The All-New Kia Seltos: Spied Testing with Two Variants, Offering a Full Range of Powertrains from Gas to Pure EV, Including AWD

Kia is hard at work on the next-generation Seltos, and it’s no longer a secret. The new Kia Seltos has been spotted testing in various locations worldwide, and a series of spy shots have revealed more design details about this upcoming SUV.

The new Kia Seltos will feature two distinct design versions

As previously hinted at by earlier images, the new Kia Seltos adopts a more angular design language reminiscent of the Carnival, with design cues borrowed from the Telluride, Sportage, and even its electric siblings like the EV9.

Based on the latest images, it appears that the new Kia Seltos will offer at least two distinct designs, possibly depending on the market and powertrain options. The most noticeable difference is in the front bumpers, with one version sporting a sleek and stylish look, while the other boasts a much more aggressive design. Nonetheless, both versions share design elements with other models in the Kia lineup, ranging from conventional to electric vehicles.

According to some reports, the Indian market version will closely resemble the Korean model in terms of design. It remains to be seen if the Vietnamese market will follow suit.

Predicting the Design of the New Kia Seltos

Similar to the current generation, the new Kia Seltos will be based on Hyundai-Kia’s K2 platform, which is an evolution of the PB and GB platforms. While most dimensions are expected to remain unchanged, there are speculations that the new model might be slightly longer, offering a more spacious interior.

Turning our attention back to the design, speculations suggest that the new Seltos will feature a front end reminiscent of the Telluride, with boxy headlights, a larger grille, a prominent front bumper, a sleeker rear end, a continuous LED taillight design, and new wheel designs.

Inside, the new Kia Seltos is expected to offer a refreshed layout and higher-quality materials. It is likely to feature a multi-layered dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an array of new features.

Multiple Powertrain Options

While specific details are yet to be revealed, we can expect the new Kia Seltos to offer a wide range of powertrain options. Similar to the current model, the new Seltos will likely be offered with turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. These could include the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, and the 1.5-liter diesel engine.

Additionally, an entirely new gasoline hybrid powertrain is expected to debut soon. This hybrid system is rumored to be based on a larger 1.6-liter gasoline engine, similar to the one found in the Kia Niro hybrid. It is expected to deliver around 141 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque in the Seltos.

According to reports, this new hybrid powertrain might be paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is unclear if a manual transmission option will be offered for this hybrid setup. The fuel efficiency of this hybrid variant is estimated to be around 5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Interestingly, the latest reports suggest that a pure electric version might also be in the works. The two distinct front bumper designs could indicate a differentiation between internal combustion and electric versions.

This theory is further supported by the presence of charging ports on both test mules, suggesting that at least one of them is likely to be an electric vehicle, while the other could be a plug-in hybrid. This strategy aligns with Hyundai’s approach with the Creta Electric, which features a unique design while retaining the overall shape of the standard model.

Additionally, the wheel designs could provide another clue. While the internal combustion versions (including hybrids) might feature conventional wheel designs, the electric variant is expected to sport aerodynamic wheels to optimize efficiency.

Kia’s first “affordable” electric vehicle for the global market will be the Kia Carens Clavis EV, which is expected to debut in July 2025. This MPV might share its powertrain with the Hyundai Creta EV. The Kia Seltos EV could also utilize a similar setup, offering two battery options – a 51.4 kWh and a 42 kWh battery, paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 169 horsepower. It is expected to offer a range of up to 473 kilometers, similar to the Creta Electric. Other specifications, such as acceleration from 0-100 km/h, are also likely to mirror the Hyundai model, achieving the sprint in 7.9 seconds.

Kia might also offer an electronic all-wheel-drive system (e-AWD) for the new Seltos in select markets. However, based on the current generation’s distribution, this option is unlikely to be offered in markets like India or Vietnam. The all-wheel-drive version of the Seltos is primarily targeted at North American markets, while the Vietnamese market currently only receives the front-wheel-drive variant (FWD).