Kia's fully facelifted Seltos leads small SUV market last month

by Oh Joo-seok Posted : April 13, 2026, 10:30Updated : April 13, 2026, 10:30
The All-New Seltos.
Courtesy of Kia
SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - Kia sold 4,983 units of its Seltos in the domestic market last month, the most in the small sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment for March, according to sales figures released by its parent company Hyundai Motor on Monday.

Kia gave the Seltos its first major facelift in six years, giving it a bolder, more angular look in line with the brand's overall lineup, along with improved convenience and safety features. The popular SUV has held the top spot in its segment since 2020, following its release in 2019.

Those in their 20s and 30s were the largest group of buyers, accounting for about 30.5 percent, with male motorists slightly outnumbering women.

Nearly half of buyers or 45.5 percent opted for the top-trim models, which come with features typically found in higher segments such as comfortable first-row seats and automatic retractable door handles. This suggests that perceived quality including design and convenience features matters more than price alone, even among entry-level or first-time buyers.

Its hybrid version accounted for about 38.6 percent of sales.

"The latest Seltos is a true all-rounder, combining great design, efficiency, practicality and convenience," said a Kia spokesperson. "We are confident it will appeal to a broad range of customers from first-time buyers to those seeking a versatile vehicle for both everyday use and leisure activities."