The new-generation Kia Seltos SUV is officially set for its global debut on December 10, 2025, with a simultaneous launch in both India and South Korea. Indian sales are expected to begin in early 2026, and the model will introduce significant new features and options to the popular compact SUV segment.
While the excitement is high around domestic launches like the Tata Motors Sierra ICE and EV SUVs, South Korean carmaker Kia is expected to soon make the global debut of its all-new kia Seltos SUV. The new Seltos will rival the Sierra and other top-selling SUVs in the mid-sized segment, once it is launched in India sometime in 2026. The new generation of the Seltos has been spotted several times in India and the global debut is expected to take place in South Korea on December 10, 2025. Based on spy shots and new rivals, here are five big changes that you can expect in the next-generation Kia Seltos SUV.
The major design and platform changes for the 2025 Kia Seltos SUV include a significantly refreshed exterior and an upgraded underlying platform.
Launch Timeline
-
Global and India launch scheduled for December 10, 2025.
-
Indian sales likely to commence from January 2026 or early next year.
Key Highlights and Features
-
The 2025 kia Seltos SUV will sport an updated exterior, with a sharper front grille, sleeker LED headlamps, and refreshed tail lamp design.
-
Engine options will include both petrol and diesel variants, and for the first time, a strong-hybrid version is expected to be offered to compete with rivals like the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara.
-
Advanced safety and driver assistance features such as Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, multiple airbags, and more will be part of the new offering.
-
Modern interior updates include a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch displays (digital cluster and infotainment), ventilated seats, premium upholstery, and enhanced connectivity features.
-
The Seltos will remain a five-seater SUV designed to balance sporty appeal with practicality and premium features.
Expected Price Range
-
The starting price in India is expected to be around ₹11 lakh for the base variant, with top-end turbo and diesel trims possibly reaching up to ₹20.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Engine and Powertrain Options
-
1.5-litre NA petrol engine: Approx. 115 PS, available with manual and CVT.
-
1.5-litre turbo petrol: Approx. 160 PS, paired with iMT or 7-speed DCT.
-
1.5-litre diesel: Approx. 116 PS, with iMT or 6-speed AT.
-
Strong-hybrid powertrain expected for improved fuel efficiency and greener credentials.
The new Kia Seltos SUV aims to offer strong competition in India’s mid-size SUV market with a bolder design, advanced tech, wide drivetrain choices, and the addition of a hybrid for greater efficiency.
Design Changes
-
The front fascia features a bolder, more upright “Tiger Nose” grille with vertical chrome slats, giving a more aggressive and premium look.
-
Vertically stacked three-pod LED headlamps with sleek daytime running lights replace older units for a sharper front-end appearance.
-
The bumper design has been redesigned with larger air dams and a faux skid plate for a more rugged stance.
-
Alloy wheels have a sportier design and additional details like blacked-out A-pillars, roof rails, and ORVM-mounted turn indicators enhance the overall sporty aesthetic.
-
The rear gets an LED DRL strip stretching across the tailgate for a modern touch.
-
Overall profile becomes boxier with a flatter roofline, improving road presence and interior space perception.
Interior and Features
-
A major interior redesign with a new dashboard layout featuring twin large connected 10.25-inch digital displays covered within a curved glass panel.
-
Upgraded materials, improved ergonomics, ventilated seats, and premium touches like ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof.
-
Enhanced connected car technology and Level 2 ADAS safety suite.
-
More spacious and comfortable with better NVH insulation for a quieter cabin environment.
-
Based on an upgraded modular platform shared with the Hyundai Creta but now reinforced for greater rigidity.
-
The new platform is adaptable for multiple powertrains, including petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and a new strong-hybrid variant expected in India.
-
This platform upgrade improves crash safety, driving dynamics, and accommodates advanced driver assistance systems.
The 2025 Kia Seltos SUV brings comprehensive styling updates combined with a strengthened and more versatile platform, making it more competitive and future-ready in the mid-size SUV segment.
-
