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Kia continues to modernize and refine its fashions within the North American market. Now it’s the Seltos’ flip to get a whole makeover. This can be a compact crossover we’ve examined and reviewed quite a few instances, and looking out again on our reviews, we are able to safely say we cherished the Gen 1 Seltos.
Our first assessment was titled 2021 Seltos SX Turbo AWD Evaluate – One other Hit From Kia. We bear in mind exploring logging trails within the small crossover, a activity that appeared like it will be outdoors of the car’s consolation zone. But, it was splendid on these New Hampshire unpaved sections.
Our second assessment was titled 5 Causes To Purchase The 2024 Kia Seltos. Once more, we cherished the Seltos for not only one or two options, however for 5 necessary causes. Lastly, in our final information replace on the Seltos, we fortunately reported that the ultimate mannequin yr of Gen 1 would drop its base trim’s value by $1,500. Good timing to satisfy the challenges of inflation head-on, and provides entry-level buyers one compelling purpose to buy Seltos first. We referred to as it “Tariff-proof.”
The second-gen Seltos will arrive in 2026, and we suspect it is going to be referred to as a 2027 as a result of we have already got costs for a 2026 mannequin yr Gen 1. We’ve seen the complete specs listing, and so they appear spectacular for the section. Here’s a punch listing of issues that jumped off the web page once we learn the data, which can have sneaked in just a few bits that might be for the European model:
1) A grown-up “Mini-Telluride” design language.
2) Two computerized transmissions – An 8-speed Auto and a 7-speed DCT, each of which might be mated to a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. I’ll take the 8-speed with a standard torque converter.
3) There’s a handbook transmission talked about within the press packet – Possible for base trims in Europe solely, however time will inform.
4) A hybrid joins the lineup shortly after the preliminary launch – Price ready for for my part, so long as it comes with a spare tire.
5) Non-obligatory all-wheel drive and 6 drive mode settings imply you’ll be able to tailor the Seltos to your circumstances.
6) Head-up show
7) Full energetic security suite
Trying over the inside of the brand new Seltos we see loads to love. These embody:
- 2-tone colours
- Bodily buttons underneath the principle display screen
- A standard gear shifter
- Completely positioned telephone cradle and cupholder
- Open and ethereal greenhouse for good visibility
Kia picked a theme for its on-line media launch named “The Protagonist.” Usually, I feel these advertising and marketing themes are dumb, however not this time. The brand new Seltos is tasked with a number of duty within the Kia line. Particularly, its job might be going head-to-head with strong choices from entrenched rivals. Seltos might want to enchantment to a really big selection of shoppers, together with the vital entry-level shopper, since Soul is being sunsetted. If Subaru’s Crosstrek and Mazda’s CX-30 are the “antagonists,” then Seltos is the protagonist. Very cool, and somebody in advertising and marketing will get this section. Frankly, Protagonist can be a cool identify for a sports activities automobile. (Like Challenger is)
We’ll be taught extra and report extra particulars as we enter the brand new yr. Anticipate pricing to be introduced in Q1 and availability mid-year or later. Torque Information enjoys the complete assist of Kia, so don’t be shocked if we’re one of many first shops to do a week-long take a look at and detailed assessment of the brand new Seltos in early 2026.
Inform us within the feedback under if you happen to just like the styling.
John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an professional car tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a concentrate on electrical automobiles, adopted by twenty years of labor in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive provide chain earlier than changing into a information contributor. He’s a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). Along with his fourteen years of labor at Torque Information, John has revealed hundreds of articles and critiques at American information shops. He’s identified for providing unfiltered opinions on car subjects. You possibly can join with John on LinkedIn and observe his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. John employs grammar and punctuation software program when proofreading, and he typically makes use of picture era instruments.
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