The Kia Seltos, one of India’s most successful mid-size SUVs, is all set to receive a next-generation upgrade, and spy shots continue to stir excitement among SUV enthusiasts. Recently spotted testing once again, the new-gen Kia Seltos 2025 appears to be bigger, more premium, and technologically superior to its predecessor.
With the competition heating up in the compact SUV segment, the new Seltos will aim to reinforce Kia’s stronghold by offering a bold new design, upgraded features, and electrified powertrains. Let’s break down everything we know so far about this eagerly awaited SUV.
🔍 Latest Spy Shots: What Do They Reveal?
The camouflaged test mule of the upcoming Kia Seltos reveals several visible changes despite the heavy covering. Observations from multiple sightings hint at major updates across design, size, and interior layout.
📸 Key Takeaways from Spy Shots:
- A larger body profile, suggesting increased length and possibly more boot space
- New LED headlamp clusters with revised DRLs
- Wider front grille, likely in line with Kia’s latest global design language
- Fresh alloy wheel design
- Reworked rear profile with connected LED tail lamps
- Higher ground clearance for better road presence
- Possible ADAS sensor placement in the front bumper
The overall look appears more muscular and modern, positioning the SUV to appeal to buyers looking for a sporty yet premium feel.
🧩 Expected Design Changes
The next-gen Kia Seltos is expected to follow Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which debuted with models like the Kia EV6 and new Sportage globally.
🖌️ Exterior Changes Expected:
- Wider tiger-nose grille with gloss black and chrome elements
- Slimmer LED DRLs merging into the grille
- Larger front and rear bumpers
- Connected LED tail-lights
- New roof rails and shark-fin antenna
- Dual-tone exterior options
These elements are likely to enhance its road appeal while offering a futuristic identity.
🛋️ Interior Upgrades
Though spy shots have revealed less about the interior, industry expectations are high regarding a more tech-laden and spacious cabin.
🧠 Possible Interior Updates:
- Dual connected screens for infotainment and digital driver display (10.25-inch or more)
- New touch-based climate control panel
- Ambient lighting with multi-zone control
- Redesigned dashboard and soft-touch materials
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Larger panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring
- Premium upholstery with ventilated seats
Expect the next-gen Seltos cabin to be more premium and better equipped, in line with higher-segment SUVs.
⚙️ Engine Options and Powertrains
Kia is expected to retain and improve the current engine lineup while possibly introducing electrified versions to align with global emission norms and future EV transition plans.
🔋 Expected Powertrain Options:
| Engine Type | Transmission Options | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Naturally Aspirated | 6MT / iMT / CVT | Petrol |
| 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol | 6MT / 7DCT | Petrol |
| 1.5L CRDi Diesel | 6MT / 6AT | Diesel |
| Hybrid/Mild Hybrid (expected) | eCVT or 7DCT | Petrol Hybrid |
The turbo petrol and diesel engines are likely to be updated for better refinement and fuel efficiency. Kia may also introduce a strong hybrid variant in 2025 to rival the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
🧠 Advanced Features Expected
Kia has consistently positioned the Seltos as one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its segment, and the next-gen model is expected to push boundaries further.
🛠️ Features Likely to Be Offered:
- ADAS Level 2 (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Auto Emergency Braking)
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Heads-Up Display (HUD)
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Air Purifier with AQI Display
- Wireless Charging with Cooling Pad
- Powered Driver Seat with Memory Function
- OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates for Infotainment
These updates will ensure that the Seltos remains at the forefront of tech innovation in the mid-size SUV space.
🛡️ Safety Enhancements
With growing awareness about road safety and crash protection, the new Seltos is likely to offer enhanced safety both structurally and technologically.
🚨 Safety Expectations:
- 6 to 8 Airbags (depending on variant)
- Reinforced structure for better crash test ratings
- ESC, Hill Start Assist, TPMS
- ADAS with radar and camera integration
- Surround View Monitor
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Front and rear parking sensors
The brand may target a 5-star safety rating, especially if it aims to compete in global markets with stricter norms.
📆 Launch Timeline
While there’s no official confirmation yet, the repeated testing of the new-gen Seltos suggests that the SUV is in the final stages of development.
🗓️ Expected Launch:
- Global debut: Late 2024
- India launch: Mid-2025 (likely by June–July)
- Bookings: Expected to open 1–2 months prior to launch
It will likely be manufactured at Kia’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, supporting both domestic sales and exports.
💰 Expected Price in India
The next-gen Seltos will come with many premium features and larger dimensions. A price revision is expected, though Kia will still aim to remain competitive.
| Variant Type | Expected Starting Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base Petrol MT | ₹12 lakh |
| Turbo Petrol DCT | ₹16 lakh |
| Diesel AT | ₹15.5 lakh |
| Hybrid (if launched) | ₹17.5–18 lakh |
| Top-end ADAS Trim | ₹19–20 lakh |
This pricing positions it strongly against rivals like Creta 2025, Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.
⚔️ Rivals in the Segment
Upon launch, the new-gen Kia Seltos will compete with:
- Hyundai Creta 2025
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- MG Astor
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Tata Curvv ICE (upcoming)
With its balanced mix of style, features, and power, the Seltos will likely continue to be a top choice in the compact SUV market.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The next-generation Kia Seltos is shaping up to be more than just a facelift — it looks to be a comprehensive upgrade in terms of design, technology, safety, and driving dynamics.
If you’re planning to buy an SUV in 2025 and want the best mix of performance, practicality, and premium features, the new-gen Seltos should be on your radar.
Stay tuned, because once Kia pulls the wraps off, it might just raise the bar for all mid-size SUVs in India.