Kia India has officially launched the highly anticipated second-generation 2026 Kia Seltos in the Indian market. The new SUV, built on the fresh K3 platform, marks a significant evolution in design, technology, and premium appeal. The ex-showroom prices start from an attractive Rs 10.99 lakh for the base variant and go all the way up to Rs 19.99 lakh for the top-end model.
A Bold New Design and Premium Cabin
The 2026 Seltos presents a completely revamped exterior that takes inspiration from Kia's larger global SUV family. The front fascia is dominated by a bold, stepped grille with vertical gunmetal inserts. It features new squared-off LED headlamps and a distinctive vertical LED DRL signature with a lightning-bolt element. The side profile sports a more pronounced shoulder line, chunkier wheel arches, new 18-inch alloy wheels, and flush-fitted door handles. At the rear, the new inverted L-shaped LED taillights and a cleaner tailgate design make a strong statement.
Inside, the cabin undergoes a radical transformation, centered around a panoramic digital display setup. This includes dual 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, complemented by a dedicated 5.0-inch display for climate controls. The new three-spoke steering wheel, physical buttons on the centre console, and overall layout elevate the premium feel.
Feature-Rich and Safety-Focused
The new Seltos is packed with a long list of new-age features, making it one of the most well-equipped SUVs in its segment. Key highlights include:
- Ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging
- Powered driver's seat with memory function
- An 8-speaker Bose premium audio system
- 64-colour ambient lighting and dual-tone leatherette upholstery
- 360-degree camera and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates
- Advanced Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
On the safety front, it comes equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard across variants.
Powertrain Options and Variant Strategy
Despite the new platform, the 2026 Seltos continues with the proven engine lineup from its predecessor. Customers can choose from three powertrain options:
- A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (115hp/144Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic.
- A more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160hp/253Nm) offered with an Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) or a 7-speed DCT automatic.
- A 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine (116hp/250Nm) available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The variant lineup continues with the Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line trims. The Tech Line forms the core with multiple HTE, HTK, and HTX variants. The GT Line (GTX, GTX(A)) adds sportier styling and richer equipment. The X-Line package, with its darker and more aggressive aesthetic, remains exclusive to the GT Line trims.
Bookings for the new 2026 Kia Seltos are already open across India for a token amount of Rs 25,000, which can be paid online or at any authorized dealership. With a marginal price increase of just Rs 20,000 over the outgoing model, the new Seltos offers substantial value through its comprehensive redesign, enhanced feature set, and improved safety technology, strengthening its position in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
