The king of “bling” just got a massive brain and brawn upgrade. If you thought the 2024 facelift was enough, the real truth is that Kia was saving the best for 2026. This isn’t just another minor cosmetic tweak; the Kia Seltos 2026 is the second-generation avatar of the SUV that practically built the Kia brand in India.

Launched on January 2, 2026, the new Seltos is now longer, wider, and sits on the advanced K3 platform. With a starting price of ₹10.99 Lakh (ex-showroom), Kia is aggressively targeting both budget buyers and luxury seekers. But is it worth the price tag when you move up to the ₹19.99 Lakh trims? Let’s find out.

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Here is the raw data for the tech-heads. Note the increase in wheelbase—this translates directly to more legroom.

Feature	1.5L Petrol (NA)	1.5L Turbo Petrol	1.5L Diesel
Max Power	115 PS	160 PS	116 PS
Max Torque	144 Nm	253 Nm	250 Nm
Transmission	6MT / IVT (CVT)	6iMT / 7DCT	6MT / 6AT
Wheelbase	2,690 mm (+80mm)	2,690 mm	2,690 mm
Ground Clearance	190 mm	190 mm	190 mm
Boot Space	447 Litres	447 Litres	447 Litres

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The 2026 Seltos looks like a junior Telluride. The Digital Tiger Face grille is now wider and more upright, giving it a much more “Boss” stance compared to the older, sleeker model.

Does it turn heads? Absolutely. The new inverted L-shaped LED tail lamps and the automatic flush door handles (available in higher trims) make it feel like a car from a segment above. If you’re a fan of “visual theatrics,” the welcome light choreography on the DRLs will make you feel like you’re entering a premium club every time you unlock the car.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and you’ll realize where your money is going. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 30-inch panoramic display (which actually houses the 12.3-inch infotainment and 12.3-inch cluster).

• Dashboard: It’s a mix of soft-touch leatherette and high-quality plastics. The new three-spoke steering wheel (borrowed from the EV6) feels chunky and premium.
• Space: Because the wheelbase has grown by 80mm, the rear seat legroom is finally comparable to the Honda Elevate. Can 3 people sit at the back? Yes, more comfortably than before, though the middle passenger still has to deal with a slight floor hump.
• The “Wow” Features: You get a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Bose system that is arguably the best in class.

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

• City Drive: The 1.5L NA Petrol with the IVT (CVT) remains the king of city commutes. The steering is light, making it a breeze to park in tight Mall spaces.
• Highway Drive: If you’re a highway enthusiast, don’t waste your money on the NA petrol; go for the 160 PS Turbo Petrol. It feels punchy and can maintain 120 kmph effortlessly.
• Suspension: This is the biggest improvement. The older Seltos was criticized for a “stiff” ride. The 2026 model’s suspension absorbs potholes easily, even with the 18-inch wheels on the GTX variants.

Read More ; BMW Electric SUV 

5. SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Kia has finally stopped cutting corners here. 6 Airbags are standard across the range.

• Build Quality: It’s built on the K3 platform which uses more high-strength steel. While it hasn’t been Bharat NCAP tested yet, expectations are for a solid 4 or 5-star rating.
• ADAS Level 2: With 21 features including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist, it’s a tech fortress.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

The real mileage in city traffic is where most people get surprised. Don’t go strictly by the ARAI numbers.

Engine	ARAI Claimed	Real City (Heavy Traffic)	Real Highway (Cruise 90kmph)
1.5L Petrol NA	17.7 kmpl	10-12 kmpl	15-16 kmpl
1.5L Turbo Petrol	17.9 kmpl	8-11 kmpl	14-17 kmpl
1.5L Diesel	20.7 kmpl	14-16 kmpl	20-22 kmpl

7. THE COMPETITION: Kia Seltos vs. Rivals

With the 2026 launch, the Seltos faces two giants: the Hyundai Creta and the newly launched Tata Sierra (ICE).

Feature	Kia Seltos 2026	Hyundai Creta 2026	Tata Sierra (ICE)
Max Power	160 PS (Turbo)	160 PS (Turbo)	160 PS (Turbo)
Max Torque	253 Nm	253 Nm	280 Nm
Tech/Features	High (30″ Screen)	High (Dual Screens)	Mid (Nostalgic Design)
VFM Winner	Kia Seltos (Better variant spread)	Hyundai Creta (Standard features)	Tata Sierra (Build/Size)

8. FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You want the best-looking and most feature-loaded SUV in the ₹15-20 Lakh bracket.
• You love tech (ADAS, massive screens, and connected car tech are top-tier here).
• You do a mix of city and highway driving (The Diesel AT is a gem).

Skip it if:

• You want a “rugged” off-roader (Go for the Thar Roxx).
• You find the “all-screen” dashboard distracting.
• You want the maximum possible fuel economy (Go for the Grand Vitara Hybrid).

Score: 9/10

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)