New Kia Seltos 2025 : Kia’s Seltos has been one of India’s best-selling compact SUVs since it arrived in 2019. It practically created the mid-size SUV segment as we know it today, forcing rivals like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Taigun to raise their game. Now, the Korean carmaker is ready to raise the bar again with the next-generation Seltos, scheduled to make its official debut on December 10, 2025.
The company just dropped its first teaser video, and it’s clear this isn’t just a mid-life facelift – it’s a complete reinvention that borrows styling cues from Kia’s global heavyweights while pushing the premium envelope further.
A Front End That Commands Attention
If you’ve seen the massive Kia Telluride sold in the US, you’ll instantly spot the family resemblance. The new Seltos stands taller and wider, with a near-vertical front fascia that screams confidence. The signature “Tiger Nose” grille is now larger, sharper, and framed by sleek C-shaped LED headlights with boomerang-style daytime running lights that stretch outward.
At the center of the hood sits Kia’s new corporate emblem – the same one used on the EV9 and the latest Carnival – instantly signaling that this is no ordinary compact SUV. The dark shade in the teaser strongly hints that Kia will continue offering the top-spec X-Line variant with blacked-out elements for that extra dose of road presence.
Fresh Colors and a Striking Rear
Kia is bringing dual-tone paint options that look genuinely new – think deep black roofs paired with a soft pastel blue body. At the back, the biggest talking point is the full-width LED light bar connecting redesigned C-shaped tail lamps. It’s a design trend we’ve seen on the new Sportage and Sorento overseas, and it gives the Seltos a wider, more planted stance after dark.
New bumpers front and rear, aggressively styled alloy wheels, and sharper character lines along the sides complete the transformation. The short overhangs and high ground clearance remain, keeping the sporty yet go-anywhere attitude intact.
Inside: A Proper Leap Forward
Step inside and the changes feel even more dramatic. Kia is moving to softer, higher-grade materials throughout the cabin, giving it a near-luxury feel that rivals cars from a segment above.
The dashboard has been completely redesigned to house a panoramic dual-display setup – one large touchscreen for infotainment and another digital driver’s display, both sitting under a single curved glass panel (just like you see in premium German SUVs). Expect the latest version of Kia’s infotainment software with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air updates, and a cleaner, faster interface.
A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats are almost certain to appear on higher trims, making the Seltos feel more like a lifestyle vehicle than ever before.
Powertrains Stay Familiar – And That’s a Good Thing
Under the hood, Kia is sticking with the tried-and-tested trio that already powers the current car:
- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS)
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 PS)
- 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS)
Buyers will continue to get both manual and automatic gearbox options across the range. These engines are refined, fuel-efficient, and punchy enough for Indian roads, so major mechanical changes weren’t really needed. Expect slight tweaks for better real-world mileage and smoother drivability.
Why This Launch Actually Matters
The compact SUV segment is more crowded than ever in 2025, with new entrants like the Citroën C3 Aircross, upcoming Toyota Hyryder facelift, and refreshed Creta all fighting for the same buyers. By giving the Seltos a near-premium makeover while keeping prices competitive (expected to start around ₹11–12 lakh ex-showroom), Kia wants to hold onto its crown and pull customers away from slightly pricier options like the VW Taigun GT or Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo.
For buyers, this means getting German-rivaling design and technology at Korean pricing – a combination that has worked wonders for Kia in India so far.
Mark your calendars for December 10 – the new Seltos looks ready to shake up the segment all over again.