2026 Kia Seltos Review – The Feature-Loaded Compact SUV Gets Even Better

The 2026 Kia Seltos is gearing up to be one of the most exciting compact SUVs of the year. Known for its bold design, premium cabin and best-in-segment features, the Seltos has already been a mass favorite in India. For 2026, Kia is preparing a refreshed version with smarter tech, improved performance, updated safety, and several modern styling upgrades.

If you’re planning to buy a compact SUV in 2026, this detailed 2000-word review will give you everything you need — design changes, interior upgrades, engine options, performance, mileage, features, price expectations, pros–cons, FAQs, and expert insights to help you decide.

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Key Highlights of the 2026 Kia Seltos

• New sharper design with revised LED headlamps

• Improved ADAS 2.0 safety suite

• Premium cabin with bigger displays

• More refined petrol & diesel engines

• Better mileage and performance tuning

• New connected car features

• Enhanced sound insulation

• Panoramic sunroof (expected in all top trims)

• New dual-tone color options

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2026 Kia Seltos: Exterior Design – Sharper, Sportier & More Modern

Kia has enhanced the Seltos with a more premium, futuristic design language for 2026. The goal is clear: make the Seltos look larger, bolder, and more upmarket, while keeping its sporty appeal intact.

🔹 Front Design Changes

• Redesigned LED DRLs with a sleeker pattern

• Larger tiger-nose grille with dark chrome finish

• Sharper bumpers with aggressive cuts

• New fog lamp housing

• Wider stance for improved road presence

The front now looks closer to Kia’s global SUVs, giving the Seltos a more premium identity.

🔹 Side Profile

• Dual-tone ORVMs with dynamic indicators

• Fresh alloy wheel designs (17-inch & 18-inch options)

• Slightly tweaked cladding for a muscular look

• More aerodynamic shape for improved efficiency

🔹 Rear Enhancements

• Connected LED tail lamp bar (full-width)

• Redesigned boot and bumper

• Updated reflectors & skid plates

Overall, the 2026 Seltos now looks more luxurious and modern — perfect for buyers who want a stylish SUV under ₹20 lakh.

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2026 Kia Seltos Interior – Bigger Screens, Premium Materials & More Comfort

The cabin is where Kia has made the biggest improvements. The 2026 Seltos offers one of the most feature-rich cabins in the segment.

🔹 Dashboard & Layout

• Dual 10.25-inch connected displays (instrument cluster + infotainment)

• New soft-touch layered dashboard

• Ambient lighting with multiple color themes

• Slim AC vents and improved storage spaces

🔹 Seats & Comfort

• Ventilated front seats

• Powered driver seat (expected 8-way)

• Rear reclining seats

• Improved cushioning for long drives

• Leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching

🔹 Infotainment & Connectivity

• Latest Kia Connect features

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

• Voice-controlled functions

• OTA updates

• Advanced navigation with live traffic

🔹 Sound System

• Updated Bose 8-speaker premium audio

• Enhanced bass and clarity

🔹 Practicality

• Larger boot space

• Multiple charging ports

• Wireless charger

• Rear sunshade

• Air purifier

Kia continues to dominate the segment in terms of interior quality, design, and features.

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2026 Kia Seltos Safety – Now with ADAS 2.0

Kia is expected to make safety an even stronger focus with the 2026 Seltos.

🔹 Expected Safety Features

• ADAS Level 2.0 with improved sensors

• 360-degree camera

• Blind-spot collision warning

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane keep assist

• High-beam assist

• Forward collision avoidance

• 6 airbags (standard)

• ESC, VSM, Hill Assist

• All-wheel disc brakes

• Stronger body structure

This update brings the Seltos closer to global safety standards.

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2026 Kia Seltos Engine Options – More Refined, More Powerful

Kia is expected to continue offering the Seltos with:

🔹 1.5L Petrol Engine

• Power: ~115 PS

• Torque: ~144 Nm

• Transmission: 6MT, CVT (IVT)

🔹 1.5L Turbo-Petrol

• Power: ~160 PS

• Torque: ~253 Nm

• Transmission: 7-Speed DCT

🔹 1.5L Diesel Engine

• Power: ~116 PS

• Torque: ~250 Nm

• Transmission: 6MT, 6AT

Refinement Improvements

• Lower engine noise

• Smoother gear shifts

• Better mileage tuning

• More responsive turbo

These engines are already among the best in class, and the 2026 updates make them even more efficient.

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Fuel Efficiency (Expected)

• Petrol: 15–17 kmpl

• Turbo Petrol: 12–15 kmpl

• Diesel: 18–21 kmpl

Mileage may improve slightly due to better aerodynamics and ECU optimization.

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2026 Kia Seltos Variants (Expected)

• HTE

• HTK

• HTK+

• HTX

• HTX+

• GTX

• GTX+

• X-Line

The X-Line will remain the most premium trim with exclusive colors and materials.

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2026 Kia Seltos Price in India (Expected)

The expected pricing for the 2026 model:

Kia may increase the price slightly due to new tech and features.

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2026 Kia Seltos – Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

• Premium design with strong road presence

• Best-in-class interior quality

• Feature-loaded cabin with big screens

• Advanced safety with ADAS 2.0

• Smooth and powerful engine options

• Great highway stability

• Improved mileage

• Premium sound system

• Panoramic sunroof (expected)

👎 Cons

• Turbo variants may be pricier

• DCT can heat in traffic (improved but not eliminated)

• No full EV or hybrid variant yet

• Waiting periods may increase

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2026 Kia Seltos Competitors

The Seltos competes with:

• Hyundai Creta

• Maruti Grand Vitara

• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

• Honda Elevate

• MG Astor

• Tata Harrier (lower variants)

Even in 2026, the Seltos stands out with features + design + performance.

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Who Should Buy the 2026 Kia Seltos?

Perfect for buyers who want:

• A premium SUV under ₹20 lakh

• Modern features & tech

• Sporty performance (turbo engine)

• High safety rating

• Stylish design

• Great highway comfort

Not ideal for:

• Someone wanting the best city mileage

• Buyers wanting hybrid/EV options

• Those needing a 7-seater

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Conclusion – Should You Buy the 2026 Kia Seltos?

Absolutely YES — the 2026 Kia Seltos is shaping up to be one of the best compact SUVs in India.
With its fresh design, powerful engine options, advanced ADAS features, premium comfort, and top-class fit and finish, it continues to dominate the segment.

If you want a modern, stylish, and feature-rich SUV that delivers both performance and practicality, the 2026 Seltos is a top choice.

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FAQs – 2026 Kia Seltos

1. What is the launch date of the 2026 Kia Seltos?

Expected launch: Late 2025 to early 2026.

2. Will the 2026 Seltos get ADAS?

Yes, it is expected to receive ADAS 2.0 with enhanced safety features.

3. Will Kia offer a panoramic sunroof?

Yes, the top variants are expected to get a full panoramic sunroof.

4. Are there major design changes?

Yes, the facelift brings new LED lights, grille, bumper, alloy wheels & interiors.

5. What are the engine options?

1.5 Petrol, 1.5 Turbo Petrol, and 1.5 Diesel.

6. What is the expected price?

₹11.20 lakh to ₹21 lakh (ex-showroom).

7. Is the 2026 Seltos worth buying?

YES — great features, performance, safety, and design.