2026 Kia Seltos launched in India at Rs 10.99 lakh

Slated to be launched globally in December 2025, Kia has launched the second-generation Seltos in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory price). The Seltos compact SUV is available in four major trim levels – HTE, HTK, HTX and GTX, with the X-Line available in the top-spec trim. Bookings have started from December 11, while deliveries are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Also read: 2026 Kia Seltos review: The formula is perfect, but what’s the delay?

2026 Kia Seltos: Exterior design

The design of the new Seltos is quite bold and is inspired by Kia’s larger SUVs like the Telluride. At the front, it gets a split headlamp layout with tall, vertical LED DRLs mounted on the sides of the dashboard, while the main headlamps are close to the grille and have LED projector elements. The grille is larger and more attractive than before, and the bumper design varies depending on Tech Line, GT Line or X-Line trims.

Talking about the side profile, the SUV looks more muscular than before due to the square wheel arches and clean shoulder line, it also has flush-fitting door handles. At the rear, the Seltos gets slim L-shaped LED tail lamps, a redesigned bumper and an integrated roof spoiler.

Also read: 2026 Kia Seltos unveiled globally, prices to be announced in India on January 2

2026 Kia Seltos: Dimensions and platform

Kia’s second generation Seltos is based on Kia’s K3 platform and all its models have increased in size. Now its wheelbase is 2,690 mm, which is 80 mm more than before. Overall length has increased by about 95 mm to 4,460 mm, width has increased by 30 mm to 1,830 mm, while height has reduced slightly to 1,635 mm.

2026 kia seltos cabin

Talking about the cabin, the design of the cabin is inspired by the recent Kia models like the Ciros. The dashboard has a layered design, with thin air vents and fewer buttons on the center stack. The expensive variant gets a large panoramic curved display, which houses two 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. A small 5-inch touchscreen is placed in between for climate control, while the buttons required for temperature and fan speed have been retained on the center console.

2026 kia seltos features

The premium models include key features like 10th electrically adjustable driver seat, memory function, head-up display, 64 color ambient lighting and relaxation mode for the driver seat. However, the biggest upgrades come in the lower-end models.

Now even the base variant gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, cruise control, keyless entry and LED lighting with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Variants from HTK trim onwards get ventilated seats, power driver seat, keyless go, panoramic sunroof and front parking sensors. The special thing is that Level 2 ADAS is no longer limited to just the GTX trim, advanced driver assistance features are also available in HTX.

2026 Kia Seltos: Engine and transmission options

Looking under the bonnet, Kia has retained the existing engine options for India. Like before, the Seltos is available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 112 bhp and 144 Nm of power, as well as a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine which produces 157 bhp and 253 Nm of power and there is also a 1.5-litre diesel engine which produces 114 bhp and 250 Nm of power.

Transmission options include 6-speed manual or iVT with NA petrol, 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT with turbo-petrol, and 6-speed manual or automatic with diesel.

2026 Kia Seltos: Competitors

In the Indian market, the new Seltos continues to compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hybrid, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.