
Kia has not officially stamped the date of the next-generation Seltos. However, as test mules are already being sighted, highly camouflaged, both abroad and in India, the development cycle is seen to be in its death throes. Insiders in the industry believe that it will be unveiled worldwide at the end of 2025 and then released in India in early 2027.
The Kia Seltos that is available now costs between Rs 11.18 lakh and Rs 20.55 lakh (ex-showroom). The next-gen will probably have a slight price premium with a complete redesign of the cards and more features.
Nonetheless, due to the aggressive pricing of the SUV, Kia will be well-placed to compete with other market rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Victoris, and Skoda Kushaq.
There are spy shots indicating that the next-generation Seltos will undergo a major change in design. It will have a sharper headlamp and Telluride-inspired daytime running lights in the front fascia to make it look more premium on the road.
The SUV will have new LED tail-lamp clusters and a new bumper design at the back. New alloy wheel designs will also be presented, but the general outline will remain loyal to the current Seltos proportions.
Kia is expected to retain the familiar and reliable engine lineup in India:
1.5-litre NA petrol – 113 hp
1.4-litre turbo-petrol – 138 hp
1.5-litre turbo-diesel – 113 hp
The transmission options will remain 6-speed manual, CVT, torque converter automatic and 7-speed DCT. It is important to note that Kia is not going to introduce a hybrid powertrain to India, instead maintaining the focus on proven ICE choices.
The next generation of Kia Seltos is developing into a significant improvement with its daring design, new functions and powerful engines. Provided Kia can strike the right balance between the improvements and competitive pricing, the car can still hold its own in the fiercely competitive Indian market of midsize SUVs.