The Kia Seltos has been conquering the world for years – from India to the United States – but Europe has always been left a bit on the sidelines. Too much internal competition from models like the Stonic and XCeed, they said at Kia. But times are changing, and in 2026 the second-generation Seltos arrives here with a proper upgrade. Bigger, bolder and smarter than ever, right at the moment when we're all getting a little tired of bland crossovers that look identical.
This new Seltos measures around 4.43 metres long, 1.83 metres wide and 1.60 metres high. It slots perfectly between the smaller Stonic and the larger Sportage. The design follows Kia's current philosophy: angular, confident, with sharp LED lighting up front that echoes the electric models. Inside, you get a modern dashboard with multiple screens, physical buttons for the climate control – thank goodness, no endless tapping on a touchscreen – and an interior that clearly steps up in quality.
Under the bonnet, it starts with petrol engines: a 1.6 turbo delivering around 180 to 193 hp, paired with a manual or automatic gearbox, and a more frugal 2.0 with 149 hp. But the real excitement comes a little later in 2026: a hybrid version. It promises not only lower fuel consumption but also handy features like Vehicle-to-Load to power devices from the car, and an intelligent regenerative braking system that adapts to traffic. It's a step towards efficiency without going fully electric – perfect for those who want a taste of electrification without taking the full plunge.
Driving should be pleasant, with better insulation, a stiffer chassis and optional all-wheel drive for slippery roads. Safety gets the usual Kia treatment: a comprehensive package of assistance systems that warn and intervene when needed.
In short, this Seltos is arriving at just the right time. It offers space, technology and soon a hybrid powertrain that makes everyday life easier, all wrapped in a package that simply looks good. Not a revolution, but a solid evolution that will shake up the competition.
For those looking for a 100% electric car, readers can also head to our marketplace where you can search and buy electric vehicles: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
