New Kia Seltos 2026 Launched in India: Design, Engines, Features & What’s New

ByShubham Singh

Kia has officially unveiled the all-new Kia Seltos 2026 in India — the second-generation upgrade of its best-selling midsize SUV. Built on the advanced K3 global platform, the 2026 Seltos gets a sharper design, bigger dimensions, a much more premium cabin, ADAS Level 2 features, and updated engine options to take on rivals like the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.

Expected Price: ₹11–12 lakh (base model)
Price Announcement Date: January 2, 2026
Deliveries Begin: Mid-January 2026

Kia Seltos 2026: Platform, Size & Exterior Design

The new Seltos moves to Kia’s K3 platform, offering better rigidity, improved safety, and enhanced NVH refinement.
It is now larger in every dimension, giving it one of the longest footprints in its segment.

Dimensions

  • Length: 4,460 mm
  • Width: 1,830 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
    (All increased over the previous generation.)

Design Language

Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy inspires the 2026 model, giving it a futuristic, EV9-like appearance.

Front

  • New Digital Tiger Face grille
  • Star Map LED DRLs merging into the grille
  • Ice Cube LED headlamps
  • Sculpted bumper with improved aerodynamics

Side

  • Sharper shoulder lines
  • More pronounced wheel arches
  • First-in-segment streamline flush door handles (higher trims)
  • New 18-inch crystal-cut alloys with neon brake calipers on GT/X-Line variants

Rear

  • Connected Star Map LED tail lamps
  • Thick skid plate
  • Redesigned tailgate for a wider stance

Exterior Colour Options

Up to 12 shades, including:

  • Morning Haze (new)
  • Magma Red (new)
  • Exclusive matte shade for the X-Line

Engines, Gearboxes & Expected Mileage

The Kia Seltos 2026 continues with updated versions of Kia’s existing engine range.

1. 1.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol

  • Power: ~115 PS
  • Torque: ~144 Nm
  • Gearboxes: 6-speed MT, iVT
  • Mileage: ~16–17 kmpl

2. 1.5-Litre Turbo Petrol

  • Power: 160 PS
  • Torque: 253 Nm
  • Gearboxes: 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT
  • Mileage: ~16–18 kmpl

3. 1.5-Litre Turbo Diesel

  • Power: 116 PS
  • Torque: 250 Nm
  • Gearboxes: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
  • Mileage: ~19–21 kmpl

Traction Control Modes

Available on AT/DCT models:

  • Snow
  • Mud
  • Sand

Interior, Screens & Comfort Features

The cabin gets one of the most significant upgrades in the 2026 generation, inspired by Kia’s EV line-up.

Dual 12.3-inch Curved Display Setup

  • 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen
  • 12.3″ digital instrument cluster
  • Integrated into a single curved panel
  • New 5-inch climate control touch display

Premium Features

  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Ventilated front seats
  • 8-speaker Bose audio system
  • Full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD)
  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Wireless charging pad
  • 64-colour ambient lighting with multi-theme presets

Cabin Design Improvements

  • EV6-styled dashboard
  • Flat-bottom steering wheel
  • Increased rear seat space
  • Soft-touch materials for an upmarket feel

Safety & ADAS Features

Kia positions the 2026 Seltos as one of the safest SUVs in its segment.

Standard Safety

  • 6 airbags
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Hill-start assist
  • All-wheel disc brakes
  • 360-degree camera with front & rear parking sensors (higher trims)

ADAS Level 2 Features (Top Trims)

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Warning + AEB
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control

Variants, Bookings & Launch Timeline

  • Platform debut: Kia K3 platform rollout in India
  • Bookings Open: December 11, 2025 (₹25,000 token)
  • Price Reveal: January 2, 2026
  • Deliveries: Mid-January 2026
  • Expected Price Range: ₹11–20 lakh

Variants expected:
HTE | HTK | HTX | GTX | X-Line
(with petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel combinations)

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos 2026 marks a massive leap forward with its new K3 platform, EV-inspired styling, dual 12.3″ screens, premium ADAS Level 2 suite, and multiple powertrain options. With increased dimensions, upgraded interiors, and improved safety, it aims to redefine the midsize SUV space in India.
When prices are officially revealed in January 2026, the Seltos is expected to become an even stronger competitor to segment leaders — and possibly the new benchmark in tech, safety, and design. Know more at the Kia Official website.

Related post: Tata Sierra Launched in India

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