Kia Seltos Review 2026: Still the Segment Benchmark or Overwhelmingly Complex

The mid-size SUV segment in India is a battlefield, and the Kia Seltos has long been the general leading the charge. Launched originally in 2019, it didn’t just enter the market; it redefined what an Indian buyer expects from a ₹15–20 lakh car. Fast forward to January 2, 2026, and the latest iteration of the Seltos is here with sharper looks, a more refined tech suite, and a dizzying array of engine-gearbox combinations.

With an entry-level price starting at ₹10.99 Lakh (ex-showroom), it positions itself right in the crosshairs of the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. But is it just a “feature-loaded” box, or does it have the mechanical soul to back up the hype? Let’s dive deep into this veteran journalist’s take on the 2026 Kia Seltos.

Quick Specs Table: The Seltos at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Engine Options	1.5L NA Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
Max Power (BHP)	113 (NA) / 158 (Turbo) / 114 (Diesel)
Max Torque (NM)	144 (NA) / 253 (Turbo) / 250 (Diesel)
Transmission	6MT, IVT (CVT), 6iMT, 7DCT, 6AT
Boot Space	447 Litres
Ground Clearance	190 mm
Fuel Tank	47 Litres

Exterior Design & Road Presence: The “Tiger” Grows Fangs

The Seltos has always been the “looker” of the segment. While the Creta’s design can be polarizing, the Seltos is universally handsome. The 2026 model retains the iconic Digital Tiger Face grille but adds more aggression.

• Lighting: The “Star Map” LED DRLs now sweep further into the grille, and the sequential LED indicators look premium—almost Audi-esque.
• Stance: With the 18-inch crystal-cut alloys on the GT-Line and X-Line variants, the car looks planted. It doesn’t just sit on the road; it owns it.
• Pothole Capability: The 190mm ground clearance is enough to tackle the dreaded “unscientific” speed breakers of Bengaluru or the monsoon-ruined roads of Mumbai without breaking a sweat.

Interior, Comfort & Features: A Tech-Lover’s Paradise

Step inside, and you’ll realize where your money is going. The dashboard is dominated by a dual 12.3-inch curved display (one for the cluster, one for infotainment).

The Good Stuff:

• Material Quality: The soft-touch plastics on the dashboard feel significantly better than the scratchy units found in the Grand Vitara.
• Ventilated Seats: A godsend for Indian summers. Once you use them, there’s no going back.
• Panoramic Sunroof: It’s massive. While it adds to the “wow” factor, remember it can turn the cabin into an oven if left uncovered in the afternoon sun.
• Dual-Zone Climate Control: Finally, you and your spouse can stop fighting over the AC temperature.

The Rear Seat Reality:

Can three people sit at the back? Yes, but it’s a squeeze. The floor isn’t completely flat, and while legroom is generous, the shoulder room is best suited for two adults and a child. The rear AC vents and USB-C charging ports are standard across most variants, which is a big plus for family trips.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics

This is where the Seltos offers something for everyone.

Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol

This is for the city dweller. It’s smooth, silent, and linear. Pair it with the IVT (CVT), and you have the perfect “stop-and-go” traffic companion. It feels a bit strained on steep Himalayan climbs, but for 90% of buyers, it’s enough.

Turbo Petrol (The Enthusiast’s Choice)

Producing 158 BHP and 253 NM, this engine is a firecracker. The 7-speed DCT is lightning-fast. Is it worth the price tag? If you love overtaking on highways with a mere tap of the pedal, absolutely.

Diesel (The Highway Cruiser)

Despite the “anti-diesel” sentiment, Kia’s 1.5L CRDi is one of the most refined units in India. It’s punchy and incredibly frugal on long hauls.

Suspension & Handling:

Kia has listened to feedback. The stiff ride of the 2019-2021 models is gone. The suspension now absorbs potholes easily, though it still remains slightly on the firmer side compared to the plushness of a Maruti Brezza. This firmness, however, means body roll is well-contained at 100kmph+.

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Real World Mileage: The Truth

We all know the ARAI figures are “lab-tested.” Here is what you can actually expect in Indian conditions:

Engine	ARAI Claimed	Real City (Heavy Traffic)	Real Highway (80-100 kmph)
1.5 Petrol (MT)	17.0 kmpl	10-11 kmpl	14-15 kmpl
1.5 Turbo (DCT)	17.9 kmpl	8-9 kmpl	13-14 kmpl
1.5 Diesel (AT)	19.1 kmpl	13-14 kmpl	18-20 kmpl

Safety: The 3-Star Elephant in the Room

The Seltos comes with 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, and ESC as standard across all variants. It also features Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in higher trims, which includes autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

However, the India-spec Seltos previously scored a 3-star rating in Global NCAP, with the bodyshell being rated as “unstable.” While Kia has reinforced the structure in the latest update, we are still waiting for a fresh Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP score to see if it finally hits the elusive 5-star mark.

The Competition: Seltos vs. Rivals

Feature	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta	Maruti Grand Vitara
USP	Tech & Performance	Comfort & Resale	Fuel Efficiency (Hybrid)
Top Power	158 BHP	158 BHP	114 BHP (Hybrid)
Best Mileage	20 kmpl (Diesel)	20 kmpl (Diesel)	27.97 kmpl (Hybrid)
VFM Winner	HTK+ / HTX	S(O) / SX	Zeta+ (Hybrid)

Final Verdict

The 2026 Kia Seltos is like a Swiss Army knife—there is a version for everyone. Whether you want a fuel-efficient diesel, a tech-heavy commuter, or a highway rocket, the Seltos delivers.

Buy it if:

• You want the best-in-class interior and features (Bose speakers, dual-zone AC).
• You want a powerful petrol engine that can outrun most cars in its segment.
• You appreciate good road presence and a “premium” brand image.

Skip it if:

• You want a plush, soft ride (The Creta or Elevate are softer).
• You are an efficiency purist (The Grand Vitara Hybrid wins here).
• You are strictly looking for a 5-star safety rated vehicle (Wait for the new NCAP scores).

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