Kia is gearing up for a major upgrade to one of its best-selling SUVs in India, the Seltos. Fresh spy shots of the 2025 Kia Seltos have surfaced yet again, this time from international testing locations. The growing frequency of sightings strongly suggests a launch timeline that could align with India’s upcoming festive season. And judging by the changes, this next-gen Seltos seems all set to level up in both design and tech.
Let’s break down what these spy images tell us.
2025 Seltos – More Rugged, More SUV
The upcoming 2025 Seltos is visibly more muscular than before. Kia appears to be dialing up the traditional SUV cues, with flatter surfaces, a squarer bonnet, and a more upright profile.
Key exterior design upgrades include:
• Flat bonnet and squared front fascia for a tougher SUV stance
• Strong shoulder lines and vertical body detailing
• Geometric new alloy wheel designs
These tweaks lend the new Seltos a more imposing and mature look, positioning it closer to rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara in terms of road presence.
New Headlight Setup and Front-End Tech
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the new quad-barrel LED headlamp design, similar in layout to the Creta but with Kia’s unique vertical DRL segments. These DRLs extend downward, past the headlamp unit itself, giving the SUV a very distinct front signature.
Other visible upgrades:
• Larger grille with vertical slats
• Horizontally-oriented fog lights
• Radar module integrated in lower grille (likely for ADAS)
• Front camera and parking sensors
Kia is clearly preparing the next Seltos to be more tech-heavy and safety-focused, aligning it with segment trends.
Tail-End Tweaks and Side Profile
From the rear, the 2025 Seltos now features connected LED tail-lamps with a sharper design. These lights appear more angular and extend across the tailgate. The SUV also retains features like a shark fin antenna, rear camera, and parking sensors.
Side profile remains familiar, but subtle updates like new wheels and sharper creases are evident. Roof rails and a panoramic sunroof are expected to continue.
2025 Seltos Interior – Inspired by the Kia Syros
Inside, the next-gen Seltos is expected to adopt several upgrades first seen in the international Kia Syros.
Expected cabin features:
• 30-inch Trinity display combining two 12.3-inch screens and a 5-inch HVAC screen
• Dual-zone climate control
• New 2-spoke steering wheel
• Updated materials, color themes, and ambient lighting
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 360-degree camera and ADAS Level 2 features
This layout not only elevates tech but also aligns Seltos with more premium offerings in the market.
Launch Timeline and Engine Options
The 2025 Kia Seltos is expected to launch around the Diwali festive season in India. It will likely retain its existing engine lineup:
• 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol
• 1.5L turbo-petrol
• 1.5L turbo-diesel
Both manual and automatic gearbox options will continue. Interestingly, a hybrid powertrain is said to be under development, which could debut with this generation or a future update. If true, this could drastically improve Seltos’ fuel efficiency and make it more competitive in the face of growing hybrid options from Maruti, Toyota, and Honda.
Key Highlights:
• New spy shots reveal flat bonnet, upright SUV styling, and fresh LED headlight design
• New 19-inch wheels and connected tail lamps for a more premium look
• Front camera, parking sensors, and radar for ADAS integration
• 30-inch Trinity display and 2-spoke steering wheel expected inside
• Existing 1.5L petrol/diesel engine options to continue, hybrid in development
• India launch likely around festive season 2025
Is the 2025 Kia Seltos Worth Waiting For?
Absolutely. With a stronger SUV design, upgraded tech, premium interiors, and the promise of a hybrid variant, the 2025 Seltos could raise the bar in the compact SUV segment once again. If you’re planning to buy a mid-size SUV later this year, keeping an eye on the new Seltos would be a smart move.