The Kia Seltos has been one of the most influential SUVs in India’s mid-size segment since its launch. Now, Kia is ready to shake things up once again with the all-new second-generation Kia Seltos, a model that goes far beyond a cosmetic refresh. Bigger, bolder, smarter, and safer, the new Seltos is designed to reclaim its crown in an increasingly competitive SUV market.
With a striking new design, a tech-loaded interior, advanced safety systems, and familiar yet refined engines, the latest Seltos aims to set a new benchmark. Here’s a detailed, Discover-friendly review covering launch timeline, expected price, design changes, features, variants, engines, and why this SUV matters.
At Mahalingpur.in we take a close look at whether the new Kia Seltos truly lives up to the hype.
Kia Seltos 2026: Launch Date and Expected Price in India
Kia officially unveiled the second-generation Seltos on December 10, 2025, generating massive interest among SUV buyers. While the full specifications are already out, the final pricing announcement is just around the corner.
Key Launch Details
- Official price announcement: January 2, 2026
- Bookings open: December 11, 2025
- Kia seltos 2026 price in india (ex-showroom):
- Starting from around ₹11.20 lakh
- Going up to approximately ₹22 lakh for top variants
Kia is expected to price the new Seltos very competitively to take on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Tata Sierra.
New Kia Seltos Design: Bigger, Bolder, More Premium
The second-generation Seltos adopts Kia’s latest global design language and looks noticeably more premium and futuristic than before. Importantly, it is now larger in size, addressing one of the biggest demands from customers.
Exterior Highlights
- New Digital Tiger Nose grille with a sharper, more aggressive look
- Ice Cube LED projection headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs
- Segment-first flush pop-out door handles for a premium feel
- Up to 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels
- Rear gets connected Star Map LED tail lamps with a full-width light bar
Overall, the new Seltos has a stronger road presence and looks closer to a global SUV than ever before.
Kia Seltos 2026 Dimensions and Boot Space
The increase in size directly benefits interior space, especially for rear-seat passengers.
| Parameter | New Seltos | Old Seltos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,460 mm | 4,365 mm | +95 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,800 mm | +30 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,645 mm | -10 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,610 mm | +80 mm |
| Boot Space | 447 litres | 433 litres | +14 litres |
The 80 mm longer wheelbase significantly improves rear legroom, making the new Seltos more comfortable for family use.
Kia Seltos Interior: High-Tech, Premium, and Spacious
Step inside the new Seltos, and the upgrade is immediately noticeable. Kia has completely redesigned the cabin to feel more luxurious and technology-focused.
Trinity Panoramic Display
The biggest highlight is the dual 12.3-inch screen setup, seamlessly integrated into a single curved panel:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with OTA updates
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with lane camera display
Unlike many modern cars, Kia has smartly retained physical climate control buttons, improving everyday usability.
Interior Features That Stand Out
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- 64-colour ambient lighting across dashboard and doors
- Bose 8-speaker premium sound system
- 10-way powered driver seat with memory function
- Ventilated and powered front seats (higher variants)
The use of soft-touch materials and leatherette upholstery makes the cabin feel genuinely premium.
Safety First: Level 2 ADAS Comes to Seltos
Safety sees one of the biggest upgrades in the second-generation model.
Standard Safety Features
- 6 airbags as standard across all variants
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-start assist
- All-wheel disc brakes
Level 2 ADAS (Top Variants)
Kia now offers Level 2 ADAS with over 21 features, including:
- Forward collision warning and avoidance
- Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
- Smart cruise control with Stop & Go
- Blind spot collision avoidance
- Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
Additional convenience features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and an electric parking brake with auto hold.
Engine Options and Performance
Kia continues with its proven and reliable engine lineup, now paired with improved ride quality thanks to the third-generation K3 platform.
Engine and Transmission Options
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L NA Petrol | 115 PS | 144 Nm | 6MT / CVT |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 160 PS | 253 Nm | 6 iMT / 7DCT |
| 1.5L Diesel | 116 PS | 250 Nm | 6MT / 6AT |
The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with 7-speed DCT remains the enthusiast’s choice, offering class-leading performance.
Kia Seltos Variants Explained
Kia offers the new Seltos in a wide range of trims, ensuring something for every buyer.
Variant Breakdown
- HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O): Entry-level variants with strong safety and essential features
- HTX, HTX (A): Premium trims with panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, larger screens, and ADAS
- GTX, GTX (A): Sportier variants with turbo-petrol engine, 18-inch alloys, sporty interiors
- X-Line: Top-end styling-focused trim with matte paint, gloss-black elements, and exclusive upholstery
Final Verdict: Is the New Kia Seltos Worth Waiting For?
The all-new second-generation Kia Seltos is not just an update—it’s a complete evolution. With its larger dimensions, striking design, feature-loaded interior, advanced safety tech, and strong engine lineup, it raises the bar for the mid-size SUV segment.
If priced as expected, the 2026 Seltos will be one of the most well-rounded SUVs in India, appealing to families, tech lovers, and driving enthusiasts alike. Simply put, this is the new standard others will have to match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – New Kia Seltos 2026
1. When will the new second-generation Kia Seltos launch in India?
The all-new second-generation Kia Seltos was officially unveiled on December 10, 2025. The official prices will be announced on January 2, 2026, while bookings are already open across India.
2. What is the expected price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The expected ex-showroom price of the new Kia Seltos is likely to start from around ₹11.20 lakh and go up to approximately ₹22 lakh for the fully loaded top-end variants.
3. What are the engine options available in the new Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is offered with three engine options:
- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol
- 1.5L turbo-petrol
- 1.5L diesel
These engines are paired with multiple transmission options including manual, CVT, DCT, iMT, and automatic gearboxes.
4. Does the new Kia Seltos come with ADAS?
Yes, the second-generation Kia Seltos offers Level 2 ADAS on select higher variants. The system includes features like lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
5. How many airbags does the new Kia Seltos have?
The new Kia Seltos comes with 6 airbags as standard across all variants, making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment.
6. What are the major interior upgrades in the new Kia Seltos?
Key interior highlights include:
- Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays
- Panoramic sunroof
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Ventilated and powered front seats
- Bose premium sound system
These upgrades significantly improve comfort and technology compared to the previous model.
7. Is the new Kia Seltos bigger than the old model?
Yes, the second-generation Kia Seltos is larger in length and wheelbase, resulting in better rear-seat legroom and increased boot space compared to the previous generation.
8. Which Kia Seltos variant is best for performance?
The GTX and GTX (A) variants with the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed DCT offer the best performance and are ideal for driving enthusiasts.
9. Does the new Kia Seltos offer a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, the new Seltos features a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims, enhancing the cabin’s airy and premium feel.
10. Who are the main rivals of the new Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos competes with popular mid-size SUVs such as:
- Hyundai Creta
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Tata Sierra
11. Is the new Kia Seltos worth buying?
If you are looking for a feature-rich, safe, and powerful mid-size SUV, the second-generation Kia Seltos offers an excellent balance of design, performance, technology, and safety, making it a strong choice in its segment.
At Mahalingpur.in we take a close look at whether the new Kia Seltos truly lives up to the hype.