Kia unveiled the second-generation Seltos in the US, which has grown larger, more technologically advanced, and more comfortable. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Automotive journalist Cole Attisha tested the new model and shared how the crossover drives, what has changed in the cabin, and why the hybrid version might be the most interesting.

The second-generation Seltos features a completely redesigned design inspired by the flagship Telluride. However, the main change is not the exterior but the character of the model.

Test drive results

During the test, the journalist spent about five hours behind the wheel, driving through the city, highway, and mountain roads. According to him, the new Seltos does not try to appear sporty, and that is exactly what makes it appealing. The suspension, steering, engine, and transmission are tuned to make the driver feel confident in almost any conditions.

Engines and transmissions

In the US, the crossover is offered with two gasoline engines. The base version gets a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 147 hp and a CVT, while the top X-Line SX AWD features a 190-hp turbo engine, a classic 8-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. The author tested this version.

He stated that the power reserve is sufficient for most situations, although during intense overtaking, the automatic sometimes hesitates to downshift. Despite the tall body, body roll in corners was less than expected, and the crossover feels noticeably more mature than its predecessor.

Hybrid version

Later, the lineup will be joined by an all-wheel-drive hybrid. According to the author, this version could become one of the most attractive in the compact SUV segment.

Interior and equipment

The front panel is designed in the style of larger Kia models, and the main highlight is the nearly 30-inch display block that combines the digital instrument cluster and the multimedia system.

Higher trims include a panoramic roof, surround-view cameras, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, over-the-air updates, Terrain Mode, and 19-inch wheels.

According to the journalist, the materials are pleasantly surprising for this class, and the second-row space and trunk volume have noticeably increased.

Situation in Kazakhstan

Kia has not yet announced the launch of the second-generation Seltos in Kazakhstan. However, given the model's popularity and local production of Kia vehicles, the likelihood of the new model appearing seems high. Currently, the current Seltos with a 2.0-liter engine (149 hp) costs from 11 to 13.5 million tenge.

Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported that the Kia Seltos from China was priced at the Khorgos auto market starting from 6 million tenge.