Kia India will unveil the 2026 Kia Seltos today. This will be the second-generation version of the popular mid-size SUV, which initially entered the Indian market in 2019, establishing the carmaker as a major player in the domestic passenger vehicle (PV) market.
While we know that Kia offers several segment-first and segment-best features in its new cars, it will be rather interesting to see how the 2026 Seltos has been packaged. The packaging part has gained significance since the arrival of new models like the Tata Sierra and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.
The 2026 Seltos has been teased by Kia as well. However, the official teasers are of the exteriors only. But social media platforms are flooded with spy images showcasing the interiors of the new model.
Before the 2026 Kia Seltos makes its global debut, here are some important details that you need to know about it.
The mid-size SUV segment is flooded with options now. It is a crowded segment, to say the least. It is also one of the largest segments in the PV market so far as volumes are concerned. In FY25, it clocked wholesales of 6,09,516 units with the Seltos contributing with 72,618 units.
The 2026 Kia Seltos will take on the likes of the new Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mahindra Thar Roxx, Tata Curvv, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.
From the teasers, it is clear that Kia has heavily updated the exteriors of the Seltos. The front section has been completely revamped and now gets a new Kia Digital Tiger Face grille. The Star Map LED lighting system has been updated at the front and rear with additional use of DRLs. The SUV now features flush door handles and a bigger panoramic sunroof. On the whole, it seems that the vehicle has become sharper in profile, while aligning with Kia's 'Opposites United' design language.
The spy images of the cabin showcase a rather interesting phenomenon. It seems that the cabin of the 2026 Seltos has been inspired by that of the Syros. We found it a bit surprising that a bigger car is taking inspiration from a smaller vehicle.
The steering wheel, as well as the panoramic display panel, which integrates the touchscreen infotainment, climate control and instrument panel, seems to have been borrowed from the Syros. It might be possible that the panoramic display panel is bigger in size in the new Seltos.
Besides, we expect the 2026 Seltos to get new features like second-row seat ventilation, Level 2+ ADAS, and advanced connected car technology.
The Seltos has always been a rich model so far as powertrains are concerned. The existing model is offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (115PS/144Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160PS/253Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel (116PS/250Nm). Transmission choices include a 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, IVT, 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT. We expect the new Seltos to retain the powertrain options of the outgoing model.
While today is the unveil, we expect the 2026 Kia Seltos launch in India to take place in January. However, there is a possibility of Kia opening bookings for the new Seltos today.
The current Seltos is priced between Rs 10,79,276 and Rs 19,80,529 (ex-showroom). It currently has year-end offers to the tune of Rs 1,18,000. With all the updates, we expect the 2026 Kia Seltos price in India to be between Rs 11,00,000 and Rs 20,00,000 (ex-showroom).
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