Kia has confirmed the line-up and specifications for the UK-bound version of its latest model, the Kia Seltos hybrid SUV.
While it might be an unfamiliar nameplate in Europe, the Seltos C-segment SUV has been another runaway sales success for the Korean marque in other markets.
With the first-generation Seltos ascending to become the firm’s second best-selling model globally, the decision has been taken to introduce the second-generation iteration to Europe, including the UK.
At 4,430mm in length, the Seltos slots between the recently facelifted Stonic and Sportage in Kia’s ICE-equipped SUV line-up and will rival the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai KONA in the subcompact space.
Importantly, the Seltos will only be offered with a hybrid powertrain in the UK, though there will be the choice of either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions.
In 2WD guise, the Seltos combines a 1.6-litre engine with a small battery pack to generate 152bhp, while the e-AWD model can produce 175bhp. Significantly, the e-AWD generates its power by adding a secondary electric motor mounted on the rear axle to the existing hybrid powertrain.
EV-inspired Styling for Hybrid Seltos SUV
While the Seltos has more in common with the Stonic and Sportage under the skin, on the surface there is clear inspiration gleaned from Kia’s expansive EV-line of electric models.
For this generation, the Seltos bears resemblance to the Kia EV5 with its upright, utilitarian profile, tapered rear-quarter, cubist wheel trims and floating roofline all borrowed traits of its electric cousin - albeit within dimensions that are 200mm shorter than that model.
The front and rear-ends are typified by Kia’s latest ‘Star Map’ design language, namely the tall and slender lighting arrangements, though the Seltos gets its own distinctive wide-set grille as a signature.
The chunky styling doesn’t just ensure a suitably rugged look for the Seltos on the outside either, with the outcome being generous practicality on the inside too.
Indeed, the Seltos’ 536-litre boot comfortably betters that of the Qashqai (504-litres) and KONA (466-litres), while it also has some useful touches, such as a rear bench that can recline by 24-degrees for a more comfortable riding position.
From the driver’s seat, the Seltos’ dashboard design will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a modern Kia with the broad display of instruments and infotainment dominating a fascia that blends digital functionality with ergonomic physical controls.
Though that display might appear to be one large screen, it is in fact split into three displays – a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5.3-inch climate display and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen – while the atmosphere can be adjusted with a 64-colour mood-lighting ambience function.
The Kia Seltos is just the latest addition to the Korean firm’s rapidly growing range, which has swelled significantly in the past 18-months to include brand-new models like the EV2, EV3, EV4 and EV5, while it has also introduced major updates for its Stonic, Sportage and K4 (formerly Ceed) lines.
This has contributed to firming up Kia as the UK’s second most popular brand in terms of sales so far in 2026, behind only Volkswagen.
Full UK specifications – such as fuel economy and trim levels – will be confirmed nearer to launch, which is due this Autumn.
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