Kia Seltos: The new rugged SUV with a hybrid option is coming to Germany

T-Roc Competitor Kia Introduces Another Compact SUV With the Seltos

2025-12-17 From sp-x | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Kia continues to expand its SUV lineup. The Seltos has a robust appearance and is available with conventional engines.

Kia is bringing the compact SUV Seltos to Europe.(Image: Kia) — Kia is bringing the compact SUV Seltos to Europe.
(Image: Kia)

It’s getting crowded in Kia’s crossover showroom: with the new generation of the Seltos, the Korean carmaker is now bringing its most successful SUV lineup worldwide to Germany. It slots between the small Stonic and the compact Sportage, sharing the space with the similarly sized Kia Niro. The drivetrain options include gasoline engines and a hybrid.

Visually, the Seltos aligns with the modern, angular design of the brand's current E-models. A wider grille, the signature daytime running lights, recessed door handles, and vertical taillights are intended to emphasize the SUV character. Measuring 14.5 feet in length, 6 feet in width, 5.25 feet in height, and with a 8.8 feet wheelbase, the model remains in the compact segment and is just slightly longer than the somewhat lower and less SUV-like Niro. The manufacturer specifies the trunk volume of the Seltos at 142 gallons, which is significantly above Niro’s level.

Panorama Display in the Kia Seltos

Inside, there is a low, horizontally structured dashboard, and the gear selector has been moved to the steering wheel. A panoramic display combines digital instruments and infotainment. Ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, reclining rear seatbacks, premium sound systems from Harman/Kardon or Bose, as well as digital add-ons via the Kia Connect Store—such as display themes or video streaming—complete the package.

Technically, the Seltos is based on Kia’s current K3 platform. For the international market, several gasoline engines are initially planned: a 1.7-quart turbocharged engine with 132 kW/180 hp, available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, a more powerful version with 142 kW/193 hp and an eight-speed automatic, and a 2.1-quart naturally aspirated engine with 109 kW/149 hp. Depending on the version, driving modes from Eco to Sport are available, while all-wheel-drive variants feature a multi-link rear suspension and a Terrain mode with settings for mud, sand, and snow. Kia has announced a hybrid version for 2026.

The manufacturer has not yet announced pricing, but it is expected to start at around $33,000. This would make the Seltos, at least in its conventional variants, slightly more affordable than the Niro, which is only offered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid in Germany. Production will begin in December at the Indian plant, with later production in Korea and China. The global market launch is planned for 2026. Key competitors include the VW T-Roc and the Toyota C-HR.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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