Kia Seltos 2026 China: Price, Engines and Release Date

Kia's China-spec Seltos gets a 200-hp 1.5T engine, an 8-speed automatic, and a 27-inch dual-zone display running on Snapdragon 8295P — pre-orders start August 13, 2026.

Author: Nikita Novikov

09:53 06-08-2026

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Kia’s new Seltos for China gains 60 more horsepower over the outgoing local turbo version and swaps its seven-speed dual-clutch for a conventional 8AT. Sales haven’t started yet — the model has only just been unveiled, with pre-orders opening on August 13, 2026. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

The top 1.5T engine makes 200 hp and 253 Nm. The base version gets a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter making 115 hp and 144 Nm, paired with a CVT. The outgoing China-spec turbo used a 1.4T unit rated at 140 hp and 242 Nm with a seven-speed dual-clutch — a jump of nearly 43% in output.

The biggest change inside is a 27-inch ultra-wide display split between driver and passenger zones, something the global Seltos doesn’t get. The system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip, supports Chinese navigation and entertainment services, a voice assistant built on Baidu’s model, karaoke, and games. Kia says the international version keeps a different, dual-screen 12.3-inch layout.

The body grew too: length now reaches 4,460 mm, width is 1,830 mm, and the wheelbase measures 2,690 mm — gains of 75 mm, 30 mm, and 60 mm respectively over the previous China-spec model. Trunk volume is 483 liters, or 1,454 liters with the second row folded. Equipment includes ventilated and heated front seats, wireless charging, a Bose sound system, and a Level 2 driver-assistance suite.

SPEEDME previously covered the global second-generation Seltos, which is set to get a hybrid and an electric all-wheel-drive e-AWD system. The China-spec car is limited to two gasoline engines for now, but gains its own digital cabin and the more powerful 1.5T. Some dealers have floated the possibility of limited shipments of the new generation reaching other markets, though no official plans or confirmed pricing exist outside China.

The next checkpoint is August 13: that’s when trim levels and preliminary pricing should appear. Until then, comparing the China-spec Seltos to crossovers available elsewhere is premature.