Kia continues its foray into the European SUV market, a segment that has grown to almost 60 percent of total car sales on the continent by 2025. After the exceptional success of the Sportage, the Korean manufacturer is bringing another strong asset to European roads – the second generation of the Seltos model. This SUV has already proven itself as one of Kia’s best-selling models globally, but until now it was unavailable to customers in Europe. That changes this year, and the Seltos comes with a clear mission, which is to challenge the best-selling SUV in the region, the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Electricity-inspired design, but confusing positioning
At first glance, the design of the new Seltos is strongly influenced by Kia’s EV3 and EV5 electric models, giving it a modern and distinctive look. Kia is positioning it as an alternative with gasoline and hybrid engines for all those who are not yet ready to switch to a fully electric drive, which is a smart move in today’s transition period.
However, the Seltos brings a little confusion to Kia’s hierarchy. Theoretically, it is placed below the Sportage model. However, its wheelbase of 2.69 meters is actually 10 millimeters longer than that of the EV3 and Sportage. This leads us to think that the next generation Sportage could grow significantly, but there is also the Niro model, which has a similar overall length of 4.4 meters, but with a shorter wheelbase. It seems that Kia knows what they are doing, but to us from the outside, their offer of compact SUVs seems quite saturated.
Hybrids in the foreground, without the charging option
Fortunately, the powertrain offering is much simpler to understand. Two hybrid systems are in focus for the European market. Both use a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine and come in a front-wheel drive version with 152 hp (154 PS) or as an eAWD with an additional electric motor on the rear axle and a total output of 176 hp (178 PS). Both versions are equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox and it is important to note that neither can be charged via an external socket.
Unlike the UK, which will only get hybrid versions, customers in the rest of Europe will also be offered a classic, non-hybrid 1.6-liter petrol with 178 HP (180 PS), available with a manual or DCT gearbox.
Although you can’t charge Seltos, it can charge other devices. In addition to being the first European Kia with an eAWD system, it is also the first hybrid from this manufacturer to offer the “vehicle-to-load” (V2L) function. This means you can use the car as a mobile power source to power external devices, such as a laptop or perhaps an electric grill.
Digital cockpit and robust appearance
The interior does not bring any big surprises if you are familiar with the cabins of Kia’s newer electric vehicles. Two 12.3-inch screens dominate, between which there is a third, smaller 5.3-inch screen for controlling the air conditioning. Sporty GT versions come with additional equipment, while for customers who want to emphasize the SUV character of the vehicle, there is also the more robust X-Line equipment.
Considering all of the above, Seltos has the potential to become an important player in the most competitive market segment. It offers modern design, advanced hybrid technology and practicality that customers in this class are looking for, all backed by Kia’s famous seven-year warranty. The first Seltos models will arrive on the European market at the end of 2026.