The 2026 Kia Seltos has finally been revealed in India, and this time the popular mid size SUV arrives with a clear focus on premium appeal, modern technology, and stronger performance credentials. Kia has gone far beyond a routine facelift and has instead delivered a thoroughly updated Seltos that feels larger, smarter, and more future ready than ever before.
Since its first launch, the Seltos has played a major role in shaping the mid size SUV segment. With the 2026 model, Kia is aiming to defend its position against strong competitors like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, and the upcoming Tata Sierra. This new generation Seltos is clearly designed for buyers who want a stylish SUV that also delivers comfort, safety, and everyday usability.
Exterior Design Gets a Premium and Futuristic Upgrade
The first impression of the 2026 Kia Seltos is its strong road presence. Kia has completely refreshed the design to align the SUV with its global lineup. The stance is more upright and confident, giving it a more premium look on Indian roads.
At the front, the Seltos features an updated tiger nose grille combined with vertically stacked LED lighting elements. This design makes the SUV look wider and more aggressive. The LED headlamps are sharper, and the daytime running lights give it a distinctive identity even from a distance.
From the side, the SUV rides on new 18 inch alloy wheels that add to its sporty appeal. Flush door handles are another highlight, a feature usually seen in higher end vehicles. The roofline is flatter than before, which improves the overall silhouette while also helping with interior headroom.
The rear design has also been updated with connected LED tail lamps that stretch across the tailgate. A gunmetal finish skid plate on the rear bumper adds a rugged touch. Kia has also introduced new color options, including Morning Haze and Magma Red, taking the total number of paint choices to ten.
Dimensionally, the Seltos is now the longest SUV in its segment at 4,460 mm. The longer wheelbase directly benefits rear seat passengers with improved legroom.
Short Summary of 2026 Kia Seltos
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Model Name |
Kia Seltos 2026 |
Body Type |
Mid size SUV |
Engine Options |
Petrol, Turbo Petrol, Diesel |
Key Highlight |
Larger size with advanced tech and ADAS |
Safety |
Six airbags standard with Level 2 ADAS |
Booking Amount |
Rs 25,000 |
Price Announcement |
January 2, 2026 |
Expected Delivery |
Mid January 2026 |
Official Website |
Interior Cabin Focuses on Comfort and Digital Experience
Step inside the 2026 Kia Seltos and the transformation becomes even more evident. Kia has redesigned the dashboard with a clean and modern layout. Dual tone leatherette upholstery gives the cabin a premium feel, while soft touch materials enhance overall comfort.
The biggest highlight inside the cabin is the massive 30 inch curved display. This single panel integrates the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system seamlessly. It not only looks futuristic but also improves visibility and ease of use.
Importantly, Kia has retained physical buttons and rotary knobs for climate control, which makes everyday driving more convenient and safer.
Key comfort and convenience features include dual zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a heads up display, an eight speaker Bose sound system, and a powered driver seat with memory function. Wireless charging and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support further enhance daily usability.
The panoramic sunroof adds to the airy cabin feel, making the Seltos appealing for family buyers as well as young professionals.
Engine Options and Performance Choices Explained
Kia continues to offer a wide range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. Buyers can choose between petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel powertrains.
The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque. It is aimed at smooth city driving and offers manual and intelligent variable transmission options.
The 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine is the most powerful in the lineup, delivering 160 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a dual clutch transmission and is ideal for buyers who enjoy strong acceleration and highway cruising.
The 1.5 litre diesel engine generates 116 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Known for its efficiency and torque delivery, it remains a popular choice for long distance users and comes with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
Safety and Technology Take a Big Leap Forward
Safety has become a major decision factor for Indian car buyers, and the 2026 Kia Seltos addresses this with a strong focus on advanced protection features.
Six airbags are standard across all variants, ensuring consistent safety regardless of price. Disc brakes on all four wheels improve stopping performance, while an electronic parking brake adds convenience and frees up cabin space.
The SUV also offers Level 2 ADAS, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and navigation based smart cruise control. These features enhance highway safety and reduce driver fatigue.
A 360 degree camera system makes parking easier in tight urban spaces. Traction modes for snow, mud, and sand improve control on challenging surfaces, making the Seltos more versatile.
Booking Details and Expected Price in India
Bookings for the 2026 Kia Seltos are open with a token amount of Rs 25,000. The official price announcement is scheduled for January 2, 2026, with deliveries expected to begin by mid January.
The current Seltos starts at around Rs 10.79 lakh ex showroom. Given the increased size, added features, and advanced safety technology, the new model is expected to see a modest price increase.
Despite strong competition, the 2026 Seltos remains well positioned thanks to its balanced mix of style, features, safety, and engine options.
Why the 2026 Kia Seltos Makes Sense for Indian Buyers
The new Kia Seltos feels like a complete and mature package. It offers bold design, a tech rich interior, modern safety features, and multiple engine choices that suit different needs. The increased space and premium touches make it suitable for both families and young buyers.
For anyone planning to buy a mid size SUV in 2026, the Seltos stands out as a strong all rounder that meets modern expectations without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will the 2026 Kia Seltos prices be announced
A. The official price announcement is scheduled for January 2, 2026.
Q. Is the new Kia Seltos bigger than the previous model
A. Yes, it is longer, wider, and taller, making it the longest SUV in its segment.
Q. What engine options are available in the 2026 Kia Seltos
A. It is offered with 1.5 litre petrol, 1.5 litre turbo petrol, and 1.5 litre diesel engines.
Q. Does the new Seltos come with advanced safety features
A. Yes, it includes six airbags as standard along with Level 2 ADAS and four wheel disc brakes.
Q. What is the expected starting price of the new Seltos
A. While official prices will be announced in January, it is expected to be slightly higher than the current starting price of Rs 10.79 lakh.
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