Kia Seltos : Ever since it first roared into showrooms back in 2019, the Kia Seltos has been a game-changer in India’s compact SUV segment.
Now, with the 2026 model freshly launched at Rs 10.99 lakh, Kia has dialed up the drama, tech, and safety to keep it ahead of rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara.
This isn’t just a facelift—it’s a bolder, smarter Seltos built on customer feedback from Indian roads. Longer, wider, and packed with Level 2 ADAS, it promises to dominate city commutes and highway hauls alike.
Striking Design That Turns Heads
Picture this: you’re cruising through Chandigarh traffic, and every light turns into a photo op. The 2026 Seltos nails that vibe with a front grille inspired by Kia’s bigger global beasts—a massive, stepped pattern with gunmetal accents that screams presence.
The “Digital Tiger Face” grille flows seamlessly into a sculpted hood with a subtle scoop, flanked by ice-cube LED projector headlamps.
Around back, those star-map connected LED tail lamps light up like a constellation, making night drives feel futuristic.
At 4,460mm long with a 2,690mm wheelbase, it’s grown just enough to feel more planted without losing that nimble urban edge.
Side profiles get streamline door handles—manual on base trims, auto-popping on higher ones—and muscular shoulder lines that hint at its athletic soul.
The X-Line pack on GT-Line trims adds a shadowy, aggressive flair with blacked-out bits. In colors like Aurora Borealis Green or matte finishes, it doesn’t just blend in; it owns the road.
Powertrains Tuned for Every Drive
Kia kept the mechanicals familiar but refined them on the new K3 platform for better ride quality. Kick things off with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115hp, 144Nm), paired to a slick 6-speed manual or CVT—perfect for relaxed city sips at around 16-18kmpl.
Crave punch? The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp, 253Nm) shines with iMT clutchless manual or 7-speed DCT, hitting 0-100kph in under 9 seconds while sipping efficiently.
Diesel fans rejoice: the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (116hp, 250Nm) mates to a 6-speed manual or torque-converter auto, delivering 20+ kmpl on highways.
All-wheel drive? Not here yet, but front-wheel setups handle monsoons and hills with ESC, hill-start assist, and drive modes including a new traction control toggle on the three-spoke steering wheel.
Real-world testing shows the turbo-petrol DCT combo as the sweet spot for enthusiasts—responsive without drama.
Cabin Tech That Feels Next-Level
Slide inside, and it’s like stepping into a premium lounge. The Trinity Panoramic Display—a 12.3-inch digital cluster merged with a 10.25-inch touchscreen—dominates the dash, running wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto with OTA updates.
Higher trims wow with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof flooding the space with light, ventilated front seats (auto variants get 8-way power with memory), and 64-color ambient lighting that sets the mood.
Bose’s 8-speaker setup thumps, while rear sunshades and a wireless charger keep passengers happy. The center console mixes tactile buttons for HVAC and a new electric parking brake with auto-hold.
Dual-zone auto AC, leatherette upholstery in dual-tones, and a heads-up display on top-spec models make long drives effortless.
Kia Connect app lets you pre-cool the cabin or track via remote diagnostics—smart for India’s chaotic parking lots.
Safety Suite Redefined for India
Gone are the days of basic airbags; the 2026 Seltos starts with six as standard across the board. Base HTE gets ABS, ESC, rear sensors, and a reverse camera, but climb to HTX (ADAS) at Rs 16.69 lakh,
And Level 2 ADAS unleashes 21 features: adaptive cruise, lane-keep, blind-spot alerts, auto emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera with blind-view monitor.
A stiffer structure boosts crash protection, while tyre pressure alerts and a powered driver’s seat with memory add daily peace of mind. In a market where potholes are the norm, this Seltos feels like Kia’s promise to keep you out of trouble.
Pricing and Variants Decoded
Entry HTE at Rs 10.99 lakh covers essentials without skimping on style. HTK (O) adds sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated seats for under Rs 14 lakh.
HTX piles on Bose audio and powered seats, while GT-Line and X-Line top out near Rs 19.99 lakh with all the bells.
Value shines in mid-trims like HTX (O)—sunroof, ADAS-ready, and turbo options without breaking the bank. Expect waiting lists, as Kia sold lakhs of the old one; this facelift could push past 2 lakh units yearly.
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Kia Seltos Why It Still Rules the Roost
In five years, Seltos rewrote the rules, blending Korean flair with Indian practicality.
The 2026 edition amps up safety and smarts without hiking prices much, targeting young families and tech-savvy pros who demand more from a Rs 11-20 lakh SUV.
Rivals match features, but none capture that bold charisma quite like this. Book one, hit the open road, and you’ll see why Kia isn’t just building cars—they’re crafting icons.