The Next-Gen Kia Seltos Unveiled In India, Ahead of January 2 Launch

Kia has recently unveiled the all-new 2026 Kia Seltos in India. This will be the second-generation model that offers a bolder, boxier stance. The next-generation model has completely gone through several aesthetic changes, from exterior design to interior upgrades. This second-generation model will be available in 10 monotone color schemes with two new colors introduced—Morning Haze and Magma Red.

The car will be packed with 92 advanced features, along with more cabin space and comfort. This time, the car has grown by 80 mm in wheelbase. However, the overall design of the car is expected to be 95 mm longer, 30 mm wider, and 10 mm shorter. Let’s take a closer look at what possible features this car has to offer for the people of India and how it gives well-versed competition to its rivals.

Bold New Rugged Design

The 2026 Kia Seltos features a squared-off, upright profile with a flatter bonnet, wider stance, and flush door handles for a muscular SUV silhouette. The front fascia of the car is the most highlighted design element, as it includes a reinterpreted Tiger Face grille flanked by vertical LED DRLs and all-LED headlights.

While looking at the car from the rear, we ought to see a sleek LED light bar and chunkier bumpers. Additionally, the car gets new large alloy wheels with new skid plates on both front and rear ends. Enhanced dimensions promise more interior space, positioning it as a premium rival to the Hyundai Creta and 2025 Tata Sierra.

Advanced Premium Interiors

Just like the exterior design, the car is completely overhauled in the interior as well. While getting inside the car, we can interact with a dual-tone dashboard finish integrated with a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup with slim vents and intuitive ergonomic control for a premium layout. The most highlighted feature inside the cabin is the introduction of the 3-spoke steering wheel with the offset brand logo.

Other features inside the cabin come as standard, and some might be available under the top trim level. Some of the sophisticated key features include the following:

• Ambient Lighting
• 2nd-row flat-folding seat
• Wireless connectivity
• Front Row ventilated seats
• Dual-Zone Climatic Control
• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• HUD
• Powered Driver Seats
• Memory Function ORVM
• 8-speaker Bose Surround System

​This feature-loaded cabin elevates everyday drives while retaining Kia's signature progressive luxury.

​2026 Kia Seltos: Powertrain Lineup

The 2026 Kia Seltos will come with two petrol-powered gasoline engines and one diesel engine. The base model offers a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 115 HP and 144 Nm of torque. Another engine is the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine producing 160 HP and 253 Nm of torque.

The last engine will be the 1.5L diesel engine that generates around 116 HP along with 250 Nm of torque. For the 2026 iteration, the car will offer a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and a 6-speed iVT and 6-speed automatic transmission setup.

Also Read: The Second-Generation Kia Seltos Makes Debut on December 10: Everything You Need To Know

Advanced Safety Suite

Built on a reinforced platform, the Seltos offers six airbags standard, ESC, hill-start assist, a 360-degree camera, and tyre pressure monitoring. Level-2 ADAS shines with 21 functions, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. All-disc brakes and rear occupant alert ensure top-tier protection.

Pricing & Advanced Bookings

India launch targets early 2026, post-global premiere. The car will be available in variants like HTK, HTX, and GTX, catering to diverse buyers. Moreover, the advanced booking of the car will start tonight, and you can book your vehicle with Rs 25,000 from the website or from the authorized dealership.

Conclusion

The 2026 Kia Seltos feels like a well-judged evolution rather than a risky experiment, blending bold design, richer tech and serious safety upgrades. For buyers wanting a sophisticated, future-ready mid-size SUV, it now looks more like the benchmark than the challenger.