The Kia Seltos has steadily become one of the most popular choices in Kia’s SUV family since first arriving in the United States in 2020. It fills a unique space in the lineup, offering more room and practicality than the compact designs many drivers started with, yet remaining easier to maneuver and more accessible than larger SUVs.
This balance of comfort, capability, and smart design has helped the Seltos earn a strong following among shoppers who want a vehicle that fits seamlessly into everyday life here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. As the demand for compact SUVs continues to grow, the Seltos has consistently stood out as a model that delivers style, versatility, and impressive value in a segment filled with options.
Now, the next big chapter is approaching. Kia is preparing to introduce the next generation of the Seltos, bringing a completely new look and advanced technology to a model already known for being dependable and enjoyable to drive. According to industry reports, the global reveal is expected in late 2025, with availability in the United States anticipated for the 2027 model year. For drivers who love the current Seltos or those considering joining the Kia family, the upcoming redesign offers an exciting glimpse at what is coming next.
Next-Gen Styling: A Boxier, More Confident Profile
Early information suggests that the new Seltos will make a dramatic design leap, adopting styling cues from the award-winning Kia Telluride. The Telluride has become one of the most recognizable and admired SUVs on the road, and the next-generation Seltos looks ready to bring that same bold character into the compact SUV class. Expect a boxier profile that communicates confidence from every angle. A wider front grille will give the SUV a stronger face, and squared headlamps will help create a look that feels modern and upscale.
Additional sculpting along the body and a more defined shoulder line will highlight its athletic stance, while robust cladding around the lower areas will support its SUV identity. Toward the rear, the redesign is expected to include Telluride-inspired LED taillights that stretch horizontally to enhance visibility and presence.
A cleaner, more upright tailgate design and a roof-mounted spoiler will contribute to a polished, contemporary appearance. Together, these updates bring the next Seltos closer in spirit to Kia’s larger SUVs, while still keeping the footprint compact and city-friendly.
Built on a Strong Foundation of Versatility
The current Seltos has been praised for feeling larger inside than its exterior size suggests. Generous headroom, plentiful legroom, and a thoughtfully designed cargo area make it a smart choice for commuters, small families, and anyone who appreciates practicality without the bulk of a midsize SUV. The upcoming redesign is expected to build on this strong foundation. While the new styling shifts toward a more rugged personality, the interior spaciousness that attracts so many customers today is expected to remain a key priority.
Today’s Seltos offers two engine choices that meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides a smooth, efficient experience for daily travel, while the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine boosts horsepower and responsiveness for those who prefer a more energetic driving experience. Both engines are available with all-wheel drive, which has made the Seltos a trusted companion for road trips, changing weather, and weekend adventures.
A Hybrid Boost for a Fan-Favorite SUV
As part of Kia’s continued commitment to electrification, the next-generation Seltos is expected to take an important step forward. Reports indicate that Kia may equip the new model with the same 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain found in the Sportage. This proven hybrid system combines fuel-conscious engineering with impressive everyday performance.
If included, it would mark the first time the Seltos is offered with hybrid capability in the United States, giving customers a new reason to consider this compact SUV. It would also make the Seltos an appealing option for drivers interested in saving fuel without moving into a fully electric vehicle just yet.
Adding a hybrid option would also complement the Seltos’ strong reputation for efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Today’s model already delivers a quiet ride and refined handling, and a hybrid version would build on these strengths, giving drivers even more ways to tailor the Seltos to their lifestyles.
Room to Relax, Space to Store
Design updates are expected to extend into the interior as well. Kia has continued to advance its in-cabin technology across the lineup, and the next-generation Seltos will likely feature the latest digital displays, connectivity features, and comfort-enhancing upgrades. The current model already offers an available 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the next version may expand display sizes even further while incorporating the newest interface improvements seen in Kia’s larger vehicles.
Clean dash layouts, premium materials, and intuitive controls have become trademarks of Kia interiors, and customers can anticipate these qualities to be highlighted even more. Seating comfort and storage solutions will continue to be key focuses. The Seltos has historically delivered one of the roomiest cabins in the subcompact SUV category, and the redesigned interior will aim to enhance passenger comfort while keeping cargo space flexible and user-friendly.
The Future of Compact SUVs Is Taking Shape
Whether used for daily commutes, road trips, or active weekend plans, the Kia Seltos is designed to fit a variety of lifestyles, and the next-generation model looks ready to elevate that versatility even further. Exterior personalization has also been an important part of the Seltos’ identity, and that philosophy is expected to continue.
With the bolder new design, customers will likely see fresh wheel options, updated paint choices, and additional appearance packages that help express individual taste. As Kia expands its SUV lineup, offering more customization within the compact class helps drivers choose a vehicle that feels uniquely their own. The Seltos continues to be a standout in a competitive segment because it delivers a complete package. It offers striking design, modern technology, practical everyday comfort, and confident performance, all wrapped in a compact form that works well for drivers in all kinds of environments.
The upcoming redesign aims to elevate these qualities and introduce new advantages such as hybrid efficiency and Telluride-inspired styling. For anyone exploring the compact SUV market, the next-generation Kia Seltos is shaping up to be an exciting option. With a bold new look, advanced powertrain possibilities, and the thoughtful engineering that Kia is known for, the future Seltos is preparing to offer even more capability and appeal for years to come.
