Kia will reveal the next generation of the Seltos on December 10, with teaser images confirming a new design direction influenced by the brand’s recent EVs. Meanwhile, the current subcompact SUV continues for the 2026 model year in Canada and the U.S. with the same design, interior, and gas engines.
While the feature list is the same as last year in Canada, expanded configurations and feature updates have been introduced for 2026 in the U.S., in what is likely the final model year for the first generation Seltos in North America.
Recently, we got to check out the 2026 gas variant in the SX Turbo AWD, finished in the Pluton Blue exterior color, and here’s what we observed.
Design
The 2026 Seltos carries over Kia’s Opposites United theme introduced in the 2024 model year refresh. A wide Tiger Nose grille frames the front with available projection LED headlamps. Star Map signature lighting spans the upper grille, creating a link to the rest of the Kia family.
The rear fascia mirrors this signature lighting with horizontal graphics and a full-width treatment. In the U.S., SX trims include standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while the EX Sunroof Package adds a new gloss black 17-inch wheel.
Interior
The interior retains the panoramic screen layout with linked instrument and infotainment displays. LX trims use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster.
S, EX, and SX trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition. EX and SX offer available dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays with an integrated 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Comfort features include heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a sunroof on higher trims. The model shown in this article is equipped with the SX Sunroof Package which brings ventilated front seats, and a smartphone digital key. A wireless charging pad, smart power liftgate, and Bose audio system are available based on the variant.
Specifications
Kia offers the 2026 Seltos with a 2.0 liter gasoline engine rated at 147 hp, paired with FWD. SX AWD uses a more potent 1.6 liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 hp, paired to an 8-speed transmission. The introduction of LX FWD lowers the entry price and reduces monthly payments for shoppers.
Pricing
In the U.S., the 2026 Seltos starts at USD 23,690 for the LX FWD and tops out at USD 31,390 for the SX AWD. In Canada, the Seltos is the second best-selling Kia, and pricing starts at CAD 28,624.
On the next-gen Seltos Hybrid
Kia has confirmed that the next generation Seltos will introduce a full redesign with a new Star Map lighting format, flush door handles, floating roof effect, and a more streamlined profile. The reveal is set on December 10, 2025, and sales are expected to begin globally in the first half of 2026.
During his presentation at the 2025 Kia CEO Investor Day held in South Korea, President and CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed that Kia will drive hybrid technology to the subcompact segment, particularly the Seltos.
We will continue offering ICE models in the short to mid-term to meet residual demand in emerging markets, while expanding and diversifying our HEV lineup from Seltos to Telluride.
Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO, at the 2025 Kia CEO Investor Day on April 9, 2025
The company didn’t spell out the engine displacement or number of cylinders, but confirmed that the next-gen HEV system that it is developing will feature a coaxial serial connection between the motor and engine. The CEO also confirmed that the fuel efficiency of the next-gen system would be improved by approximately 4%, while offering enhanced acceleration.
Lastly, Kia will also address one key piece of feedback from customers (and us) on some of the existing hybrid models: Smooth motor-to-engine transition for a better driving experience. Earlier during the 2024 CEO Investor Day, Song had promised “significant improvements in power, torque, and fuel economy” from the new system.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
