The new Kia Seltos 2026 marks the second generation of Kia’s popular midsize SUV in India. The second-generation Seltos has been officially revealed and is aimed at buyers who want a practical everyday car with a more modern look and updated features. Kia India is positioning the new Seltos as an evolution of the current model, keeping the familiar strengths and adding a more polished, premium feel.
Exterior & Interior Design
On the outside, the Kia Seltos 2026 gets a sharper, more upright stance. The front end now carries an updated grille design, new LED headlamps and a more defined bumper. The overall look is cleaner and more confident on the road. At the rear, the tail-lamp design has been reworked with a connected light treatment that makes the SUV appear wider and more upmarket.
Inside, the cabin of the new Kia Seltos 2026 feels more premium than before. The dashboard layout is neater, with a focus on horizontal lines and a more integrated screen setup. Materials, textures and colours have been updated to give a richer feel. Seat comfort has been improved and there is better use of storage spaces, making the interior more user-friendly for both daily city use and long highway drives.
Colors Available
Kia has kept a mix of familiar and fresh paint options for the new Seltos. Exact colour availability may vary by variant, but buyers can expect a combination of solid, metallic and dual-tone shades such as:
- Glacier White Pearl
- Gravity Grey
- Imperial Blue
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Magma or Intense Red-type shade
- Selected dual-tone options on higher trims
Key Features
The second-generation Kia Seltos focuses on making everyday life easier and more comfortable. Depending on the variant, key features are expected to include:
- Dual-screen layout for infotainment and driver display
- Wireless connectivity for smartphones
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Panoramic sunroof on selected variants
- Ventilated front seats
- Premium sound system
- Connected car features with app-based control
Engine / EV Specifications
The Kia Seltos 2026 is expected to carry forward a familiar set of engines with refinements for smoother performance and better efficiency. While final details for the India-spec Seltos may vary, a typical line-up for the new Kia Seltos 2026 could include:
- 1.5-litre petrol engine for everyday city and highway use
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine for buyers who want stronger performance
- 1.5-litre diesel engine suited for long-distance users
Manual and automatic gearbox options are expected across different engines. An all-electric or strong hybrid version of Seltos has been discussed in general, but there is no confirmed EV-only variant for India at the time of writing.
Mileage / Range
Official fuel-efficiency figures for the new Kia Seltos 2026 are yet to be confirmed. Since the engines are closely related to the outgoing model, buyers can expect mileage that is competitive within the segment. Diesel variants are usually chosen for higher range on long runs, while petrol variants focus on smoothness and ease of use in mixed city and highway conditions.
Safety Features
Safety is a strong priority in this segment, and Kia has updated the new Seltos accordingly. Depending on the variant, safety equipment is expected to include:
- Multiple airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control and traction aids
- Hill-start assist
- Rear-view camera with parking sensors
- Advanced driver assistance systems on higher trims (such as collision warnings and lane-based alerts)
Price & Launch Date
The Kia Seltos price for the second generation is expected to be slightly higher than the current model because of added features and the updated design. The Kia Seltos 2026 price in India is likely to fall in the estimated range of ₹11 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the chosen engine, transmission and feature package.
Kia has confirmed that the official India launch of the new Kia Seltos 2026 is scheduled for early 2026. Alongside the reveal, Kia India has also indicated that bookings for the new Seltos will open shortly before the launch. Buyers can expect pre-bookings to begin once variant-wise details are officially announced by the company.
With the second-generation official reveal completed and the confirmed launch timeline shared, the new Seltos is expected to reach showrooms soon after bookings commence.
Discount & Tax
As a new-generation model, large discounts at launch are unlikely. Over time, dealers may offer benefits during festive periods or with special schemes. Standard GST and registration charges for midsize SUVs will apply as per state rules. The final on-road cost will depend on the chosen variant, location and any offers available at the time of purchase.
Review – First Impressions
From a first look, the new Kia Seltos 2026 feels like a thoughtful update rather than a radical shift. The design is cleaner and more mature, the cabin feels richer and better organised, and the feature list has been updated to match expectations in this price band. For existing Seltos owners, it looks like a meaningful step up; for new buyers, it offers a balanced mix of style, comfort, technology and practicality.
Comparisons
In India, the main rival of the new Kia Seltos 2026 remains the Hyundai Creta, along with models like the Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun and others. Compared to these, the Seltos aims to stand out with a slightly sportier design, a premium-feeling cabin and a strong feature list. Buyers comparing the Hyundai Creta and the new Seltos will likely look closely at interior feel, the Kia Seltos price versus equipment, and the driving experience of each model.
Disclaimer
All details mentioned above are based on the second generation official revealed information and early announcements available at the time of writing. Final specifications, variants, features, mileage, discounts and the exact Kia Seltos 2026 price in India may change when Kia issues full official details.
FAQs
Q1. When will the new Kia Seltos 2026 launch in India?
The new Kia Seltos 2026 is confirmed to launch in India in early 2026. Kia has already showcased the second-generation Seltos globally and is preparing for its India rollout.
Q2. When will bookings start for the new Kia Seltos 2026?
Kia India will open official bookings shortly before the launch. The booking window is expected to begin as soon as Kia releases the final variant and feature details.
Q3. What is the expected price of the second-generation Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos 2026 price is expected to start around ₹11 lakh and go up to approximately ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on variant and engine options.
Q4. How does the new Kia Seltos compare with the Hyundai Creta?
Both SUVs compete in the same segment. The Seltos focuses on a sportier design, premium-feeling interior and updated features, while the Creta leans more toward comfort and a well-established ownership experience.
