Kia first entered the Indian market in 2019 with the Seltos, and it quickly became one of the brand’s most successful models. Now, more than six years later, Kia has revealed the second-generation Seltos, choosing India as the location for its global debut once again.
The new model gets a completely redesigned exterior and interior, giving it a refreshed feel, while the mechanical setup remains the same as before. Kia is expected to announce the prices for the new Seltos in the first half of 2026.
New Kia Seltos Exterior
Kia has refreshed the new Seltos with a front design that draws inspiration from the latest Telluride. The wide, jagged grille with vertical gunmetal accents dominates the face, flanked by new square-shaped headlamps and vertical LED DRLs. A lightning-bolt style LED element sits at the extreme edges for added character. The lower bumper features contrasting black cladding and rectangular body-coloured accents around the fog lamps. Along the sides, the SUV gets sharper character lines, thicker cladding over the wheel arches and door sills and new flush-fitting door handles. The signature pinched window line over the C-pillar returns, now connected to the rear windscreen through a contrasting black trim for a wraparound effect. At the rear, the cleaner tailgate design comes from relocating the number plate to the bumper, while the new inverted L-shaped LED tail lamps, similar to those on the Carens Clavis, give the SUV a distinctive identity. A prominent roof spoiler and new 18-inch geometric alloy wheels complete the exterior updates.
The new Seltos is also larger than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase has grown by 80 mm, which should improve interior space. Overall, it now measures 95 mm longer and 30 mm wider, although its height has been reduced by 10 mm.
New Kia Seltos interior and features
The cabin of the new Seltos has been completely redesigned, though some elements will feel familiar to anyone who has seen newer Kia models. The panoramic display setup, which includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5.0-inch HVAC display, is the same unit used in the Syros. Even the physical controls on the centre console follow a similar layout. What’s new is the three-spoke steering wheel, now equipped with dedicated buttons for drive and traction modes. The dashboard and door pads feature soft-touch leatherette and neatly integrated ambient lighting, adding a premium touch. Kia has also kept a good mix of physical buttons, dials and switches so the cabin doesn’t feel overloaded with screens.
In terms of features, the top-spec Seltos is packed with equipment. It offers ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat with memory, rear sunshades, dual-tone leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, 64-colour ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, OTA updates, connected car tech and a full Level 2 ADAS suite. Standard safety kit includes six airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts and a rear camera, among other essentials.
New Kia Seltos Engine optionsÂ
The new Seltos continues with the same trio of engines as the previous model, along with their gearbox choices. The line-up begins with the 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 115hp and 144Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. Above that sits the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit, delivering 160hp and 253Nm, paired with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT. For those who prefer diesel, Kia has retained the 1.5-litre engine that makes 116hp and 250Nm, offered with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
New Kia Seltos variants
The Seltos continues with its familiar trim structure, offering Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line versions. Each trim brings small exterior styling differences and its own interior upholstery theme. The Tech Line range includes HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX and HTX (A). The GT Line is available in GTX and GTX (A) variants and comes with a few extra features compared to the Tech Line. The X-Line package, featuring blacked-out styling elements, is exclusive to the GT Line trims.
Kia will announce prices for the new Seltos in early 2026. The midsize SUV space is becoming increasingly competitive with recent entries like the Maruti Victoris and Tata Sierra, and the upcoming Renault Duster. The Seltos will continue to take on established rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Honda Elevate, among others.
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