Kia Reveals The Seltos As Its New Small SUV

2020 Kia Seltos

What do you think of the styling?

Kia has revealed the Seltos as its new small SUV, a smaller cousin to the likes of the Sportage, Sorento and Telluride. Kia already posted a series of leaks leaking up to this reveal, so we already had a good impression of what it looked like. It takes a different approach to its larger cousins, with “sophistication, assertiveness and cutting-edge technology and safety features,” at least according to Kia.

Up front, the Kia Seltos has the brand’s signature tiger nose grille, as you’d expect. That grille is flanked by a different headlight assembly than we’re used to seeing across the rest of the lineup, though. Below the top LED lights, the Seltos also has a more intricate set of turn signals, with a chrome strip separating the two. Around the back, there is another chrome strip moving across most of the tailgate. Sharp LED taillights cap off the front and rear fascia. At both ends, the GT Line model has red accents on the bumpers, as well as the wheels.

Kia announced this Seltos for the Indian market, and the car will make it to global markets in the second half of 2019. Kia is launching the car with a 1.6-liter “Smartstream” turbocharged engine making 175 horsepower, the same figure as the Hyundai Kona. Alternatively, there will also be a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 147 horsepower. The Seltos will get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, 6-speed automatic or a CVT depending on the market and engine choice.

Global markets will also get a 1.6-liter diesel engine, but it’s unlikely that powertrain will make it to North American markets — at least not the United States.

Kia small SUV

Interior

The 2020 Kia Seltos sports a largely familiar interior to other Kia models. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen dominates the center stack, and an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system will be available. Since Kia markets this car at a young audience, it also has a “Sound Mood Lighting” system, which pulses in time to the music in eight customizable colors.

Against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Seltos looks a more stylish, youth-oriented crossover. Kia has not announced pricing in any market yet, but we should know more about this car’s launch in global markets later this year.

Kia will manufacture the Seltos in Gwangju, Korea as well as Andhra Pradesh, India.