The 2026 Kia Seltos is now a second-generation SUV for the Indian market, bringing a new platform, larger dimensions, redesigned styling and a substantially updated cabin. Kia has also expanded the technology and driver-assistance package, while retaining the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines.
The new Seltos was launched in India in January 2026, so the focus is no longer on an expected launch. Instead, buyers can now look at its confirmed pricing, features, engines, dimensions, safety equipment and what has changed from the previous generation.
2026 Kia Seltos: Quick Takeaway
- Market: India
- Generation: Second generation
- Platform: Kia K3
- Seating: 5
- Length: 4,460 mm
- Width: 1,830 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
- Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel
- Maximum power: Up to 160 PS
- Key technology: 12.3-inch displays, connected technology, OTA updates and ADAS
- Safety: Six airbags standard; Bharat NCAP five-star rating
- Starting price: ₹10,99,900 ex-showroom
- Top listed price: ₹21,56,900 ex-showroom for GTX (O)/X-Line (O) on Kia India’s current listing
What’s New on the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The biggest change is that the Seltos has moved to Kia’s K3 platform. This is more than a cosmetic facelift: the new-generation SUV has grown in length, width and wheelbase, creating a larger footprint than the outgoing model. Kia lists the new Seltos at 4,460 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and with a 2,690 mm wheelbase.
The exterior also adopts a new design language, including a larger grille, vertically oriented lighting elements, connected rear lamps and flush-style door handles on applicable versions.
Inside, Kia has redesigned the dashboard and added more technology, including large digital displays, ambient lighting, upgraded seats and a wider range of connected features.
The important mechanical point is that the core engine family has not been replaced. The new generation continues with three existing engine choices rather than introducing an entirely new petrol or diesel lineup.
2026 Kia Seltos Exterior Design
The new Seltos has a noticeably more upright and squared-off appearance than the previous generation.
At the front, Kia uses its latest interpretation of the Digital Tiger Face, with Ice Cube LED projection headlamps and Star Map LED daytime running lights. The lighting elements are integrated into a much larger front design.
Higher versions can also receive 18-inch alloy wheels and neon-coloured brake callipers. Kia says the new design includes flush-type automatic door handles on applicable versions and connected Star Map LED tail lamps at the rear.
The increase in dimensions is another important change. At 4,460 mm, the new Seltos is 95 mm longer than the previous model, while the wheelbase has increased by 80 mm to 2,690 mm.
2026 Kia Seltos Interior
The interior is one of the biggest areas of change.
Depending on the variant, the Seltos offers a combination of 12.3-inch infotainment and driver-display screens, while Kia’s higher versions now add a larger 31.24 cm display setup. A separate 5-inch climate-control screen is also available on higher specifications.
Other available interior features include:
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Driver-seat memory function
- Rear AC vents
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 8-speaker Bose audio system
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Wireless phone charging
- Rear sunshades
- Dual-tone leatherette upholstery
- OTA software updates
The new dimensions also provide additional rear-seat space. Independent testing by Autocar India found more rear legroom and a 447-litre boot, with a flat loading floor and a full-size spare below the boot floor.
2026 Kia Seltos Powertrain Options
The 2026 Seltos continues with three engine options in India.
| Powertrain | Output | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol | 115 PS / 143.8 Nm | 6-speed manual, CVT/IVT |
| 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 160 PS / 253 Nm | 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5-litre diesel | 116 PS / 250 Nm | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
Kia’s official specifications list the naturally aspirated petrol at 84.4 kW and 143.8 Nm, the turbo-petrol at 117.5 kW and 253 Nm, and the diesel at 85 kW and 250 Nm.
The turbo-petrol remains the most powerful engine in the range, while the diesel continues to provide an option for buyers prioritising long-distance efficiency and highway use.
Petrol Engine
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol produces 115 PS and 143.8 Nm. It can be paired with a six-speed manual or Kia’s IVT continuously variable transmission.
Turbo-Petrol Engine
The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol produces 160 PS and 253 Nm. It is available with a six-speed iMT and seven-speed DCT, making it the performance-oriented option in the Seltos range.
Diesel Engine
The 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel produces 116 PS and 250 Nm and is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic.
2026 Kia Seltos Mileage
Official ARAI-certified efficiency varies by engine and transmission.
Current figures listed by Autocar India range from 15.6 kmpl to 19.4 kmpl, with the diesel manual listed at 19.4 kmpl and the diesel automatic at 17.8 kmpl. The petrol CVT is listed at 16.5 kmpl, while the turbo-petrol DCT is listed at 17.5 kmpl.
Real-world mileage will depend on traffic, driving style, road conditions, load and air-conditioning use, so ARAI figures should not be treated as guaranteed everyday fuel economy.
2026 Kia Seltos Features and Technology
Kia has positioned the new Seltos as a technology-heavy midsize SUV.
Higher variants can include a 31.24 cm panoramic display setup, head-up display, digital key, smart air purifier with AQI display and a smart dashcam with front and rear cameras.
The SUV also supports connected-car functions and OTA software updates. Kia’s higher specifications offer Level 2 ADAS with 21 autonomous features, while the latest GTX (O) and X-Line (O) versions are listed with Level 2+ ADAS and 28 autonomous features.
The exact equipment depends on the variant, so buyers should check the individual trim rather than assuming every Seltos includes every feature.
