the Kia distinctive star map lighting signature, whilst flush door handles add a touch of sophistication you don’t always see in this segment.
Choose the X-Line trim if you fancy something more adventurous, with its dark gun metal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes.
Prefer something sportier? The GT-Line delivers sleek, body-coloured accents that give it a more dynamic appearance. And those colour options, which include a stunning matte Magma Red and fresh Iceberg Green, show that Kia knows how to make a statement.
Comfort Meets Clever Design
Step inside and you’ll find an interior that’s been thoughtfully designed around real-world needs.
A low, horizontal dashboard creates an open, airy feel, whilst the column-mounted Shift-by-Wire system frees up loads of space in the centre console.
The tech setup is impressive without being overwhelming. Twin 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, with a dedicated climate control panel keeping things intuitive.
There’s even an AI assistant for natural voice control, over-the-air updates to keep everything current, and Digital Key 2 so you can use your smartphone as your key.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The wide panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, whilst second-row passengers get reclining seats that adjust up to 24 degrees, which is perfect for longer journeys.
If you’re an audiophile, you can opt for premium Harman Kardon or Bose sound systems that have been specifically tuned for the Seltos cabin.
Power and Performance Options
When the Seltos arrives in the UK, it’ll offer a choice of petrol engines to suit different needs.
The headline act is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in two outputs, a standard 178bhp version paired with either a 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual gearbox, and a punchier 192bhp variant with an 8-speed automatic.
There’s also a 2.0-litre petrol option delivering 147bhp, optimised for efficiency and smooth everyday driving.
All-wheel drive is available too, complete with a multi-link rear suspension and Terrain Mode for snow, mud, and sand. Drive Mode Select lets you choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport settings depending on your mood and the road ahead.
Perhaps most excitingly, a hybrid version is planned for later in 2026.
This will bring improved efficiency, Vehicle-to-Load functionality for powering external devices, and the Kia Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, clever technology that automatically adjusts energy recovery based on traffic conditions and your route.
Safety First With The All-New Kia Seltos
Kia hasn’t skimped on the safety kit. The Seltos gets a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.
There’s also a Safe Exit Warning to prevent doors from being opened into traffic, a Surround View Monitor, and various parking assistance systems.
A Head-Up Display projects key information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road where they belong.
The body structure uses extensive ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel for enhanced protection, too.
The Practical Bits
Beyond the headline features, the Seltos is packed with thoughtful touches.
The 536-litre boot includes a foldable dual-level cargo board for flexible storage, and the Kia AddGear accessory system lets you add modular storage solutions to keep everyday essentials organised. Customisable 64 colour mood lighting adds a personal touch, whilst the Kia Connect Store offers digital personalisation options, including collaborations with Disney and NBA.
When Can You Get An All-New Kia Seltos?
Global production kicks off this month in India, with UK and European launches planned throughout 2026. Whilst we wait for exact timing and pricing details, it’s clear that Kia is bringing us a properly developed, feature-packed SUV that should shake up the compact SUV segment.
After seeing the Seltos succeed globally, it’s about time British drivers got their turn. If you’re in the market for a practical, stylish SUV with genuine character, the wait might just be worth it.
So get ready for the arrival of the All-New 2026 Kia Seltos in the UK next year at your local Stoneacre Kia dealership.
