The Kia Seltos has been around for a while, offering a tech-laden option in the mid-segment SUV category. Kia India has now officially pulled the covers off the second-generation 2026 Kia Seltos, and this time, it is all new – not a simple facelift. The Seltos is loaded with major upgrades in design, technology, and safety, and is expected to intensify the brutal competition in the mid-size SUV segment, directly targeting rivals including the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.
While the brand is yet to reveal the prices, Kia is taking bookings for the new Seltos from December 11, for an initial amount of Rs 25,000. Industry insiders say that prices are expected to be officially announced on January 2.
If you are making up your mind to consider the Seltos as your next SUV and wonder whether you should choose it over the Tata Sierra and Maruti Victoris, here are five features that set the new Seltos apart from the competition.
1. Kia Seltos 2026 is bigger
Built on the Kia K3 platform, the new Seltos is now the longest SUV in its segment. Its dimensions stand at 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, complemented by an 80 mm increase in the wheelbase, which now measures 2,690 mm. This promises superior cabin space.
2. Premium cabin and dual 30-inch curved display
Inside the 2026 Kia Seltos, the cabin has been completely revamped for a more premium and tech-focused experience. The biggest update is the introduction of a new 30-inch integrated dual-screen setup, which is a single curved display housing both the digital driver’s display and the main infotainment touchscreen. The new dash layout features dual-tone elements and luxurious leatherette upholstery.
The feature list is extensive, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a Heads-Up Display (HUD), an eight-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
3. Kia EV9-inspired design for Seltos
The 2026 Seltos features a bold new face, adopting Kia’s updated design philosophy. Key external changes include a restyled ‘tiger nose’ grille, aggressive vertical lighting elements, and redesigned front and rear bumpers with gunmetal finish skid plates. The SUV now rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels and showcases a unique taillight design across the rear tailgate.
3. 2026 Kia Seltos brings Level 2 ADAS
In a significant upgrade for the segment, the 2026 Seltos now offers Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This suite includes features such as Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, increasing occupant and driving safety. Standard safety equipment across all variants includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-start assist, and all-wheel disc brakes, alongside an electronic parking brake.
4. Kia Seltos gets a powerful turbo-petrol engine
The new Seltos retains two popular engine options while introducing a powerful turbo-petrol choice:
– 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol: Delivers 160 hp and 253 Nm of torque.
– 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol: Produces 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque.
– 1.5-litre Diesel: Generates 116 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
The SUV offers a variety of gearbox choices, including Manual (MT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT), Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and Automatic (AT) options, alongside new traction control modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand.
