The Kia Seltos is not merely an SUV; it is the vehicle that established Kia’s dominance in the highly competitive Indian mid-size SUV segment. The model currently available in showrooms incorporates the successful mid-cycle facelift. However, late 2025/early 2026 marks the arrival of the next-generation Kia Seltos, which has been officially unveiled and is set for pricing in January 2026. This comprehensive generational leap, which moves the Seltos to the new K3 platform, is designed to set an entirely new benchmark for technology, design, and powertrain choice.
This detailed review dissects the confirmed specifications of the all-new Kia Seltos (2026 Model Year), focusing on its revolutionary new features, its enhanced safety proposition, and the expected market positioning that makes it one of the most significant launches of the year.
Engine Specs and Powertrains: The Power of Four Choices
The Kia Seltos continues to offer a broad range of powertrain options, ensuring it has a variant to suit every budget and driving style. The next generation is highly anticipated to add a crucial fourth powertrain: a Strong Hybrid.
The Core Trio (Carried Over and Refined):
- 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol:
- Power/Torque: 115 PS / 144 Nm.
- Transmissions: 6-speed Manual (MT) or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT – CVT).
- Role: The refined, entry-level option, best for city cruising and maximizing smoothness.
- 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol (T-GDi):
- Power/Torque: 160 PS / 253 Nm (Best-in-segment performance).
- Transmissions: 6-speed iMT (Clutchless Manual) or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
- Role: The performance champion, offering exhilarating acceleration and highway dominance.
- 1.5-litre Turbo-Diesel (CRDi VGT):
- Power/Torque: 116 PS / 250 Nm.
- Transmissions: 6-speed MT or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (TC AT).
- Role: The workhorse, known for its excellent low-end torque and reliability for high-mileage users.
The Game-Changer: Strong Hybrid (Anticipated)
- Anticipated Addition: The most significant expected upgrade is the Strong-Hybrid powertrain, likely pairing the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox.
- Role: Directly challenges the segment-leading efficiency of rivals like the Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara, promising city mileage figures well above 25 kmpl.
Features: The Trinity Panoramic Display and ADAS Level 2
The new-generation Kia Seltos transforms its cabin into a true technological hub, directly challenging premium offerings.
Interior Revolution:
- Trinity Panoramic Display (Confirmed): The interior is dominated by a sweeping, cohesive dual 12.3-inch curved screen setup. This system integrates the digital driver’s display and the infotainment unit into one seamless, premium panel, drastically elevating the cabin’s luxury quotient.
- Panoramic Sunroof (Confirmed): A highly requested feature, the full-length panoramic sunroof will open up the cabin, addressing a major feature deficit against competitors.
- Comfort & Convenience Upgrades: The new Seltos adds essential luxury features expected by modern buyers:
- Ventilated and Powered Front Seats.
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto-Hold.
- Redesigned Console: Features a new compact gear selector and layered dashboard design with ambient lighting.
- Premium Audio: Retains the high-quality Bose 8-speaker system.
Safety and Technology: ADAS Level 2 Enhanced
- Six Airbags Standard (Confirmed): Kia has committed to equipping six airbags as standard across the entire Seltos lineup, providing an essential foundation of passive safety.
- ADAS Level 2 (Enhanced): The advanced Level 2 ADAS suite is retained and upgraded, featuring 21 autonomous safety functions including:
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Forward Collision Warning/Avoidance.
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA).
- 360-degree Surround View Camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM).
Mileage Test: Segment-Leading Efficiency
The Kia Seltos offers highly competitive mileage figures due to the efficiency tuning of its modern BS6 Phase 2 engines.
- 1.5L Diesel (MT): The most frugal, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.7 kmpl. Real-world figures hover reliably between 16–18 kmpl in mixed driving.
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (DCT): Offers the best blend of performance and economy, with an ARAI figure of 17.9 kmpl. Real-world performance driving will see figures closer to 12–14 kmpl.
- Strong Hybrid (Expected): Should deliver the segment’s highest efficiency, easily exceeding 25 kmpl in city conditions, offering massive savings for daily commuters.
Safety Rating: Seeking the New Benchmark
The previous Seltos generation received a 3-Star Global NCAP safety rating. However, the new-generation Kia Seltos is built on the stronger K3 platform, features six airbags as standard, and is equipped with a complete suite of ADAS Level 2.
While the new crash test results under the stricter Bharat NCAP are pending, the structural upgrades and the standardization of six airbags across all variants strongly suggest the new Seltos is engineered to achieve a superior safety score, likely targeting a 5-Star rating to match segment leaders and address past criticisms.
Read More: Lamborghini Huracán
Variants: Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line
The Kia Seltos maintains its three-tier structure to differentiate features and styling:
- Tech Line (HTE to HTX+): Focuses on value, comfort, and safety. Includes core features like the 6-airbag package, LED lighting, and the Panoramic Sunroof (from HTK(O) trim).
- GT Line (GTX+): Adds sporty design elements, specific grille inserts, brushed metal pedals, and performance-themed interiors, targeting enthusiasts.
- X-Line: The top-tier, exclusive variant featuring an all-black exterior trim, unique alloy wheels, and premium two-tone interiors (e.g., the smoky black and hunter green theme seen in early teasers).
Price in India (Expected)
With the significant upgrades in technology (dual 12.3-inch screens) and safety (panoramic sunroof, ADAS enhancements), the new-generation Kia Seltos is expected to see a slight price increase over the outgoing model (which started at ₹10.79 lakh). Pre-bookings have opened for ₹25,000, with prices set to be announced on January 2, 2026.
The estimated Ex-Showroom Price in New Delhi is projected as follows:
| Variant (Example) | Engine/Transmission | Expected Ex-Showroom Price (Starts) | Estimated On-Road Price (New Delhi) |
| HTE (O) – Base | 1.5L Petrol MT | ₹ 11.20 Lakh | ₹ 12.90 Lakh |
| HTK Plus (O) Diesel AT | 1.5L Diesel TC AT | ₹ 17.50 Lakh | ₹ 20.35 Lakh |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT | ₹ 19.80 Lakh | ₹ 23.05 Lakh |
| X-Line Diesel AT (Top) | 1.5L Diesel TC AT | ₹ 20.99 Lakh | ₹ 24.30 Lakh |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Revolutionary Display: Dual 12.3-inch curved screens set a new technology standard. | Price Increase: The immense feature list will lead to a higher starting price than previous generations. |
| Performance: Class-leading 160 PS Turbo-Petrol engine retained for enthusiast driving. | No AWD on Main Variants: Drive remains FWD; AWD is restricted to select diesel AT trims. |
| Safety: Six airbags standard and enhanced Level 2 ADAS suite. | Hybrid Launch Delay: The highly anticipated Strong Hybrid is a major unknown for the initial launch phase. |
| Comfort: Panoramic Sunroof, Ventilated Seats, and EPB with Auto-Hold are now included. | Stiff Suspension: The suspension tuning, favouring handling, may still result in a slightly firm ride over very rough, broken city roads. |
Final Verdict: The New Segment King
The Kia Seltos 2025/2026 is not just an update; it is an overhaul that strategically positions the vehicle to reclaim the segment crown. It maintains its formidable powertrain options while introducing revolutionary cabin technology (the dual 12.3-inch screens), crucial comfort features (panoramic sunroof), and enhanced safety. For the buyer prioritizing technology, design, and a powerful engine choice in the mid-size SUV segment, the new Seltos is the most compelling and definitive choice available in 2026.