The next-generation 2026 Kia Seltos has been officially teased ahead of its global debut in India on December 10, 2025. Check the complete details of this UAE-bound SUV below.

You can also find the top second-hand Kia cars at Cars24 UAE.

Also read: 2025 Tata Sierra launched: See its top 5 first-in-segment features

What to expect from the new 2026 Kia Seltos?

The first official teaser images of the upcoming 2026 Kia Seltos have been released by Kia ahead of its global debut this month. The teaser shows that the new Seltos will undergo a massive makeover, making it bigger, bolder, and more futuristic.

The design sketches leaked earlier, and the test cars spotted internationally, were all hinting at the right direction. How? It is because the official teaser photos show a new car that gets the vertical LED headlights and new, sharp LED taillights, which look similar to the 2027 Kia Telluride and the Kia EV9.

Moreover, it is being reported online that the new-generation Seltos will be bigger in size, offering more interior space and more cargo area. The teaser images also showcase the chiselled panels and a fluidic body language with highlights like the flush door handles, integrated roof rails, and more.

Besides the bigger size, the new-generation Seltos will also offer a brand new interior design with a new dashboard that is likely to feature a full-width triple screen display, a new two-spoke steering wheel, improved seats, a new centre console, and improved utility spaces.

With the increased wheelbase, the rear passengers will get more legroom, whilst the cargo area will offer improved luggage carrying capacity. 

New features and improved safety

Kia is already known to equip its cars with a plethora of features. The 2026 Seltos will be no different either. As per our assumption, it will get a new triple screen display, new voice commands, a full-size panoramic sunroof, improved AC with dual-zone function, wireless charging for rear passengers, reclining rear seats with Boss Mode functionality, an electric tailgate, and more.

It is also rumoured that the ADAS features will be broadened to improve pedestrian collision avoidance and safety, improve night driving features, better lane keep assist system, and more. The structure is also reported to be strengthened for improved passenger safety.

Hybrid engine coming soon

Kia is likely to bring significant changes under the bonnet of the new Seltos. While the 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines will remain unchanged, the 1.5-litre diesel engine will not get a 7-speed automatic transmission, instead of the current 6-speed AT, for improved fuel efficiency.

Meanwhile, to compete with rivals like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid, Kia will debut a new 1.5-litre hybrid petrol engine that will offer high fuel efficiency.

New 2026 Kia Seltos UAE launch and availability

Kia will debut the new-generation Seltos on December 10, 2025, in India. It will go on sale in India in early 2026, while Kia is expected to bring it to the Middle East likely by mid-2026.

With the new features, bigger size, improved safety, and a new hybrid engine, the new Seltos will be priced higher than the current model.

Cars24 UAE says

The current Kia Seltos has been long overdue for a massive update. In fact, its sibling car, the Hyundai Creta, has also received a new-generation upgrade internationally. With the new changes that are expected to make it bigger and better, the 2026 Seltos will likely revive the slow sales of the moniker.