2026 Kia Seltos Safety
Six airbags are standard across the range, along with electronic stability control and other standard safety equipment. Higher versions add features such as a 360-degree camera, blind-view monitoring and advanced driver-assistance technology.
The new Seltos has also been assessed by Bharat NCAP. The published test results show 31.70/32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 45/49 for Child Occupant Protection, corresponding to a five-star rating under the applicable assessment. The tested vehicles were the HTE (O) and GTX diesel automatic variants, with the rating’s applicability defined by Bharat NCAP.
This is important because safety ratings are specific to the tested vehicle configuration and assessment protocol; they should not automatically be assumed to apply identically to every market or variant.
2026 Kia Seltos Price in India
Kia India’s current listing shows the Seltos starting at ₹10,99,900 ex-showroom for the HTE variant.
The current listed range includes:
| Variant | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| HTE | ₹10,99,900 |
| HTE (O) | ₹12,41,900 |
| HTK | ₹13,41,900 |
| HTK (O) | ₹14,51,900 |
| HTX | ₹15,91,900 |
| HTX (A) | ₹17,01,900 |
| GTX | ₹18,71,900 |
| X-Line | ₹18,71,900 |
| GTX (A) | ₹19,81,900 |
| X-Line (A) | ₹19,81,900 |
| GTX (O) | ₹21,56,900 |
| X-Line (O) | ₹21,56,900 |
These are ex-showroom India prices from Kia India’s current Seltos listing and can change over time. On-road prices will vary by state, registration, insurance and other charges.
2026 Kia Seltos Dimensions and Practicality
| Specification | 2026 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm |
| Seating | 5 |
| Boot space | 447 litres* |
*Boot capacity reported by Autocar India’s independent review. Kia’s official specification page confirms the vehicle’s 4,460 mm length, 1,830 mm width and 2,690 mm wheelbase.
The longer wheelbase is particularly relevant for families because it creates more rear legroom. The Seltos remains a five-seat SUV rather than moving into three-row territory.
What Has Changed From the Previous Seltos?
The 2026 model represents a substantial generation change rather than a simple facelift.
The main changes include:
- New K3 platform
- 95 mm increase in overall length
- 80 mm longer wheelbase
- Wider body
- New exterior design
- Redesigned dashboard
- Larger digital displays
- More advanced connected technology
- Expanded ADAS availability
- New convenience features
- More rear-seat space
- Larger 447-litre boot
- Newer lighting and exterior detailing
At the same time, Kia has retained the basic three-engine strategy of the previous Seltos rather than replacing the petrol and diesel engines with an entirely new lineup.
What About the Seltos Hybrid?
Kia’s new K3 platform is compatible with future electrified powertrains, and earlier reporting indicated that a petrol-hybrid version was planned for a later stage.
However, the currently listed Indian Seltos range remains based on the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. A future hybrid should therefore not be confused with the powertrains currently available for purchase.
2026 Kia Seltos: What Buyers Should Know
The second-generation Seltos changes the areas that were most visible to buyers: exterior design, cabin technology, space and safety equipment.
The powertrain range, however, is more familiar. Buyers still get a naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel, with multiple transmission choices depending on the variant.
For someone considering the Seltos, the biggest decision is therefore likely to be which engine and trim combination fits their use, rather than whether the new generation represents a completely new mechanical package.
The 2026 Seltos also has a verified Bharat NCAP five-star result for the tested configurations, while its larger dimensions and expanded equipment list make the new generation substantially different from the outgoing model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 2026 Kia Seltos launch in India?
The second-generation Kia Seltos launched in India on January 2, 2026. Kia had opened bookings in December 2025 ahead of the launch.
What is the price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?
Kia India’s current listing starts at ₹10,99,900 ex-showroom for the HTE and extends to ₹21,56,900 ex-showroom for the GTX (O) and X-Line (O).
What engines does the 2026 Kia Seltos have?
The India-spec Seltos uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. Power outputs are 115 PS, 160 PS and 116 PS respectively.
Does the 2026 Kia Seltos have ADAS?
Yes. Higher variants offer Level 2 ADAS, while Kia’s current listing for the GTX (O) and X-Line (O) shows Level 2+ ADAS with 28 autonomous features. Equipment varies by variant.
How big is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The new Seltos is 4,460 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and has a 2,690 mm wheelbase. Independent testing by Autocar India reports 447 litres of boot space.
Is the 2026 Kia Seltos safe?
The Seltos received a five-star Bharat NCAP rating in 2026. Bharat NCAP’s published results record 31.70/32 for adult occupant protection and 45/49 for child occupant protection for the tested configurations.
Is a Kia Seltos hybrid available now?
The currently listed India range uses petrol and diesel engines. A future hybrid has been reported as a later development, but it should not be treated as part of the current Seltos range without a new official confirmation.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a major generational update for Kia’s Indian midsize SUV. Its new K3 platform brings a larger body and wheelbase, while the redesigned cabin adds more digital technology, comfort equipment and driver-assistance features.
The three-engine lineup remains familiar, but the overall vehicle is substantially different from the previous generation. With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹10.99 lakh, multiple petrol and diesel configurations, expanded technology and a five-star Bharat NCAP result for the tested variants, the new Seltos now has a significantly updated specification sheet for the Indian market.
Sources & References
- Kia India — All-New Seltos
- Kia India — Seltos Specifications
- Bharat NCAP — Kia Seltos Test Results
- Autocar India — 2026 Kia Seltos Review
- Autocar India — 2026 Kia Seltos Mileage
