- Kia has unveiled the all-new 2026 Seltos at its global premiere in Hyderabad, showcasing a generational redesign with more modern interiors, larger footprint, new tech features and updated powertrain options. Bookings will open from December 11 ahead of a launch in January 2026.
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check offers Kia has unveiled the all-new 2026 Seltos in India, with Hyderabad as the global stage for the SUV's world premiere. The 2026 model features a generational update that brings a major design refresh along with a more premium cabin along with a new tech suite, making it the South Korean carmaker's most important launch of the year. The new Kia Seltos will open for booking at midnight on December 11, 2025, ahead of the official launch on January 2, 2026.
The new Seltos brings a strong visual identity to the new generation, while becoming significantly larger than the outgoing model. Its front fascia has been revised with a wider grille flanked by vertically placed LED DRLs and redesigned LED headlamps. The SUV sports flush-fitting door handles, which aligns with the latest design direction for Kia's global portfolio. It rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels and reveals a new connected taillamp assembly at the rear along with revised front and rear bumpers with cosmetic skid plates. Additional design elements include a revised roof spoiler with an integrated stop lamp, a hidden rear wiper and a shark fin antenna.
Kia also showcased a matte red paint option with a contrasting black roof, highlighting the more assertive stance of the SUV. Manufacturing of the Seltos continues at Kia's Anantapur plant, with design and development inputs contributed by the brand's Indian R&D team.
2026 Kia Seltos: Variant-wise features and engine delivery
| Type | Main Features (Brief) | engine availability |
|---|---|---|
| hte | LED headlamps and DRL, LED tail lamps, 16-inch steel wheels, manual AC, 12-inch LCD cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, cruise control, keyless entry, rear AC vents | G1.5 Petrol, 1.5 Diesel |
| hte(o) | Adds connected LED tail lamps, semi-leatherette seats, 60:40 rear split, rear armrest, rear adjustable headrests; Auto variants get EPB, traction mode, drive mode | G1.5 Petrol, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel |
| htk | This includes 17-inch alloys (except G1.5 MT), auto-fold mirrors, smart key, push-button start, rear sunshade, tilt and telescopic steering. | G1.5 Petrol, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel |
| HTK(O) | These include panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, LED personal lamps, wireless charger, front parking sensors; The auto variant gets ventilated seats and a powered driver's seat. | G1.5 Petrol, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel |
| htx | This includes premium interiors, ambient lighting, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Kia Connect, ventilated seats, Bose 8-speaker system, dual-zone climate control. | G1.5 Petrol, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel |
| htx(a) | Trinity panoramic display, 12.3-inch digital cluster, ADAS level-2 with 21 features, 360° camera, blind view monitor added | G1.5 Petrol IVT, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol DCT, 1.5 Diesel AT |
| gtx | It includes projection LED headlamps, GT-Line styling, 18-inch alloys, sporty interiors, 10-way powered driver seat with memory, auto reverse ORVMs. | G1.5 Petrol IVT, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel AT |
| gtx(a) | ADAS Level-2 suite, Trinity panoramic panel, 12.3-inch digital cluster, additional parking assist features included | G1.5 Petrol IVT, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol DCT, 1.5 Diesel AT |
| x-line | Matte/Dark Styling Pack, Black Alloys, Hunter-Green Interior, Satin Accents | G1.5 Petrol IVT, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol, 1.5 Diesel AT |
| X-Line(A) | All GTX(A) features including X-Line styling + ADAS Level-2 and panoramic display | G1.5 Petrol IVT, G1.5 Turbo-Petrol DCT, 1.5 Diesel AT |
Redesigned cabin with dual-screen layout
Kia has completely revamped the interior of the new Seltos, with the changes moving the cabin towards a more modern, feature-rich feel. The SUV adopts a new floating 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display panel for infotainment and digital cluster with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver gets a new steering wheel design, refreshed switchgear and a head-up display, while the rest of the interior benefits from ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The rear seats fold flat into a two-row configuration, helping to increase boot capacity to 447 litres.
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security systems
The 2026 Kia Seltos offers a wide range of safety features, starting with six airbags, including front, side and curtain units. The suite also includes all-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, VSM and brake assist as well as hill-start assist, downhill brake control and rollover sensor for better stability in different terrain conditions. The cabin benefits from ISOFIX rear anchors, three-point seatbelts for all occupants with reminder, child lock function and speed-sensing door locks with impact-sensing auto unlock.
The package adds a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, rear parking sensors, a highline tire pressure monitor, auto headlamps and a rear occupant alert system. Level-2 ADAS is offered on the top-spec HTX(A) and GTX(A) variants, which include features like collision avoidance assist and warning, lane driving assistance, 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring.
familiar display
The 2026 Kia Seltos will continue to offer the familiar trio of engines: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. Transmission options include manual, iMT, iVT, DCT and a 6-speed torque converter for the diesel.
For 2026, the Seltos gets three traction modes – Snow, Mud and Sand. These alter traction control and drivetrain behavior based on surface conditions, increasing the SUV's usability in different terrains.
Six years after the first-generation Seltos established Kia's reputation in the Indian market, the 2026 model comes with a rugged, aggressive design and a tech-packed cabin. Full version and pricing details will be revealed closer to January 2 as Kia prepares to fully launch the second generation of its popular mid-size SUV in India.
| engine type | power output | Torque: | gearbox option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol | 113 bhp | 144 nm | manual,ivt |
| 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 158 bhp | 253 nm | IMT, DCT |
| 1.5-litre diesel | 114 bhp | 250nm | manual, tc |
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First publication date: 10 Dec 2025, 13:44 PM IST