2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 Review – Bigger, Safer & Smarter SUV Redefined

2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 Review – Bigger, Safer & Smarter Mid-Size SUV for the New Era

The 2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 has finally made its global debut, and it marks one of the biggest generational upgrades in the mid-size SUV segment. Since its launch, the Seltos has been a bestseller for Kia — loved for its premium features, sharp styling, strong engines, and class-leading tech. But in 2026, Kia has gone far beyond a mere facelift. The second-generation Seltos is bigger, stronger, safer, and significantly more advanced, making it one of the most modern SUVs in its category.

From a beefed-up chassis and stronger build quality to significantly advanced Level 2+ ADAS, enhanced cabin comfort, fresh design DNA, and more powerful safety features — the 2026 Seltos Gen 2 is built to match global standards and compete against the latest offerings from Hyundai, Honda, Maruti, MG, Tata, and Toyota.

This article covers the full review, features, interior, exterior, engine options, mileage, safety rating, ADAS features, launch timeline, and everything else you need to know.

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What’s New in the 2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2?

The second-gen Seltos packs several major enhancements:

✔ Bigger and wider body for improved space

✔ Stronger structure with reinforced high-strength steel

✔ Advanced Level 2+ ADAS suite

✔ More premium cabin with a redesigned dashboard

✔ Curved dual-screen layout

✔ Larger boot and improved ride quality

✔ Updated LED lighting and sharper design language

✔ Improved safety tech targeting 5-star Bharat NCAP rating

Let’s dive deep into each section.

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Stronger Build & Improved Safety – Designed for 5-Star Rating

One of the biggest changes in the 2026 Seltos is its heavily upgraded body structure. Kia has reinforced the skeleton using a higher percentage of advanced high-strength steel to improve crash performance and durability.

🔒 Key Safety Enhancements

• Reinforced chassis for improved impact absorption

• Heavier bonnet with gas struts for better frontal crash protection

• Improved crumple zones

• Side-impact reinforcements

• Enhanced roof strength

• Upgraded curtain and side airbags

• Stronger rear crash protection

These improvements aim to deliver a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, something Indian consumers now prioritize heavily.

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Bigger Dimensions for More Cabin Comfort

The 2026 Seltos Gen 2 is noticeably larger, offering more room inside and more road presence.

📐 Updated Dimensions

• Length increased by ~95 mm

• Wider body for a more muscular stance

• Longer wheelbase for improved rear legroom

• Bigger glass area for superior visibility

• Larger boot due to redesigned rear

• More headroom thanks to a revised roofline

This makes the new Seltos feel like a more premium and spacious SUV compared to the previous generation.

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Level 2+ ADAS – One of the Most Advanced in the Segment

ADAS is now a critical feature in modern SUVs, and Kia has upgraded the 2026 Seltos with a comprehensive Level 2+ suite.

🧠 ADAS Features in 2026 Kia Seltos

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

• Autonomous Emergency Braking

• Lane Departure Warning

• Lane Keeping Assist

• Lane Centering Assist

• Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance

• Blind-Spot View Monitor

• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance

• Safe Exit Assist

• Forward Collision Warning

• Driver Attention Warning

• Traffic Sign Recognition

• High Beam Assist

This tech elevates the Seltos to the next level, especially for highway driving safety.

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Exterior Design – More Mature, More Premium

The 2026 Kia Seltos adopts Kia’s new global design DNA. The styling is more upright, muscular, and contemporary.

🔥 Exterior Highlights

• Wider, more imposing grille

• New tiger-face LED DRL signature

• Sharper, cleaner LED headlamps

• Redesigned bumpers

• Flatter, boxier proportions for a more SUV-like stance

• Strong shoulder lines and sculpted doors

• Connected LED tail-lamp strip

• Larger alloy wheels (up to 19 inches on higher trims)

• Matte and dual-tone colour options

• Functional roof rails

Overall, the Gen 2 model looks more rugged yet refined — appealing to young buyers and families alike.

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Interior & Features – A More Premium Cabin Experience

The cabin is where Kia has taken the biggest leap. Everything—from materials to tech—feels significantly more modern and luxurious.

🖥️ Dual Curved Display

A large, curved dual-screen panel combines:

• A fully digital instrument cluster

• A bigger touchscreen infotainment system

✨ Interior Features Include:

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

• Premium soft-touch dashboard

• Ventilated front seats

• Dual-zone climate control

• Panoramic sunroof

• Ambient lighting with multi-color options

• Premium upholstery options

• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold

• Large center console with improved storage

• Premium Bose audio system

• Air purifier

• Rear AC vents

• 360-degree camera system

The interior feels more futuristic and more premium than ever.

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Engine Options & Performance

Kia is expected to continue offering a mix of petrol and diesel engines, with global markets also receiving hybrid options.

India-Spec Engine Options (Expected):

1. 1.5L NA Petrol – refined & reliable

2. 1.5L Turbo Petrol – sporty performance

3. 1.5L Diesel – fuel-efficient & torquey

Transmission Options:

• 6-speed Manual

• 6-speed iMT

• CVT

• 7-speed DCT

• 6-speed Automatic (Diesel)

The revised tuning promises smoother performance, better NVH levels, and improved fuel efficiency.

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Ride & Handling Improvements

Kia has worked on improving:

• Steering feedback

• Suspension comfort

• Noise insulation

• High-speed stability

• Braking performance

The result is a more mature, planted, and comfortable driving experience.

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2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 – Pros & Cons

⭐ Pros

• Stronger build targeting 5-star safety

• Bigger and wider body

• Advanced Level 2+ ADAS

• Premium interior with curved display

• Strong engine options

• More features than rivals

• Global design updates

⚠️ Cons

• Expected price increase

• Top variants may get expensive

• Turbo petrol mileage could vary

• Diesel option availability might reduce in future

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is the 2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 bigger than the old model?

Yes. The new Seltos is longer, wider, and has a larger wheelbase, offering more interior space.

2. Does the new Kia Seltos come with ADAS?

Yes. It includes a full Level 2+ ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, collision avoidance, and many more features.

3. What is the expected safety rating?

Kia is targeting a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash rating due to the strengthened body structure.

4. Will there be a diesel engine option?

Yes, India is likely to continue receiving the popular 1.5L diesel engine with automatic and manual options.

5. When will the new Kia Seltos launch in India?

The India launch is expected in early 2026 after the global unveil.

6. What is the price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?

Expected ex-showroom starting price: ₹11.99 lakh – ₹21 lakh, depending on variant.

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Conclusion – The Best Seltos Ever Made

The 2026 Kia Seltos Gen 2 is not just a facelift — it is a complete generational upgrade. With a larger body, premium interiors, stronger build quality, advanced ADAS, and updated engines, Kia has elevated the Seltos into a highly sophisticated, feature-rich SUV that competes head-on with global standards.

It is safer, smarter, and more future-ready than any Seltos before it.

For anyone considering a mid-size SUV in 2026, the new Kia Seltos Gen 2 is easily one of the top contenders in the segment.