The Indian automotive landscape has just witnessed one of the most anticipated arrivals of the year. Kia India has officially pulled the wraps off the 2026 Kia Seltos, launching the second-generation avatar of the SUV that originally put the brand on the map in India. With a jaw-dropping introductory price starting at just ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Kia is clearly aiming to reclaim its dominance in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Following its global debut in December 2025, the new Seltos arrives with a complete design overhaul, a tech-heavy cabin, and a larger footprint that promises to redefine luxury and performance for Indian families.
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💰 2026 Kia Seltos Price List: Luxury within Reach? 🏷️
Kia has strategically priced the new Seltos to cater to a wide range of buyers, from those looking for a premium entry-level SUV to enthusiasts demanding top-tier performance and luxury.
| Variant | Starting Ex-Showroom Price (INR) |
| HTE | ₹10.99 Lakh |
| HTE (O) | ₹12.09 Lakh |
| HTK | ₹13.09 Lakh |
| HTK (O) | ₹14.19 Lakh |
| HTX | ₹15.99 Lakh |
| HTX (A) | ₹16.69 Lakh |
| GTX | ₹18.39 Lakh |
| GTX (A) | ₹19.49 Lakh |
| GTX – X-Line | ₹18.39 Lakh |
| GTX – X-Line (A) | ₹19.49 Lakh |
Note: These are introductory prices. Booking opened on December 11, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
🎨 Bold New Exterior: Inspired by Giants 🐘
The 2026 Kia Seltos isn’t just a facelift; it’s a total reinvention. Drawing heavy design cues from its larger sibling, the international-spec Kia Telluride, the new Seltos exudes a “Big SUV” vibe.
✨ Front Fascia Redesign
The front end features a much larger and more prominent “Tiger Nose” grille. The lighting setup has evolved into a sophisticated split-headlamp layout. Vertical LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) now flank the edges of the face, giving the car a wider, more planted stance. The main lighting units, housing LED projector elements, are tucked closer to the grille for a seamless look.
🦾 Muscular Side Profile
The side profile highlights the SUV’s growth. It features squared-off wheel arches and a cleaner shoulder line that runs the length of the vehicle. For the first time in this segment, Kia has introduced flush-fitting door handles, a feature usually reserved for high-end luxury EVs, enhancing both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
🍑 Sophisticated Rear Design
At the back, the Seltos adopts a modern lighting signature with L-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a sleek light bar. A redesigned bumper and a sporty integrated roof spoiler complete the aggressive yet premium look.
🛋️ Step Into the Future: A Cabin Built for Techies 🖥️
If the exterior is about muscle, the interior is all about finesse and technology. Inspired by the newer Kia Syros, the dashboard of the 2026 Kia Seltos is a masterpiece of minimalist design.
📺 The Panoramic Curved Display
The star of the show is the dual 12.3-inch screens housed within a single curved glass panel. One serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the other manages the infotainment.
- 5-inch dedicated Climate Control Screen: Tucked between the large displays is a smaller touchscreen for AC settings, though Kia has wisely kept physical buttons for temperature and fan speed on the center console.
- Premium Materials: The layered dashboard design uses soft-touch materials and slim air vents to create a sense of space.
📏 Bigger, Longer, Wider: Dimensions that Matter 📐
Built on the advanced K3 Platform, the second-generation Seltos has grown significantly, translating directly into more cabin room and better highway stability.
- Wheelbase: Increased by 80mm to a total of 2,690 mm.
- Total Length: Now stands at 4,460 mm (up by 95mm).
- Width: Expanded by 30mm to 1,830 mm.
- Height: Slightly lowered to 1,635 mm for a more aerodynamic and sporty silhouette.
This increase in wheelbase makes the 2026 Seltos one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, offering segment-leading legroom for rear passengers.
🛠️ Feature Loaded: From Base to Top-Spec 💎
Kia has traditionally been the “Feature King,” and the 2026 model takes it a step further. Interestingly, even the base HTE variant is now packed with features that were previously reserved for mid-spec models.
🌟 Standard Features (Base Variant):
- 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment.
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster.
- Cruise Control & Keyless Entry.
- All-LED Lighting.
👑 Premium Features (Higher Trims):
- 10-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat with memory function.
- Relaxation Mode: The driver’s seat can recline into a lounge-like position during breaks.
- Panoramic Sunroof: A favorite among Indian buyers.
- Ventilated Seats & Head-Up Display (HUD).
- 64-Color Ambient Lighting.
🛡️ Safety First: Level 2 ADAS for Everyone? 🚨
Safety has received a massive boost. While Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) was previously a GTX-exclusive, it is now available starting from the HTX trim.
The ADAS suite includes:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.
- Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning.
- Blind Spot Monitoring.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance.
⚙️ Engine and Performance: The Power of Choice 🏎️
Under the hood, Kia continues to offer its tried-and-tested trio of engines, ensuring there is a Seltos for every type of driver.
1. The Reliable 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 112 bhp | Torque: 144 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual or IVT (CVT).
- Best for: City commutes and relaxed driving.
2. The Enthusiast’s 1.5L Turbo-Petrol
- Power: 157 bhp | Torque: 253 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT or 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
- Best for: Highway cruising and high-performance thrills.
3. The Efficient 1.5L Diesel
- Power: 114 bhp | Torque: 250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic.
- Best for: Long-distance travelers looking for high fuel economy.
🏁 Conclusion: Is the 2026 Kia Seltos Worth It?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a masterclass in how to evolve a successful product. By keeping the starting price competitive at ₹10.99 lakh while introducing high-end tech like the panoramic curved display and Level 2 ADAS in lower trims, Kia has put its competitors on notice. Whether you value the bold, Telluride-inspired looks, the massive tech upgrades, or the variety of engine options, the new Seltos stands out as a top contender in the Indian SUV market.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1: What is the starting price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos starts at an introductory price of ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base HTE variant.
Q2: Does the new Seltos come with a sunroof?
Yes, the 2026 Kia Seltos features a large Panoramic Sunroof starting from the HTK+ and HTX trims.
Q3: Is Level 2 ADAS available in the 2026 model?
Yes, Level 2 ADAS is now available in both the HTX and GTX/X-Line trims, making advanced safety more accessible.
Q4: What are the engine options for the 2026 Kia Seltos?
It offers three engines: a 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (112 bhp), a 1.5L Turbo-Petrol (157 bhp), and a 1.5L Diesel engine (114 bhp).
Q5: How much bigger is the new Seltos compared to the old one?
The new Seltos is 95mm longer and 30mm wider, with a wheelbase that has increased by 80mm, providing significantly more interior space.
External Source: https://www.etvbharat.com/
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