Bigger and more modern looking for sure! But better than before?
Kia has taken the wraps off the next-generation 2026 Seltos in India. It not only features a major design overhaul inside out, but also gets updated features to keep it competitive in the popular compact SUV segment. Bookings are set to open on December 11 and prices will be announced on January 2, 2026.
2026 Kia Seltos: What Are The Variants On Offer?
The variant lineup for the 2026 Seltos is more or less similar to before. You will be able to order it in: HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, HTX (A), GTX, GTX (A) and X-Line (which is a styling pack).
These are the variants to look out for in the new Seltos:
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HTK (O) – good balance of the must-haves and feel-good features.
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GTX A – for the full tech-loaded experience.
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X-Line – for that cool stealth look.
2026 Kia Seltos: The Biggest Update!
And that’s its size. At 4.4 metres long, the Seltos is now one of the largest models in its segment. To put it into perspective, here’s how much it has grown larger over the previous-gen car:
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Numbers That Matter |
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Parameters |
Old Kia Seltos |
New Kia Seltos |
Difference |
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Length |
4365 mm |
4460 mm |
(+95 mm) |
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Width |
1800 mm |
1830 mm |
(+30 mm) |
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Height |
1645 mm |
1635 mm |
(-10 mm) |
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Wheelbase |
2610 mm |
2690 mm |
(+80 mm) |
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Boot Space |
433 litres |
447 litres |
(+14 litres) |
2026 Kia Seltos Design: A Brand New Look!
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Design makeover in the new Seltos is revolutionary rather than evolutionary.
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It has dropped its European-car like design for something more quirky to keep it in line with other Kias.
- Bigger size = Better and more imposing stance!
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Lower variants sit on 16-inch steel wheels, while you get 17- and 18-inch alloys as you move up the ladder.
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Flush door handles are new and they are motorised.
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Details You Need To Know!
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Massive changes at the back of the Seltos. Like it or not? Let us know in the comments.
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The tailgate looks cleaner as the numberplate housing now sits in the bumper.
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Pick from 10 monotone and 2 dual-tone colours. Check out our colours image gallery to choose!
2026 Kia Seltos Interior: Evolutionary Rather Than Revolutionary
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Details
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You do get plenty of soft touch plastics on the dashboard for a premium feel.
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Streaks of ambient lighting look wicked and you get to choose from 64 shades!
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The rear seats should now be way more spacious due to the extended wheelbase.
2026 Kia Seltos Features: Builds On From The Previous One!
The first-gen Seltos was already a well-equipped car. The new one builds on the same fundamentals and these are the top features:
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Features |
Note |
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12.3-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System |
Same as the Syros. Boasts slick graphics and quick response times. Connected car tech means you can access some features from your phone. |
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12.3-Inch Digital Driver’s Display |
Once again, shared with the Syros. Offers multiple views and customisations. Also, it displays the feed for lane watch when you indicate. |
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5-Inch Climate Control Panel |
More of a gimmick! We prefer to use the physical controls as it’s easier. |
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8-Speaker Bose Sound System |
No increase in speakers compared to the older model. |
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10-Way Powered Driver’s Seat With Memory |
Allows you to find your perfect driving position easily. Memory function can also be used to save mirror settings. |
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Dual-pane Panoramic Sunroof |
Makes the cabin feel larger! |
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64-Colour Ambient Lighting |
Gives the cabin a premium appeal, especially when it is dark. |
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Head-Up Display |
Projects all crucial driving info on the windshield. |
Other notable features in the Seltos include:
2026 Kia Seltos Safety: More Or Less A Familiar Suite
When you consider the Seltos’ safety quotient, things are more or less the same as before. These are the top highlights:
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6 airbags
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Electronic parking brake with auto-hold(AT-only)
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Front, rear and side (new) parking sensors
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Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
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Hill descent control
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All-wheel disc brakes
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Electronic stability control
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Hill-start assist
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360-degree camera system
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Level-2 ADAS driver assistance suite
2026 Kia Seltos: Engine Options
Things remain the same underneath the hood of the new Seltos. Here are the specifications:
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Engine |
Power/ Torque |
Transmission Options |
Purpose |
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1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
115 PS/ 144 Nm |
6-speed MT/ CVT |
If you want something relaxed and refined, pick this. |
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol |
160 PS/ 253 Nm |
6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT |
The fun-to-drive option! Our pick would be the DCT. |
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1.5-litre diesel |
116 PS/ 250 Nm |
6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT |
Consider this if you have a heavy usage. |
Our Take — Should You Buy One?
Good looks, a well-made cabin, long list of features and a buffet of engine options defined the first-gen Kia Seltos.
The second-generation model builds on the fundamentals and packs in a bit more. While the updates, especially in the features department, are not ground breaking, the Seltos still remains a car that you should consider if you want an excellent all-rounder.
2026 Kia Seltos: Expected Price And Rivals
We expect prices for the new Seltos to begin from around Rs 11.2 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices are expected to be announced sometime in early 2026. If you want to consider some of the Seltos’ top rivals, these are some of your options:
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Tata Sierra: The newest kid on the block with segment-leading features!
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Hyundai Creta: Might be a generation behind the Seltos, but still gets fundamentals right.
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Maruti Victoris: If fuel efficiency is your top priority!
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VW Taigun / Skoda Kushaq: Consider these two if you want a fun driving experience.
