Next-gen Kia Seltos unveiled, goes on sale on January 2

The 2nd-generation Kia Seltos made its global debut earlier today. The midsize SUV was unveiled in New Delhi. Its booking window will open at midnight. The token amount has been set at Rs 25,000. Kia will launch the SUV in India on January 2, 2026. It will be made available in 4 trim levels – HTE, HTK, HTX, and GTX. These trims can be combined with Convenience, Premium, ADAS, and X-Line add-on packages.

Read Also: Prices for mid-level Tata Sierra trims received

2026 Kia Seltos: Everything you need to know

The 2nd-gen Seltos is underpinned by Kia’s new K3 platform. It stands at dimensions of 4,460mm x 1,830mm x 1,635mm, making it 95mm longer, 30mm wider, and 10mm shorter than the current-gen model. Its 2,690mm wheelbase is 80mm larger than its previous-gen counterpart.

The SUV has been designed keeping Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy in mind. Its front fascia features the iconic ‘Digital Tiger Face’ comprising a black high-gloss grille with gunmetal accents, ‘Ice Cube’ LED headlamps with a dynamic welcome function, ‘Star Map’ LED DRLs with integrated turn signals, and LED fog lamps. The LED tail lamps also follow the ‘Star Map’ design language of the DRLs.

The profile of the SUV reveals 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, pronounced character lines, thick cladding over the wheel arches, and flush-sitting door handles that pop out automatically. The rear skid plate, like the one at the front, has a gunmetal finish. The number plate has been moved to the bumper to give the tailgate a cleaner look. The rear spoiler is integrated with the hidden rear wiper. There are 10 monotone colour options on offer, with Morning Haze and Magma Red being the 2 new additions.

The cabin of the 2nd-gen Kia Seltos rocks a ‘Smoky Black & White’ dual-tone colour theme with white accents and leatherette seating. It shares its ‘Trinity Panoramic Display’ panel with the new Kia Syros. This setup comprises a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an equally large digital instrument cluster, and a 5-inch display for HVAC controls. There are plenty of physical controls on board as well. The SUV gets a completely new 3-spoke leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, which is integrated with dedicated buttons for drive and traction modes.

Other features of the SUV include a 10-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar adjust and relaxation functions, ventilated front seats with a ‘welcome retract function’ that adjusts them for easy entry and exit, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and wireless charging. In terms of connectivity, the Seltos features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with the Kia Connect 2.0 suite. 

On the safety front, the new Kia Seltos packs 6 airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Rollover Sensor, Rear Occupant Alert, Blind View Monitor, 360°Surround Camera, and Side Parking Sensors. Its Level 2 ADAS package consists of 21 autonomous safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and more.

Things remain the same under the hood of the 2nd-gen Kia Seltos as it retains the 3 engine options offered on the current-gen model. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine generates a maximum power output of 115hp and 144Nm of torque. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine puts out 160hp and 253Nm. It can be paired with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Lastly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine produces a maximum power output of 116hp and 250Nm torque. This engine can be linked to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Mr Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The all-new Kia Seltos is more than a generation change; it’s a statement of Kia’s intent to redefine the segment. A category-defining SUV since its debut in India, the new Seltos pushes boundaries with bolder design, advanced safety and segment-leading technology that reset benchmarks. Engineered to outperform and optimized for real-world Indian conditions—reflecting insights from our customers and without compromising global standards—it demonstrates our ambition to lead, not follow. We are confident that the BADASS, the all-new Kia Seltos, will disrupt the category again and strengthen Kia’s long-term leadership in India.”

Read Also: Discounts of up to Rs 1.05 on Renault Kiger, Triber, and Kwid

Final Thoughts

Prices for the current-gen Seltos lineup start at Rs 10.79 lakh and go up to Rs 19.81 lakh. The next-gen model will demand a small premium. As mentioned earlier, its prices will be announced on January 2, 2026. Upon launch, it will lock horns with the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, Citroen C3 Aircross, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder in India.