2026 Kia Seltos India Launch: A Complete Overview
The highly awaited 2026 Kia Seltos has finally been unveiled in India, bringing with it a refreshed design, upgraded powertrain options, and a more sophisticated feature set. Since its first launch in 2019, the Seltos has grown into one of India’s most popular compact SUVs. With the 2026 update, Kia aims to strengthen its position by offering a more premium, modern, and technologically advanced vehicle. This version is not just a cosmetic refresh but a comprehensive upgrade that addresses customer expectations in design, performance, comfort, and safety.
A Bold and Modern Exterior Design of Kia Seltos
The 2026 Seltos adopts Kia’s updated global design philosophy, giving it a stronger and more assertive personality. At the front, the SUV now features a redesigned grille with a wider stance and a more prominent chrome surround. The new vertical LED DRLs paired with sleeker LED headlamps give the Seltos a more futuristic appearance. The bumper has been re-sculpted with cleaner lines, adding to its sporty character.
From the side, the most noticeable change is the introduction of flush-fitting door handles, which improve aerodynamics and elevate the premium feel. The SUV now feels more planted thanks to its broader look, larger glass area, and newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the Seltos has received a full redesign with inverted L-shaped LED tail-lamps connected by an LED light bar. The refreshed tailgate and a slightly larger roof spoiler complete the updated look, giving the vehicle a more modern stance.
The SUV’s updated proportions offer enhanced road presence. With a length of roughly 4,460 mm, width of around 1,830 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm, the 2026 Seltos maintains compact SUV practicality while offering an impression of a much larger, more spacious vehicle.
Premium Interior Built for Comfort and Technology
Inside, the 2026 Seltos is a significant leap forward. Kia has reimagined the cockpit with a dual 12.3-inch curved screen layout that merges the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a continuous panel. This setup not only looks premium but also provides smoother interaction and better visibility.
The dashboard has a cleaner, more layered design with soft-touch materials and metallic inserts. The steering wheel has been updated with a flat-bottom design and media controls. Features such as ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a powered driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting enhance the sense of refinement.
Passengers at the rear benefit from improved cushioning, better recline angles, and increased knee room due to revised seat geometry. The panoramic sunroof, now bigger than before, adds brightness and airiness to the cabin. The boot space has also been optimized for better usability, making the SUV more practical for family travel.
On the tech front, the infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and an updated navigation interface. A premium Bose audio system elevates the in-car entertainment experience.
Updated and Powerful Powertrain Options
Kia offers the 2026 Seltos with three engine choices, each catering to different driving styles.
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
This engine produces 115 PS and 144 Nm, ideal for everyday city commuting and relaxed driving. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.
1.5L Turbo-Petrol (GDi)
The more exciting option is the turbocharged petrol engine producing 160 PS and 253 Nm. It offers brisk acceleration and is suitable for highway driving and performance-focused buyers. This engine is paired with either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT.
1.5L Diesel
For mileage-conscious buyers, the diesel variant generating 116 PS and 250 Nm remains a reliable choice. It is available with manual and automatic transmissions, appealing to long-distance drivers.
This wide variety of powertrain options allows buyers to choose their ideal combination of power, efficiency, and driving convenience.
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance
The 2026 Seltos enhances its safety profile with a reinforced body structure and updated ADAS features (in higher variants). These include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist come standard across variants.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Kia Seltos emerges as a far more polished and mature SUV compared to its predecessors. Its bold new design, premium cabin upgrades, feature-rich interior, strong engine lineup, and enhanced safety systems make it one of the most compelling choices in the compact SUV segment. Buyers looking for a stylish, comfortable, and technologically advanced SUV will find the new Seltos exceptionally well-rounded.