2026 Kia Seltos HTE: Looking to buy the SUV's base variant? Here is what it offers over Tata Sierra

Both Seltos and Sierra are feature-loaded SUVs.

• Kia Seltos 2026 prices to be announced on January 2
• Base variant offers LED lights, 10.25-inch touchscreen, cruise control
• Seltos 2026 base variant expected to start at Rs 11 lakh ex-showroom

Did our AI summary help?

Kia recently unveiled the second-generation Seltos. While bookings for the new version have opened, its prices will be announced on January 2. In the Seltos 2026, Kia has introduced a model that is feature-loaded right from the base variant.

The Seltos 2026 is available in four base variants -- HTE, HTK, HTX and GTX -- along with four option variants -- HTE(O), HTK(O), HTX(A) and GTX(A). Higher trims also get the X-Line styling pack.

The new Kia Seltos is entering the market at a time when there is a lot of buzz around the Tata Sierra. Both models are based in the mid-size SUV segment, which also has models like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

In case you are looking to buy the base variant of the Seltos 2026, it has features like ice cube LED headlamps and star map LED DRLs, star map LED taillamps, 16-inch steel wheels with cover, front and rear skid plates with silver finish, shark fin antenna, integrated rear spoiler with LED high mount stop lamp and flush-fitted door handles, on the outside.

The cabin has dual-tone black and grey interiors. The driver's seat can be manually adjusted for height. There is a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The instrument cluster is a 12-inch LCD unit with a 4.2-inch coloured TFT multi-information display. Like the top-spec variants, you get the double D-cut steering wheel in the base variant as well. However, there are only controls for audio. You also get metallic inside door handles.

The feature list continues with two C-type USB charging ports, each at the front and rear, cruise control with manual speed limit assist, keyless entry and central locking, power windows (all doors) with switch illumination, centre console with armrest and cup holders, LED room and map lamp, sunglass holder and passenger side vanity mirror, day and night IRVM, front passenger adjustable headrest, manual air conditioner and rear AC vents, electric adjustable and body coloured ORVMs, and aero type wiper blades.

Kia claimed that the base variant of the Seltos, HTE, has certain advantages in terms of features over the base variant of the Sierra, Smart+. Among them are 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers (Sierra has two), steering-mounted audio controls, rear view camera, cruise control, a spare tyre (Sierra gets a tyre mobility kit), TPMS, downhill brake control, rear occupant alert, auto headlamps and multiple C-type USB charging ports at the rear.

The base variant of the Seltos 2026 can be had either with the Smartstream G1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine (115PS and 144Nm) or the 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine (116PS and 250Nm). Both engines can be had only with a 6-speed manual transmission in the base variant.

While the base variant of the outgoing Seltos is priced at Rs 10.79 lakh (ex-showroom), we expect the Seltos 2026 price to start at Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom).