Kia India has officially pulled the wraps off the much-anticipated next-generation Kia Seltos. This major update, built on the brand's new K3 platform, brings a comprehensive overhaul with a fresh exterior design, a revamped interior cabin, and a suite of modern, technology-loaded features. The new Seltos is set to continue its fierce rivalry in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, locking horns with key players like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and the Tata Curvv.
Bookings and Launch Timeline
Prospective buyers can already secure their new Seltos, with the booking amount set at Rs 25,000. The company has announced that the official price reveal will take place on January 2, 2026. Following the announcement, customer deliveries are expected to commence from mid-January 2026 onwards.
Variant Strategy and Expected Pricing
The new Kia Seltos will be offered in three distinct trim lines: Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line. The Tech Line serves as the core of the lineup, featuring variants such as HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, and HTX (A). Positioned above is the GT Line, available in GTX and GTX (A) versions, which adds a richer feature set and sportier styling elements. The X-Line package, characterized by a darker and more aggressive aesthetic, remains exclusive to the GT Line trims.
Its arch-rival, the Hyundai Creta, is currently offered in a wide array of variants including E, EX, EX(O), S, S(O), SX, SX Tech, SX(O), and King edition. The Creta's ex-showroom prices range between Rs 10.7 lakh and Rs 20.2 lakh. While Kia has kept the new Seltos' prices under wraps, it is expected to be positioned competitively against this range.
Dimensions and Practicality
When it comes to size, the new Seltos holds a slight edge over the Creta. The Kia Seltos measures 4460 mm in length, 1830 mm in width, and 1635 mm in height. It rides on a longer 2690 mm wheelbase and offers a 447-litre boot. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.
The Hyundai Creta measures 4330 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, and 1635 mm in height. It has a 2610 mm wheelbase, a 433-litre boot capacity, and a ground clearance of 190 mm. It rolls on 16-inch or 17-inch wheels.
Powertrain and Performance Options
Both SUVs share an identical set of engine and gearbox options, a commonality owing to their shared corporate lineage. The powertrain lineup includes:
- A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 160 hp and 260 Nm of torque.
- A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque.
- A 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque.
Transmission choices are extensive, comprising a 6-speed manual, iMT, CVT (iVT), 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT, catering to diverse driving preferences.
Features and Safety Showdown
The Hyundai Creta boasts a tech-rich cabin highlighted by twin 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Its feature list is extensive, including dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a Bose sound system, a powered driver's seat, connected car tech (Blue Link), over-the-air (OTA) updates, an air purifier, and multi-colour ambient lighting. On the safety front, it gets six airbags, a 360-degree camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Level-2 ADAS.
The next-generation Kia Seltos answers with an even more dramatic cabin transformation. The centrepiece is a panoramic digital interface featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a dedicated 5.0-inch climate control display. The cabin blends this high-tech layout with practical physical buttons and a new three-spoke steering wheel.
Key features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver's seat with memory function, rear sunshades, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, 64-colour ambient lighting, OTA updates, and connected car technology. Its safety suite is comprehensive, featuring six airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, a 360-degree camera, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and Level 2 ADAS.
The battle for supremacy in India's hottest SUV segment has just intensified. With its bold new design, enhanced technology, and familiar yet potent powertrains, the 2026 Kia Seltos presents a formidable challenge to the established champion, the Hyundai Creta. The final deciding factor will be Kia's pricing strategy come January 2, 2026.
