How the new Kia Seltos raises the game with a bolder design and modern tech

The new-generation Kia Seltos builds on the success of its predecessor with a bolder design, bigger dimensions, premium features, advanced safety, enhanced technology and greater practicality.

Kia entered the Indian market in 2019 with the Seltos, an already stylish SUV that quickly became one of the most popular models in the mid-size SUV segment. The facelift introduced in 2023 further strengthened its appeal with refreshed styling and a longer list of features. Now, with the new-generation Seltos, Kia has taken the SUV a step further by making it bigger, bolder and more sophisticated, while enhancing its appeal as a premium, family-oriented SUV packed with modern technology and advanced safety.

A bolder design with bigger dimensions

The new Seltos adopts Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, giving it a stronger and more assertive road presence. Built on the brand's India debutant K3 platform, the SUV is now longer, wider and rides on an extended wheelbase, resulting in a more planted stance and improved cabin space. Measuring 4,460mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,690mm, along with a width of 1,830mm and height of 1,635mm, the Seltos is now the longest SUV in the mid-size segment.

At the front, the redesigned Digital Tiger grille lends the SUV a sharper identity, flanked by Ice Cube LED projection headlamps and distinctive Star Map LED daytime running lights. Together, these elements create a modern lighting signature while visually enhancing the SUV's width.

The profile is equally muscular, highlighted by pronounced shoulder lines, extensive body cladding and newly designed crystal-cut alloy wheels. One of the standout features is the segment-first automatic flush door handles with proximity unlock, which automatically present themselves as the driver approaches the vehicle. Instead of pressing the handles, occupants can simply pull them to open the doors, adding both convenience and a premium touch.

Further enhancing the SUV's premium appeal is the dual-pane panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin.

At the rear, the Star Map connected LED tail lamps create a clean and contemporary lighting signature, complemented by a sculpted bumper and an integrated spoiler that neatly houses the rear wiper. Depending on the variant, the SUV also gets satin silver or dark gunmetal skid plates along with gloss black exterior accents that lend it a sportier appearance.

A more premium and spacious cabin

The new Seltos continues to prioritise comfort while making the cabin feel more spacious than before. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, rear-seat occupants benefit from improved legroom, making long-distance journeys more comfortable for families.

The dashboard has been completely redesigned around Kia's Trinity Panoramic Display Panel, which seamlessly integrates a digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system and a dedicated touchscreen interface for the segment-first dual-zone automatic climate control. The layout creates a clean, uncluttered look while ensuring key controls remain within easy reach.

Kia's infotainment systems have consistently been among the smoothest in the segment, and the setup in the new Seltos continues that tradition with quick responses and an intuitive user interface.

Comfort has also been enhanced with the all-new driver seat welcome retract, 10-way powered driver's seat featuring lumbar support, memory function and ORVM memory settings. Other highlights include ventilated front seats, driver seat relaxation mode and while rear passengers benefit from dedicated AC vents, multiple charging ports and improved seating comfort.

Practicality remains one of the Seltos' strengths. A 447-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats make it equally suitable for daily commutes as well as extended family road trips.

Technology that keeps you connected

Technology has always been one of the Seltos' strongest attributes, and the latest model builds on that reputation with an even more comprehensive connected experience.

The SUV comes equipped with Kia Connect 2.0, allowing owners to remotely access multiple vehicle functions while also supporting Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for various electronic control units and diagnostics.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available across the range, while the Bose eight-speaker premium audio system delivers an immersive in-car entertainment experience. Other convenience features include wireless phone charging, push-button start and the touchscreen interface for dual-zone climate control.

The connected technology package has also been expanded with Kia Connect Diagnosis (KCD), enabling owners to remotely monitor the health of the vehicle. OTA updates ensure that multiple onboard systems remain updated without requiring a dealership visit.

Another useful feature is the 'Find My Car' function integrated with the surround view monitor, allowing owners to locate their vehicle in crowded parking areas through a top-down visual feed.

The connected suite further includes geofencing, speed alerts, and time-based alerts, sending real-time updates whenever the vehicle crosses predefined boundaries, exceeds set speed limits, is driven during restricted hours.

Parking and manoeuvring are made easier with a 360-degree camera system supported by front, rear and side parking sensors.

New GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants add even more technology

Kia has further strengthened the Seltos lineup with the introduction of the new GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants, adding an even more comprehensive safety package and several premium convenience features. The biggest highlight is Kia's upgraded ADAS F+ suite, which now offers 28 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions, up from the previous 21 available on the earlier GTX(A) and X-Line(A) variants.

The expanded suite now includes front collision-avoidance assist with junction crossing, lane change oncoming and lane change side functions, evasive steering assist, navigation-based smart cruise control for curves and speed-restricted zones, and highway driving assist.

Beyond safety, the new flagship variants also receive the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), a head-up display with windshield projection, a smart air purifier with AQI display, a smart dashcam with front and rear cameras, rain-sensing wipers, Digital Key functionality and one-touch auto up/down operation for all four power windows.

Kia Connect 2.0 has also been expanded to support more than 85 connected car functions along with voice-enabled controls across select Indian regional languages.

The X-Line(O) continues to stand apart with its exclusive styling package, including the Matte Graphite exterior finish, blacked-out exterior accents, black 18-inch alloy wheels and a distinctive black-and-green themed cabin.

Safety takes another step forward

Safety has received a significant upgrade in the new-generation Seltos. Built on Kia's reinforced K3 platform, the SUV has been engineered for improved structural rigidity and occupant protection. Greater use of hot-stamped components and high-strength steel enables better crash energy absorption and management during an impact.

The Seltos comes equipped with 24 robust safety features, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), all-wheel disc brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.

The SUV has also earned a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, recording the highest Adult Occupant Protection score among ICE vehicles tested and one of the highest Child Occupant Protection scores, making it the highest-scoring ICE vehicle overall under the current Bharat NCAP evaluation.

Higher variants enhance safety with Level 2 ADAS, while the newly introduced GTX(O) and X-Line(O) take things a step further with the upgraded ADAS Level 2+ suite comprising 28 advanced driver assistance features.

A more complete mid-size SUV

For Kia, the Seltos remains the model that introduced the brand to Indian buyers and continues to play a pivotal role in its success. With the new-generation model and the addition of the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants, Kia has gone beyond simply refreshing a successful SUV.

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