New-Generation Kia Seltos Spied with AWD and Rear Independent Suspension; India Launch in 2026

The upcoming next-generation Kia Seltos is gradually taking shape as a more substantial update than previously anticipated. Recent spy images, captured during testing in South Korea and India, suggest significant upgrades not only in design and powertrain but also in ride and handling dynamics. The highlight among the latest developments is the presence of rear independent suspension, traditionally reserved for AWD variants in select international markets. 

Spy shots of the 2026 Kia Seltos reveal what appears to be a multi-link rear suspension setup, a departure from the torsion beam rear suspension typically found on the current front-wheel-drive (FWD) models sold in India. This development points to the presence of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, likely intended for export markets such as the United States, where AWD is a popular offering in the compact SUV segment.

Historically, the Kia Seltos AWD variant, available in markets like North America, has offered improved handling and ride comfort due to its rear independent suspension. However, Indian-spec Seltos models have never featured such a setup. If Kia decides to bring this suspension architecture to higher variants or more mainstream FWD trims, it would mark a significant technical and market differentiation in the crowded compact segment in India. 

In India, AWD is quickly catching up in the compact SUV space. Currently, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Jeep Compass, and the Mahindra Thar Roxx offer it, as well as the new Tata Harrier EV receives it. 

Kia has so far not offered AWD on any of its mainstream India-spec vehicles. Moreover, its Indian models, including the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens, have consistently used simpler, cost-effective rear suspension setups. The addition of a more sophisticated independent system.

Beyond the suspension upgrade, spy images have shown multiple front-end designs for the upcoming Seltos, fuelling speculation that both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants are under development. A hybrid Seltos is also believed to be in the pipeline. 

Under the hood, the existing trio of 1.5-litre engines—naturally aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol, and turbo diesel—are expected to continue. However, packaging updates and tuning changes are likely as part of the generational update. Reports also suggest the interior will receive a complete overhaul, possibly borrowing elements from Kia’s upcoming Syros SUV, including new digital interfaces and a more upright, squared-off dashboard layout. 

Visually, the 2026 Seltos is expected to adopt a boxier, more upright design language, in line with Kia’s evolving global styling cues. The new design will further distinguish it from its predecessor, potentially making it more appealing to markets like North America and Europe, where bold SUV proportions are in high demand.

Kia is yet to officially confirm the launch timeline or product specifications, but the frequent sightings of heavily camouflaged test mules across South Korea, Europe, and India suggest that global debut could occur in early 2026, followed by regional rollouts.