Kia India has launched the second-generation all-new kia Seltos at an aggressive starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), bringing bolder design, cutting-edge tech, and enhanced safety to the compact SUV segment. This facelifted model, built on the global K3 platform, feels like a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts craving more space and sophistication on Indian roads.
A bold move in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment. This isn’t just a mild facelift; it’s a substantial redesign and upgrade that aims to reset expectations for value, technology, safety, and space in this class.
Bookings have already started across Kia dealerships and online with a token payment of around ₹25,000, signaling strong initial interest from buyers.
Design Refresh
The first thing you’ll notice is the presence. The 2026 Seltos is built on a new K3 platform, making it longer ($4,460\text{ mm}$) and wider than before.
The Face: It features a “Digital Tiger Face” grille that looks far more aggressive, flanked by “Ice Cube” LED projector headlamps.
The Silhouette: For the first time, it gets flush-fitting door handles (retractable on higher trims), a touch usually reserved for luxury cars.
The Rear: The “Star Map” LED tail lamps are connected by a light bar, giving it a high-tech, futuristic signature at night.
- Available in 10 striking color options, including new shades like Morning Haze and Magma Red.
- Overall, the design blends robustness with urban flair — ideal for both city cruising and weekend getaways.
Interior — Tech and Comfort
Display and Tech
A 30-inch panoramic integrated display — combining the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen — feels like something out of a luxury car, not just a family SUV.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connectivity effortless.
Kia Connect 2.0 support with OTA (Over-The-Air) updates means the car’s software can evolve over time.
Comfort and Practicality
Premium Bose 8-speaker audio system turns every drive into an enjoyable experience.
Ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control add luxury on long journeys.
The dual-pane panoramic sunroof and thoughtful storage options make the cabin feel airy and user-friendly.
Whether it’s school runs or highway trips with the family, the new kia Seltos feels welcoming for all occupants.
Kia continues to offer reliable and varied powertrains to suit different needs:
Petrol Options
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol — ideal for smooth city driving.
1.5-litre turbo-petrol — stronger performance with about 160 hp and lively acceleration,
Diesel Option
1.5-litre diesel engine — efficient and torquey for highway cruising.
Gearbox choices are generous too — from 6-speed manual and IVT (intelligent variable transmission) to 7-speed DCT and automatic — giving buyers flexibility based on driving preference.
Safety Features
Safety is now a cornerstone of the new kia Seltos:
6 airbags, ABS with ESC, and hill start assist are standard across variants.
Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) — a suite of 21 autonomous features — is available on higher trims. These include:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Collision Avoidance Systems
This level of safety tech was once reserved for premium luxury cars; now it’s part of what makes the new kia Seltos feel truly modern and reassuring.
Price and Variants
Priced from Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh, it undercuts rivals like Creta while packing more punch. Bookings are open at Rs 25,000, with deliveries ramping up from Kia’s Anantapur plant. Extended warranties up to 7 years sweeten the deal for savvy buyers eyeing year-end offers.
| Powertrain | HTE | HTK(O) | HTK | HTK(O) Premium | HTX | HTX(A) ADAS | GTX | GTX(A)/X-Line(A) ADAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1.5 Petrol MT | 10.99L | 12.09L | 13.09L | 14.19L | 15.59L | 16.69L | – | – |
| G1.5 Petrol IVT | – | 13.39L | 14.39L | 15.49L | 16.89L | 17.99L | 18.39L | 19.49L |
| T-GDi iMT | – | 12.89L | 13.89L | 14.99L | – | – | – | – |
| T-GDi DCT | – | – | – | 16.29L | 17.69L | 18.79L | 19.19L | 19.99L |
| Diesel MT | 12.59L | 13.69L | 14.69L | 15.79L | 17.19L | 18.29L | – | – |
| Diesel AT | – | 14.99L | 15.99L | 17.09L | 18.49L | 19.59L | 19.79L | 19.99L |
Competition and Positioning
In this segment, the new Seltos now goes toe-to-toe with:
Hyundai Creta
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Tata Sierra
Skoda Kushaq / VW Taigun
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Honda Elevate
With its strong feature list, advanced safety tech, and refreshed design, the new kia Seltos stands out — especially for buyers who want a blend of practicality, style, and modern tech without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The all-new Kia Seltos isn’t just about a lower starting price — it represents a significant generational leap for Kia in India. From its striking looks and upscale cabin to powerful engine options and cutting-edge safety tech, it checks almost every box most buyers care about today.
The 2026 new Kia Seltos feels less like a “facelift” and more like a “level up.” It addresses the minor gripes of the previous model—specifically cabin space and ride quality—while doubling down on the technology and “bling” that Indian buyers love. At its current price point, it remains a formidable rival to the Hyundai Creta and the newly launched Tata Sierra.
For families, tech lovers, and even first-time SUV buyers, this new kia Seltos could be a compelling choice — one that feels mature, capable, and ready for the road ahead.
