Kia has taken the wraps off the 2026 Seltos. Underpinned by Kia’s updated K3 platform for the Seltos, It has grown in size, changed its stance, and some might say evolved in character. After driving the car, it is clear that Kia’s intent is to move the Seltos in a better place compared to the outgoing one, both in terms of road presence and cabin experience, all while retaining the same powertrains and variant choices that made it a strong seller in the first place.
The new Seltos is longer, wider, and rides on a longer wheelbase, which directly translates into improved cabin space and a bit more softer ride compared to the older one. Kia has also reworked the suspension setup, and on the road, the car feels more composed than before.
Bookings for the 2026 Kia Seltos have opened from 11 December 2025, with prices scheduled to be announced on 02 January 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin shortly after the price reveal. The SUV will be offered in four core trims namely the HTE, HTK, HTX and GTX, along with options variants HTE(O), HTK(O), HTX(A) and GTX(A). The X-line package is only offered on the GTX and GTX(A).
Design
Visually, the 2026 Seltos feels more SUV-like than its predecessor. The increased dimensions 4,460 MM in length and 1,830 MM in width give it a broader stance, and Kia has leaned into that with sharper surfacing and more upright proportions.
Up front, we get the new Digital Tiger Face, flanked by Ice Cube LED projection headlamps and Star Map LED DRLs. The grille now sits higher and wider, and the bumper design is chunkier, with more prominent skid plate elements.
In profile, the longer wheelbase is evident, and the flush-type automatic door handles clean up the side. The 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels with neon green brake callipers fill the arches well, giving the Seltos a more muscular look than before.
At the rear, we get the connected Star Map LED tail lamps. The tailgate design is cleaner, and the integrated spoiler with a hidden rear wiper is a well thought touch. Overall, this is a more cohesive and mature design as compared to its older version.
Interior
Inside, the cabin feels more sophisticated, both in layout and material quality. Even the hard plastics are well-textured and finished, which helps elevate the perceived quality. One feature that has been quietly dropped is the in-cabin air purifier, which was available on the outgoing Seltos. Given Indian driving conditions and rising awareness around cabin air quality, its omission feels like a step back, especially when the 2026 model otherwise positions itself as a more premium and tech-forward product. While it may not be a deal-breaker for most buyers, it is a downgrade worth noting in an update that largely focuses on improvements.
Dominating the dashboard are the same displays as the Syros. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a matching 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, paired with a 5-inch climate control display.
Compared to the older Seltos, the dashboard design is cleaner and more layered, with better use of contrast materials and ambient lighting. The leather wrapped, D-cut 3 spoke steering wheel is new, inspired by the EV6 and EV9 with a dual-tone finish.
Space is another area where the K3 platform makes a difference. Rear seat legroom has improved, and the cabin feels airier overall. Seat cushioning and support are better than before, especially in the front, which now offers 10 way power adjustable memory seat with welcome function for the driver and ventilation for both the driver and passenger in higher trims.
However, there are some omissions that stand out. Despite the Seltos moving upmarket, there is no rear-seat ventilation or boss mode, features that are already available on the Syros, which sits a segment lower. Additionally, the sun visor lacks illuminated vanity mirrors, offering only a mirror without lighting, an odd miss at this price point.
Tech
On the tech front, the Seltos is well-equipped. Some highlights include:
- Bose 8-speaker audio system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Kia Connect 2.0 with OTA updates
- ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features
Safety is comprehensive, with six airbags standard, ESC, ABS, hill-start assist, and a full suite of active safety systems. The addition of ADAS across multiple variants makes the Seltos more competitive in a segment where such tech is becoming a key differentiator
Powertrain
- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS, 144 NM)
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 PS, 253 NM)
- 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS, 250 NM)
Transmission options include 6-speed manual, iMT, IVT, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed automatic, depending on the engine and variant.
Driving Experience
On the road, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol stands out. It feels responsive, refined, and well-matched to the car’s updated dynamics. The engine delivers strong mid-range performance, making effortless overtakes.
Ride quality has improved noticeably. The new platform and suspension tuning make the Seltos more settled over uneven roads, and high-speed stability is better than the outgoing Seltos.
The steering, however, felt slightly lighter and less communicative than expected in the turbo-petrol variant. This could partly be attributed to the MRF tyres fitted on the petrol version, which differ from the Apollo tyres used on the diesel. The diesel, while having a better feel in terms of steering, compared to the turbo petrol, feels a bit sluggish. It’s not only the power difference between the two, the new platform is heavy and even though the Seltos is more aerodynamic than before, fuel efficiency has taken a hit. It’s not as bad as the Syros, but to get a more real world figure, we will drive the car again and update the figures.
Verdict
The 2026 Kia Seltos is clearly a more grown-up car than before. It looks more muscular, feels better inside, rides better, and offers a feature list that will appeal to tech-focused buyers.
The K3 platform has delivered tangible benefits in space, comfort, and refinement. That said, the absence of rear-seat ventilation, boss mode, and illuminated vanity mirrors feels like a missed opportunity, especially when these features are available on more affordable Kia models.
These are gaps Kia could easily address in a future update possibly a facelift later on.
Overall, the new Seltos is expected to strengthen Kia’s position in the midsize SUV segment. It may not be flawless, but it is definitely a more mature, better-rounded product than the model it replaces and one that continues to give buyers plenty of choice.
