Kia has unveiled the second-generation Seltos, confirming the SUV will come to Europe and the UK for the first time, with a UK launch planned for the second half of 2026. It is aimed at personal leasing customers who still prefer petrol power, while also offering a hybrid option, giving Kia another mainstream SUV choice alongside its expanding electrified line-up.
The Seltos sits in Kia’s “subcompact SUV” class and measures 4,430mm long with a 2,690mm wheelbase, making it broadly comparable in footprint to the sort of cars many private buyers currently consider as a one-car solution for commuting, family use and weekends away. Kia’s own figures also quote a 536-litre boot, positioning it as a practical choice relative to other SUVs in the brand’s range.
Petrol and hybrid powertrains for Seltos SUV
Powertrains are the key differentiator versus Kia’s similarly sized electrified models. Kia is confirming petrol engines first, with a hybrid variant due to join the range in 2026.
The petrol line-up includes a 2.0-litre petrol and two versions of a 1.6-litre turbo petrol, with outputs quoted up to 190 bhp depending on specification, with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes available in global markets. The availability of engines in the UK will be announced closer to the launch, but it’s evident that Kia is crafting the Seltos as an SUV for those who aren’t quite prepared to switch entirely to electric vehicles. However, they are also providing a hybrid option that emphasises efficiency.
Kia is also using the Seltos to emphasise a more “authentic SUV” brief than some crossovers, with optional all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode settings for Snow, Mud and Sand on AWD versions. For private buyers in rural areas, or those who simply want extra reassurance in winter, that is a practical point of difference in a class where many rivals are front-wheel drive only.
Inside, Kia is focusing on family-friendly usability and technology. The cabin adopts a panoramic display layout with twin 12.3-inch screens and a dedicated climate panel, plus over-the-air update capability and a smartphone Digital Key. Higher specifications are expected to offer features such as a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting and premium audio options. Kia also highlights second-row seats that recline by up to 24 degrees, designed to improve comfort for passengers on longer journeys.
Safety and driver assistance are also a major part of the package, with Kia listing systems including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, a surround view monitor, plus parking collision-avoidance and parking distance warning features. For many private buyers, these systems are increasingly expected in family SUVs and can be a deciding factor when comparing trims and monthly finance costs.
Kia has not confirmed UK pricing yet, but the Seltos is expected to compete with the Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota C-HR, suggesting a starting point around the £30,000 mark once UK specifications are announced.
The full Kia range of SUVs
To reduce confusion around where Seltos fits, it helps to set out Kia’s current UK SUV and SUV-style range.
Today, Kia retails the Stonic, XCeed, Niro, Sportage and Sorento, alongside its electric SUV line-up of EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9. The Seltos will effectively add another petrol and hybrid SUV option into the middle of that spread, rather than replacing an existing nameplate. You can lease the range of Kia SUVs here.
