Liputan6.com, Jakarta - South Korean automotive manufacturer Kia has once again made a splash in the compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of the latest generation of the Seltos.
This highly anticipated model was officially introduced in India on December 10, 2025, marking a new chapter for one of Kia's best-selling SUVs in the global market.
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The 2026 Kia Seltos features a complete overhaul, featuring a more dashing exterior design, a more modern interior, and the inclusion of cutting-edge technology.
Orders for the new Kia Seltos opened on December 11, 2025, with a down payment of Rs 25,000, demonstrating high customer enthusiasm.
The official price of the 2026 Kia Seltos is scheduled to be announced on January 2, 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-January 2026.
Revolutionary Design and Larger Dimensions
The new 2026 Kia Seltos features a significant design overhaul, giving it a more muscular, upright, and dominant appearance than the previous model.
The front end now features Kia's completely redesigned "Digital Tiger Face" grille, which is larger and more sculpted with high-gloss black or gunmetal accents, flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights and updated "ice cube" LED headlights.
The front bumper has also been redesigned with more angular lines, giving the new Kia Seltos a more mature and confident look.
On the sides, there are newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles, body cladding, and subtle profile revisions that further enhance its sporty character.
The rear end also receives a touch of modernization, featuring newly designed LED taillights connected by a full-width LED light bar.
This model is built on Kia's K3 platform, an upgrade from the previous K2 platform, promising improved stability and ride comfort.
The overall dimensions of the 2026 Seltos are 4,460 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,635 mm high.
The wheelbase has been increased by 80 mm to 2,690 mm, which is expected to significantly increase cabin space.
Luggage capacity has also increased to 447 liters, supported by a power tailgate for easy access.
Modern Interior Full of Advanced Technology
The cabin of the new Kia Seltos has undergone a dramatic transformation with a more modern and premium layout, similar to the Kia EV6 and Carens Clavis models.
Key features inside the cabin are a massive 12.3-inch dual-screen setup for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster, as well as an intuitive 5.0-inch HVAC display.
A new three-spoke steering wheel is also featured, complete with easy-to-reach drive mode and traction control buttons.
For comfort and technology, the new Kia Seltos is equipped with a variety of superior features, including:
- 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and memory function
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual panoramic sunroof
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless charging
- Connected car connectivity and OTA updates
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reclining second-row seats
- Front and rear dashcams (on some variants)
Engine Performance with a Wide Range of Options
The new 2026 Kia Seltos retains the same three engine options as the previous model, offering proven robust and efficient performance. These engine options provide customers with the flexibility to choose according to their driving needs and preferences.
Available engine options for the new Kia Seltos include:
- 1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol Engine: Produces 113-115 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT.
- 1.5-liter Turbo-Petrol (GDi) Engine: Produces 158-160 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT.
- 1.5-liter CRDi Diesel Engine: Produces 116-118 bhp and 250-260 Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
A variety of transmission options, from manual, iMT (clutchless manual), CVT, torque converter automatic, to DCT, ensure every driver can find the perfect combination.
Furthermore, new traction modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand are also available, enhancing the new Kia Seltos's capabilities in various road conditions.
Safety Features and Variants
Standard safety features available across all variants are comprehensive, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), hill-start assist, all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), and a rearview camera.
Higher variants of the new Kia Seltos are equipped with a comprehensive suite of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
These Level 2 ADAS features include Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, providing an extra layer of protection for the driver and passengers.
Other additional safety features include a 360-degree camera with front and rear sensors, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and rear occupant alert.
The new Kia Seltos will be offered in several trim levels, including HTE, HTK, HTX, GT-Line, and X-Line, with the sportier X-Line variant expected to arrive in the second half of 2026.
Pricing and Availability in the Indian Market
The 2026 Kia Seltos was officially launched in India on December 10, 2025, with bookings opening the following day.
Customers can place orders with a down payment of Rs 25,000.
The official pricing announcement for the new Kia Seltos is scheduled for January 2, 2026, which will be a significant milestone for prospective buyers.
Deliveries of the new Kia Seltos are expected to begin in mid-January 2026, ensuring that consumers won't have to wait too long to get their dream SUV.
The new 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to start at around Rs 11.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model, with the top-end variant priced at over Rs 21 lakh (ex-showroom).
The expected price range is between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, positioning the new Kia Seltos as a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.