Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT

The 2026 Kia Seltos is a compact SUV built on Kia’s latest K3 platform, a leap forward from the previous K2 platform shared with several Hyundai models. It features a more aggressive and mature design with sharper body contours, a wider stance, and a signature grille that aligns with global Kia styling trends. The interior is transformed with dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, alongside luxury touches like ventilated front seats, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and ambient lighting customizable across 64 colors. Safety is comprehensive with six airbags, 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring, and Level 2 ADAS including lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Engine options cover petrol and diesel variants with manual and automatic transmissions, catering to diverse buyer preferences. The 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory function and panoramic sunroof add to the premium feel, making it a strong contender in India’s competitive compact SUV category.

The 2026 Kia Seltos stands out in the compact SUV segment with its assertive, mature design and significantly enhanced feature set. Its wider stance and sharp body contours give it a premium and commanding road presence, much improved from the previous generation. The cabin upgrades elevate the overall driving experience with increased refinement and advanced tech, including improved lighting systems and better safety features. Engine options retain the reliable 1.5-liter turbocharged and naturally aspirated petrol, alongside diesel variants, catering well to a range of driving preferences. The Seltos balances performance and comfort effectively, making it an excellent choice for urban as well as occasional highway drives. While missing some enthusiast-focused features like all-wheel drive in top trims, it is a thoughtfully packaged SUV that feels spacious, modern, and value-for-money within its price bracket. All considered, I find the 2026 Seltos a well-rounded, stylish offering that should appeal to buyers looking for a premium yet affordable compact SUV in India.

The 2026 Kia Seltos in India is a significant upgrade featuring a sharper and more modern design along with a larger footprint compared to the outgoing model. Under the hood, it retains the familiar engine options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol producing 115 hp, a 1.5-liter turbo petrol with 160 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel with around 115 hp, paired with multiple transmission choices like a 6-speed manual, CVT, iMT, a 7-speed DCT, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic specifically for the 1.5 turbo variants. Inside, the most premium variants get a dual 12.3-inch digital display setup combining the instrument cluster and infotainment, a 5-inch screen in between, and a host of creature comforts like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, front seat ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, Bose 8-speaker audio system, and 64-color ambient lighting. Safety remains comprehensive with six airbags, a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and Level-2 ADAS safety technologies including blind-spot monitoring and cruise control with speed assist. The 2026 Seltos also gains connected car features with OTA updates, wireless charging, and improved cabin tech suited to Indian roads, making it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. Pricing and variant lineup range from the base HTE to the top-spec GTX(A), allowing buyers flexibility. Overall, the Seltos 2026 strikes a good balance of performance, luxury, and advanced tech for the Indian market.

The Kia Seltos 2026 is expected in India with an ex-showroom price range approximately between ₹11 lakh to ₹20 lakh, varying by trim and engine options. On-road prices will typically add around 10-15% to the ex-showroom cost depending on your city due to differing taxes, insurance, and registration fees. This pricing positions the Seltos competitively against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and MG Astor, offering a blend of premium features and engines at accessible costs. The broader price spectrum allows buyers to pick from value-oriented variants to fully-loaded models with luxury touches and safety tech. Considering its segment and offerings, the Seltos delivers good bang for your buck, offering modern styling and technology without breaching the affordability expected in its competitive bracket. This pricing should make it appealing for Indian buyers seeking a new-age compact SUV that commands respect without burning a hole in the pocket.

The 2026 Kia Seltos delivers mileage figures that are competitive in the Indian compact SUV segment, with petrol variants typically offering around 16-17 kmpl and the diesel variants pushing slightly higher, close to 19-20 kmpl under standard testing conditions. These figures translate to reasonable running costs, making it cost-effective for daily commuting and longer drives. Considering fuel economy along with the Seltos’s comfort and features, it strikes a balanced choice for buyers conscious about mileage without compromising on performance or style.