Kia has unveiled the second-generation Seltos, a small SUV that borrows styling cues from its larger Telluride sibling while starting at a modest $24,990 before delivery. The launch matters because it runs counter to an industry trend of automakers retreating to high-end, high-margin models, with Kia instead betting on affordability to compete, including against cheaper Chinese rivals. The new car is larger than its predecessor, which was originally developed with the Chinese market in mind, but remains a subcompact SUV, sitting a size class below vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5.

At launch, buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (147 hp, 132 lb-ft) offered with front- or all-wheel drive, or a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (190 hp, 195 lb-ft) paired exclusively with all-wheel drive and the top SX X-Line trim, priced from $32,790. Fuel economy ranges from 30 mpg combined for the base front-wheel-drive model down to 26 mpg for the turbocharged version, while kerb weights span from roughly 3,109 lb to 3,715 lb depending on trim. A 1.6-litre hybrid variant is also planned but won't reach showrooms until the fourth quarter of this year, as it is still undergoing US EPA certification, meaning full details and a review will follow later.