Kia Seltos 2026: the new SUV aiming to dethrone the Duster and become the smartest buy of the year

Arriving in Europe for the first time with petrol and hybrid engines, 4.43 metres in length and pricing expected to undercut both the Niro and the Sportage.

A compact SUV designed to win over the European market

The 2026 Kia Seltos finally lands in Europe in its second generation, ready to shake up the rapidly growing B-SUV plus segment, where rivals such as the Dacia Duster, Renault Symbioz and Volkswagen T-Roc compete. Measuring 4.43 metres, it slots between the Stonic and the Sportage, with the added advantage of being considerably more affordable. Initially built in India and, from 2026 onwards, also in South Korea, it promises a level of quality and equipment very close to the Niro and the Sportage despite its lower positioning.

A robust and high-tech design to stand out

The exterior of the Seltos showcases the latest evolution of Kia’s design language, featuring a reinterpreted ‘tiger face’ grille, sharp character lines and the LED light signature known as Star Map. It also adopts flush-fitting door handles, alloy wheels of up to 19 inches and a 2.69-metre wheelbase, almost identical to that of the Niro. Inside, the centrepiece is a spectacular 30-inch panoramic display, made up of two 12.3-inch screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment, plus an additional 5-inch module dedicated to climate control. Kia has intentionally retained physical buttons for key functions, responding directly to customer feedback.

Petrol engines from launch and a full hybrid arriving in 2026

Underneath sits the K3 platform, shared with the Niro and Hyundai KONA, featuring high-strength steels and upgrades aimed at increasing chassis rigidity and reducing interior noise. The powertrain range starts with the 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine producing 180 hp, paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DCT automatic, with the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD versions include a multi-link rear suspension and Snow, Mud and Sand modes. In 2026, a full hybrid will join the range, equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and the advanced Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0.

More boot space than the Niro and top-tier driver assistance systems

The new Seltos offers a generous 536-litre boot, exceeding the Niro and sitting close to the Sportage. Its cabin can be specified with a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, Harman Kardon premium audio and multiple USB-C charging points – including one on the back of the passenger seat for rear occupants. In terms of safety and assistance features, the line-up includes Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Safe Exit Warning, a 12-inch Head-Up Display, digital key functionality and Over-The-Air updates.

A safe bet for buyers seeking price, space and technology

Although Kia has yet to reveal pricing, it has confirmed that the range will consist of Base, X-Line and GT-Line trims, with the latter offering a more dynamic and sportier appearance. With its robust design, tech-focused interior and balanced powertrain range, the 2026 Kia Seltos positions itself as a cheaper alternative to the Sportage and Niro, yet fully capable of competing head-on with the best-selling B-SUV plus models. Everything suggests it will be one of Europe’s most important launches next summer.