The Kia Seltos 2026 marks a major milestone for Kia in India. Since its first launch, the Seltos has remained one of the country’s top-selling mid-size SUVs. Now, the new-generation Seltos is finally here with bigger updates than ever before. It brings fresh styling, upgraded interiors, new safety tech, improved engines, and advanced digital features.
This long guide is written specially for the Indian audience using simple English and short, easy-to-read sentences. We cover everything about the new Seltos including its design changes, interiors, features, variants, engine options, mileage, safety systems, pricing expectations, competition, and Kia’s complete SUV lineup. You will also find a quick specification table, detailed buying tips, and FAQs at the end.
Quick Specification Table – Kia Seltos 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.5L NA Petrol, 1.5L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Power | 115 PS / 160 PS / 116 PS |
| Gearbox | 6MT, CVT, iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed AT |
| Safety | 6 airbags standard, Level-2 ADAS |
| Infotainment | Dual 10.25-inch displays |
| Sunroof | Panoramic |
| Wheels | 17/18-inch alloys |
| Mileage | 14–21 km/l |
| Boot Space | 433 litres |
| Expected Price | ₹11 – ₹20 lakh |
| Launch Date | January 2, 2026 |
Why the Kia Seltos 2026 Is a Big Deal in India
The mid-size SUV segment is the hottest category in India. Buyers want power, premium interiors, digital tech, and five-star safety ratings. The Seltos already ticked most of these boxes.
With the 2026 update, Kia has taken things to the next level. This new model arrives with a sharper design, a more high-tech cabin, improved safety ratings, and cleaner engine options.
Kia wants the new Seltos to stay ahead of rivals like:
- Hyundai Creta
- Tata Sierra (new-generation rival)
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Honda Elevate
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Skoda Kushaq
Exterior Design – Bold and More Premium
The 2026 Kia Seltos design looks sharper and sportier than ever.
At the front, the SUV gets a wider tiger-nose grille with glossy black finish. The LED daytime running light strip now runs across the width of the nose, connecting both headlamps.
The LED headlights use a vertical stacked layout, similar to larger Kia SUVs.
The bumper is more muscular with hard creases and a chunky skid plate finish. It gives the Seltos a strong road presence.
Side profile improvements include:
- New 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Dark chrome door handles on top trims
- Thick cladding over wheel arches
- Strong shoulder lines
At the rear, the Seltos now carries a full-width connected LED taillamp bar, making it look wider and more premium at night. The rear bumper also gets a revised design with dual chrome elements.
Overall, the 2026 Seltos looks more upmarket than the older model.
Interior – More Space, More Tech, More Luxury
Step inside the 2026 Kia Seltos cabin and you instantly notice how modern it feels.
The dashboard is dominated by a panoramic dual-screen setup. This setup combines:
- A 10.25-inch digital driver display
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Both screens merge seamlessly into one large panel.
Interior quality is a big step forward. Soft-touch materials are used on the dashboard and doors.
Leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching adds to the premium feel.
Comfort upgrades include:
- Ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- Rear AC vents with adjustable fan speed
- Large panoramic sunroof
- Enhanced noise insulation
Rear seat space continues to be one of the Seltos’ strongest points. Legroom and knee room remain generous. Headroom has improved slightly due to seat repositioning.
Boot space remains around 433 litres, which is plenty for weekend luggage or airport runs.
Technology and Infotainment
The technology suite of the Seltos 2026 is one of the most advanced in its class.
Standard features now include:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth multi-device connectivity
- Wireless phone charging
- Digital instrument cluster
- Multiple USB Type-C charging ports
Higher trims get:
- Bose premium sound system
- Connected car tech with remote engine start
- 360-degree surround view camera
- Heads-up display
- Voice-controlled smart assistant
The touchscreen UI is now faster and more intuitive. The connected car system allows smartphone control for location tracking, lock/unlock, climate control, and vehicle health checks.
Also Read Hyundai Venue Facelift Launched: Complete Guide for Indian Buyers
Safety Package – Best in Segment
Safety receives its biggest upgrade yet in the new Seltos.
Standard safety across all variants includes:
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic stability control
- Hill-start assist
- All-wheel disc brakes
Advanced safety from higher trims includes Level-2 ADAS with:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The strong body shell and added tech aim to help the Seltos achieve top Global and Bharat NCAP ratings.
Engine Options for India
The Kia Seltos 2026 engine lineup stays familiar but refined.
Petrol Engines
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 115 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / CVT
- Focused on smooth daily driving and mileage
1.5L Turbo Petrol
- Power: 160 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
- Best option for performance lovers
Diesel Engine
1.5L Diesel
- Power: 116 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Known for highway mileage and torque
- Still popular in India among long-distance drivers
Mileage Figures
Real-world fuel efficiency remains competitive:
- NA petrol: 16–18 km/l
- Turbo petrol: 14–16 km/l
- Diesel: 18–21 km/l
Highway mileage can go higher with steady speeds.
Driving Experience and Comfort
The updated suspension makes the Seltos ride softer than the previous generation.
Potholes are absorbed better.
High-speed stability has improved.
Steering remains light for city driving while offering confidence on highways.
The turbo petrol engine feels quick and refined during quick overtakes.
The diesel continues to remain a strong highway cruiser.
Sound insulation inside the cabin is noticeably better now.
Variants and Price Expectations
The Seltos 2026 is offered in multiple trims including:
- HTE
- HTK
- HTK+
- HTX
- HTX+
- GT Line
- X-Line
Expected ex-showroom pricing in India:
- Starting price: ₹11 lakh
- Top-end fully loaded models: ₹20 lakh
This keeps Seltos priced close to rivals while offering richer features.
Kia SUV Lineup in India (2026)
Kia continues to strengthen its India operation.
Current and planned models include:
- Kia Sonet – Compact SUV
- Kia Seltos 2026 – Mid-size premium SUV
- Kia Carens – MPV crossover
- Kia EV6 – Electric performance SUV
- Kia EV9 – Flagship electric SUV
The Seltos remains Kia’s backbone and highest-selling model.
FAQs – Kia Seltos 2026
Q1. When will the 2026 Kia Seltos launch in India?
It will launch on January 2, 2026, Booking opens Dec. 10 Midnight
Q2. How much does the new Seltos cost?
Prices start around ₹11 lakh and go up to ₹20 lakh ex-showroom.
Q3. Does the Seltos still offer a diesel engine?
Yes. The 1.5L diesel remains available.
Q4. Is ADAS standard across all variants?
ADAS is available on higher trims only.
Q5. Is Seltos safe for families?
Yes. With 6 standard airbags and ADAS, it is among the safest options.
Q6. Which engine is best for daily driving?
For city use, the 1.5L petrol CVT.
For performance, the turbo petrol DCT.
For long highway runs, the diesel automatic.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos 2026 continues to set the benchmark in India’s mid-size SUV segment.
It brings:
- New bold styling
- Premium cabin upgrades
- Best-in-class digital tech
- Segment-leading safety features
- Efficient and powerful engines
For Indian buyers wanting a modern, feature-rich, safe, and stylish SUV, the new Seltos is easily one of the strongest choices on sale today.
