New Kia Seltos Looks Like an EV5 With Attitude

A Familiar Name, Now Playing a Bigger Game

The Kia Seltos is a pretty important part of Kia’s US lineup. It’s one of the brand’s volume drivers, helping push record sales early this year. But until now, it’s also been one of the holdouts still relying purely on internal combustion.

That changes with the second-generation Seltos, which just debuted in North America at the New York International Auto Show. On paper, it looks like a standard update: bigger, wider, and with more tech. But seeing it up close, the changes feel more significant.

In photos, it looks like a smaller Telluride. But in person, the design and proportions are closer to the EV5. The stance is boxier and more upright, with surfaces that feel more structured. It’s still a Seltos, but it’s clearly trying to grow into something bigger than its segment suggests.

EV5 Meets Telluride, Then Adds Attitude

Up front, the design lands somewhere between the EV5 and the Telluride. Think of it as two cousins spending a lot of time together and slowly starting to look alike.

The upright face and squared-off proportions come from the EV5, while the vertical lighting and wide grille are clear Telluride cues. The amber DRLs are designed to frame the front and add presence, which stands out for a subcompact crossover.

From the side, the longer wheelbase stands out. The tall glass area and clean shoulder line give it a straightforward look. Black cladding and geometric surfaces add a bit of ruggedness, while flush door handles and a contrasting roof keep the design simple.

At the rear, the design is simple but modern. The full-width light bar ties the look together, and the vertical elements match the front. It all fits together without trying to stand out.

Inside, the same approach carries over. The dashboard is wide and simple, with two 12.3-inch displays and an optional climate screen. The column shifter opens up more space, and the layout feels more open than before. It is functional, but the design avoids feeling generic.

Three Powertrains to Choose From

The main change underneath is the range of options. The new Seltos is the only model in its segment with three different powertrains.

The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine returns, paired with an IVT and optional AWD. There is also a 1.6-liter turbo with about 190 horsepower, now matched to an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD in the X-Line trim.

Then there’s the new addition: a 1.6-liter hybrid. It brings a dual-clutch transmission and, more interestingly, an available electric AWD setup. Full details are still under wraps, but it’s clearly meant to widen the Seltos’ appeal beyond just entry-level buyers.

Capability improves as well. Ground clearance is now up to 8.1 inches, and the new multi-terrain AWD mode shows Kia wants this model to handle beyond city roads.

The pure ICE models will hit showrooms soon enough, expected within the next three months. The hybrid, however, is coming later. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but with more features, it’s likely more expensive.