Kia launched the new-gen Seltos in India on January 2, 2026 the SUV is bigger and boxier with a Digital Tiger Face grille, powered by 1.5L petrol or diesel engines and now includes Level 2 ADAS for safer driving.
The base HTE variant costs ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and offers roomy interiors, dual screens and a panoramic sunroof, bookings are open with deliveries from late January 2026. Priced under ₹20 lakh, it rivals the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara suited for daily 50 km commutes.
The New-Gen Kia Seltos Design: Boxy and Bright
The new Seltos has a stronger upright look and measures 4.4 meters in length, it carries the Digital Tiger Face grille, slim LED projectors and Star Map DRLs that give it a bold glow, the sides look neat with flush auto door handles while the rear gets 17-inch alloy wheels and connected LED taillights for a modern touch with 190 mm ground clearance, it handles potholes easily and the 2.6-meter wheelbase provides enough legroom for five people to sit comfortably.
Inside, the cabin has a dual-tone dashboard with two 10.25-inch screens for maps and driving information, soft-touch materials and ambient lighting add a premium feel, a panoramic sunroof brings in plenty of light and the ventilated powered front seats keep long drives cool and comfortable, the car offers mirrors and a 360-degree camera that make parking and night driving easier, the 433-litre boot can fold flat, giving space for luggage or even a bike.
Learn More: Hyundai’s 2026 Lineup Leap: 6 Fresh Rides from Sedans to EVs
Expected Price in India
| Variant | Petrol MT (Rs lakh) | Petrol DCT (Rs lakh) | Diesel MT (Rs lakh) | Diesel AT (Rs lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | 10.99 | — | 12.29 | — |
| HTK | 12.59 | — | 13.89 | — |
| HTX | 14.99 | 16.99 | 16.29 | 18.29 |
| GTX | — | 18.99 | — | 20.99 |
| GTX+ | — | 20.36 | — | — |
Compared to rivals:
- Hyundai Creta: Rs 11–20 lakh
- Maruti Grand Vitara: Rs 10.8–19.5 lakh
- Tata Curvv: Rs 10–18 lakh
Learn More: Maruti’s 2026 Comeback: 4 Fresh Rides – EVs, Flex, and Family Space for Indian Roads
Key Specs: Engines, Size and Efficiency
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.5L NA petrol (113 hp/144 Nm), 1.5L turbo-petrol (158 hp/253 Nm), 1.5L diesel (116 hp/250 Nm) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed MT, iMT, CVT, 7-speed DCT |
| Mileage | 17–21 kmpl (petrol/diesel) |
| Dimensions | 4.4×1.8×1.65 m, 2.6m wheelbase |
| Boot Space | 433L (1,334L folded) |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h |
| Weight | 1,300–1,400 kg |
| Suspension | Front MacPherson, rear torsion |
| Brakes | Disc/drum with ABS |
| Tyres | 215/60 R17 alloys |
Key Features: Tech, Safety and Comfort
- Bold Face: Digital Tiger Face grille, flush handles, LED projectors for sharp night views.
- Design Perks: Panoramic sunroof, dual-tone cabin, ventilated seats front/rear.
- Tech Boost: Dual 10.25-inch screens with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, voice commands.
- Safety Kit: Level 2 ADAS (lane keep, auto brake), 6 airbags, 360 camera, ESC.
- Comfort Wins: Rear AC vents, USB ports, powered tailgate, ambient lights.
Why the New-Gen Kia Seltos Stands Out in Compacts
The refreshed Kia Seltos comes with a boxier design that feels premium yet easy to drive, it offers diesel engines for highways and petrol engines for city rides with mileage around 21 kmpl. ADAS and cameras add safety while dual screens and a panoramic sunroof keep trips enjoyable.
Though there’s no hybrid option, the engines are versatile and Kia’s service network makes upkeep simple. Priced from ₹10.99 lakh, it stands as a strong value against rivals like the Hyundai Creta with Kia targeting 1 lakh sales in 2026 for India and exports.
Learn More: Compact SUV Surge: Nissan Tekton – Patrol Boldness for Indian Trails
Comparison with Rivals: How New-Gen Seltos Fits In
| SUV | Price (Rs lakh) | Power (hp) | Mileage (kmpl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New-Gen Kia Seltos | 10.99–20.36 | 113–158 | 17–21 |
| Hyundai Creta | 11–20 | 115–160 | 17–21 |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 10.8–19.5 | 103–145 | 20–27 |
| Tata Curvv | 10–18 | 120 | 18–20 |
Final Verdict: Why the New-Gen Kia Seltos Sets the SUV Pace
The new Kia Seltos launched on January 2, 2026 at a starting price of ₹10.99 lakh comes with a bold Tiger Face design, advanced Level 2 safety features and powerful yet flexible engines in a spacious compact SUV.
It offers modern technology, comfort and good fuel efficiency, making it a strong choice for both families and individual drivers. Deliveries will begin in late January 2026, giving buyers a fresh and simple upgrade for the new year’s roads.
