- kia is getting ready to reveal a new small suv model called the seltos later this year, and we suspect it will eventually be sold in the united states—possibly under a different name.
- likely to be sized between the subcompact soul and the compact sportage, this new crossover will compete with vehicles such as the honda hr-v and the subaru crosstrek.
- after its debut for global markets later in 2019, we expect to hear more about its arrival in the u.s. market sometime in calendar year 2020.
update 6/4/19: kia's new small suv will officially be called the seltos and the company has released a photo of the car's badge. like the kia forte, which is called the cerato in other global markets, the seltos may be called something different in the u.s., as kia has not yet filed a trademark for this new moniker in the states.
kia is gearing up for the reveal of a new small suv model later this year, as previewed by the sp signature concept you see here. likely to be bigger than the soul and smaller than the sportage, this new model is being teased by exterior and interior sketches ahead of its global debut later this year. as far as its relevance for the u.s. market, kia spokesperson james hope told c/d that the company is "studying it closely" for our shores. if it does make it here, it seems like it will compete on the larger end of the subcompact-suv segment.
the concept version of the new model, which looks pretty production ready to us, displays a bold face with an interesting headlight setup and a chunky, tall profile. plenty of rugged design cues emphasize its suv attitude such as faux skid plates, black contrasting trim around the bumpers and side sills, and a roof rack. teaser sketches of the real thing show that most of these same exterior styling cues will translate to the production car, while the interior sketches suggest an attractive, upscale cabin with a large 10.3-inch touchscreen on the dashboard.
we will know much more about the new kia suv in a few months as it makes its global debut. there are rumors that it will wear the name "tusker," but kia has not yet filed for that moniker in the u.s. trademark database, so it's possible the company will choose a different nameplate for our market. whatever it's called, kia says this new suv will go on sale in korea later in 2019, with global markets to follow.