Kia has unveiled the second-generation Seltos in the United States, bringing a larger, more tech-rich and comfortable crossover. How does the new model drive, what has changed inside, and why the hybrid version could be the most intriguing? infohub.kz reports.
The second-generation Seltos features a completely redesigned look inspired by the flagship Telluride, but the biggest change is under the skin. The suspension, steering, engine, and transmission have been tuned to give the driver confidence in nearly any condition.
During a test drive, a journalist spent about five hours behind the wheel, covering city streets, highways, and mountain roads. According to him, the new Seltos doesn't try to be sporty, and that's exactly what makes it appealing.
In the U.S., the crossover is offered with two gasoline engines. The base version gets a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit producing 147 hp, paired with a CVT. The top X-Line SX AWD trim packs a 190-hp turbo engine, a traditional 8-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive — the version the author tested.
He noted that power is sufficient for most scenarios, though the automatic sometimes hesitates to downshift during hard overtakes. Despite the tall body, body roll in corners was less than expected, and the crossover feels noticeably more mature than its predecessor.
Later, the lineup will gain an all-wheel-drive hybrid. In the author's view, this version could become one of the most attractive in the compact SUV segment.
The dashboard is styled after Kia's larger models, with the standout being an almost 30-inch display cluster combining a digital instrument panel and infotainment screen. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wide range of driver-assistance features.
Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, over-the-air updates, Terrain Mode, and 19-inch wheels. According to the journalist, interior materials are pleasantly surprising for the class, and rear seat space and cargo volume have grown noticeably.
Kia has not yet announced plans to launch the second-generation Seltos in Kazakhstan. However, given the model's popularity and local Kia production, the chances seem high. Currently, the outgoing Seltos with a 2.0-liter engine (149 hp) is priced from 11 to 13.5 million tenge.
Earlier, it was reported that the Chinese-made Kia Seltos is available at the Khorgos auto market starting at 6 million tenge.