The 2026 Kia New-Gen Seltos is India’s most advanced compact SUV yet, featuring bolder design, ADAS Level 2+, turbo engines, and premium interiors — everything you need to know before bookings open.
It’s bigger.
Bolder.
Smarter.
And if you’re still thinking about upgrading your SUV in 2026, you might be left behind.
The all-new Kia Seltos isn’t just a facelift — it’s a full evolution of Kia’s compact SUV, blending premium tech, ADAS safety, and performance in a package that challenges every competitor in its segment.
It’s bigger.
Bolder.
Smarter.
And if you’re still thinking about upgrading your SUV in 2026, you might be left behind.
The all-new Kia Seltos isn’t just a facelift — it’s a full evolution of Kia’s compact SUV, blending premium tech, ADAS safety, and performance in a package that challenges every competitor in its segment.
Design That Demands Attention
The 2026 Seltos grows in every dimension for a more commanding road presence:
- Length: 4,460mm (+80mm)
- Width: 1,830mm (+20mm)
- Height: 1,635mm (+15mm)
- Wheelbase: 2,690mm (+30mm)
Front fascia borrows inspiration from Kia’s global SUVs like the EV9, featuring:
- Massive vertical grille
- Slim LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs
- Aggressive bumper intakes
Side profiles are squared off, with 18-inch alloys and X-Line cladding on GTX trims for a rugged look. Rear updates include connected LED tail-lights, full-width reflector, and dual exhausts.
Eight colors are on offer, including new matte shades and dual-tone themes for premium variants.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Excitement
The new K3 platform enhances stability and reduces NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), offering three petrol and diesel options:
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 115 PS, 144 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT or CVT
- Mileage: 17–18 kmpl
- Best for city driving and daily commuting
1.5L Turbo Petrol
- Power: 160 PS, 253 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT
- Mileage: 16–17 kmpl
- Ideal for enthusiasts seeking spirited drives
1.5L Turbo Diesel
- Power: 116 PS, 250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT
- Mileage: 20–22 kmpl
- Perfect for highway cruising
Note: No hybrid variant yet, but all engines support drive modes — Eco, Normal, Sport — to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
Interior & Comfort: Luxury Redefined
Kia takes interiors seriously:
- Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays (infotainment + cluster)
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, and Kia Connect
- Ventilated and memory front seats
- Panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, Bose 8-speaker audio
- Wireless charging and rear sunshades
- Boot space: 447 liters, 5-seater layout, leatherette upholstery on top trims
A new three-spoke steering wheel integrates drive mode buttons, while the center console mixes physical and digital controls for convenience.
Safety & ADAS: Driving Confidence
The 2026 Seltos debuts Level 2+ ADAS, featuring 21 advanced safety functions:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep and departure warnings
- Blind-spot collision avoidance
- Forward collision warning
- 360° camera
- Driver attention alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Standard features include 6 airbags, ESC, hill-hold/descent control, traction control, TPMS, and ISOFIX. Top GTX(A) trims add auto wipers, EBD, and brake assist.
Variants & Pricing
Eight trims launch January 2, 2026, bookings start December 11 at ₹25,000:
| Variant | Key Highlights | Engine/Trans | Est. Price (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE(O) | 16″ alloys, basic infotainment | 1.5 NA MT/CVT | 12–13 |
| HTK(O) | Sunroof, cruise control | All options | 13.5–15 |
| HTX(A) | Dual screens, ventilated seats | Turbo Petrol/Diesel | 16–18 |
| GTX(A) | ADAS L2+, Bose, X-Line styling | Turbo DCT/AT | 19–21 |
Price rise of ~₹50,000 over the 2025 facelifted Seltos is justified by ADAS, premium interiors, and tech upgrades.
Driving Dynamics: Precision Meets Comfort
The K3 platform improves torsional rigidity by 30%, cutting vibrations and delivering quieter rides.
- Independent rear suspension enhances handling
- Turbo DCT suits spirited driving
- Diesel AT is optimized for long highway runs
- Claimed fuel efficiency: 17–22 kmpl
- Service intervals: 10,000 km / 1 year
- Optional 7-year warranty enhances ownership confidence
Market Context: Competition & Strategy
Kia aims to reclaim the top spot from Hyundai Creta in India, targeting 1.5–2 lakh units annually.
Key rivals: VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta. Seltos’ advantages:
- Bigger cabin and boot
- Advanced ADAS suite
- Premium tech features
- Aggressive styling
Export plans cover 100+ international markets, cementing Kia’s global compact SUV strategy.
Why the 2026 Seltos Could Be a Game-Changer
This is not just another facelift — it’s a statement:
- If you value technology, safety, and luxury in a compact SUV, missing out could mean losing the edge in 2026.
- With Level 2+ ADAS and premium interiors, it challenges cars in higher segments.
- For urban commuters and long-distance travelers alike, it blends practicality, performance, and prestige.
The Takeaway
The 2026 Kia New-Gen Seltos is bold, capable, and tech-packed — a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on style, performance, or safety.
Whether it’s family road trips, urban driving, or weekend adventures, Seltos now feels future-ready.
If you’re considering upgrading this year, waiting could mean missing out on India’s most advanced compact SUV experience.
