New-Gen Kia Seltos Spotted Testing – What to Expect?

The Kia Seltos was the maiden offering from the South Korean automaker in India, launched in August 2019. Within five years of its presence in the market, the midsize SUV received a major mid-life update in 2023, along with several variant adjustments in between. Now, it’s all set for a generational change, likely to happen in the second half of 2025, with the latest spy images from abroad confirming the news.

Most of its design details were hidden under heavy camouflage. However, the spy images reveal a boxy stance similar to the current generation. The 2025 Kia Seltos is expected to receive significant cosmetic updates, including a revised front grille, tweaked front and rear bumpers, new alloys, and updated taillamps. The SUV might draw some design elements from Kia’s globally sold new EVs.

Comprehensive upgrades are also anticipated inside the cabin. The new Kia Seltos could borrow a few features from the Kia EV3, such as door trims, seat upholstery, and headrest design. The spy images show that the all-new Seltos will have dual-tone seats with orange accents in the middle row. There might also be a new two-spoke steering wheel (replacing the 3-spoke unit), ambient lighting with LEDs, and a range of new features.

In the European market, the 2025 Kia Seltos could be offered with a 141bhp, 1.6L hybrid powertrain sourced from the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. The SUV might also come with an e-AWD system. Powertrain details for the India-spec version are yet to be revealed. The current generation Seltos is available with three engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with 115bhp and 144Nm, a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with 116bhp and 250Nm, and a 1.5L turbo diesel engine.

The new Kia Seltos will continue to compete with the Hyundai Creta, Tata Curvv, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq. A marginal price hike is expected. The current generation SUV is available within the price range of Rs 10.90 lakh – Rs 20.45 lakh (ex-showroom).

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