The all-new 2026 Kia Seltos has officially been launched in India and it’s already creating a lot of excitement among SUV buyers. After months of teasers and anticipation, Kia India has brought the second-generation Seltos with a fresh design, updated technology, and a strong set of features that make it stand out in the compact SUV segment.
Bold New Look and Smart Design
The 2026 Kia Seltos looks very different from the older model. It has a bolder front end with a larger grille, sharper LED lights, and sporty design lines that give it a modern and aggressive stance on the road. The SUV is slightly bigger than before, offering more space inside for passengers and luggage.
Inside, the cabin feels premium and tech-focused. There is a large panoramic display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, giving the dashboard a clean and advanced look. The interior also gets soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and ventilated seats in higher trims, making it comfortable for both driver and passengers.
Powerful Engine Options
Under the hood, the new Seltos offers several engine choices to suit different driving styles and needs. You can choose from a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, a turbo-petrol engine that delivers more power, and a diesel option for those who travel a lot on highways. Each engine can be paired with different transmissions like a manual gearbox, CVT/IVT automatic, or a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) on turbo variants.
This range of engines makes the 2026 Seltos a balanced choice whether you want fuel-efficient city driving or more performance on open roads. Kia hasn’t officially published exact real-world mileage figures yet, but the petrol and diesel engines are expected to deliver competitive fuel economy close to what other SUVs in this class achieve.
Smart Technology and Safety
Technology is one of the main highlights of the new Seltos. The SUV is packed with connected car tech, over-the-air (OTA) update support, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system in higher variants. There’s also a dual-pane panoramic sunroof that adds to the feeling of openness inside the cabin.
Safety has been given a strong focus too. All models come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and standard rear-view camera. Many variants also offer Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and more. This makes the Seltos one of the safer choices in its class.
Mileage and Running Costs
While exact official mileage numbers may vary based on driving conditions, the 2026 Seltos generally promises decent fuel efficiency. According to early reports and test figures, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine can deliver around 18.5 km/l, while the turbo petrol version can deliver about 15.2 km/l under standard test conditions.
Diesel-powered variants are known for better efficiency on highways, and although Kia hasn’t released official numbers for India yet, similar engines in other markets show competitive mileage figures around 20 km/l or more in mixed driving conditions.
Price and Value for Money
The new 2026 Kia Seltos has been priced very competitively in India. It starts at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹19.99 lakh for top-end variants. This wide price range means there are choices for different budgets, whether you want a well-equipped base model or a fully loaded top variant with all the features.
Bookings are already open at Kia dealerships and online with deliveries expected to begin soon. Considering the features, engine options, safety tech, and updated design, the new Seltos offers strong value for buyers looking for a mid-size SUV in 2026.