New Delhi, India: Kia has officially unveiled the 2026 Kia Seltos, bringing a fresh generation of its popular compact SUV to the Indian market. Known for its strong road presence and feature-packed offering, the new Seltos takes a significant step forward with modern styling, a more spacious interior, and advanced safety technology. The update aims to meet the growing expectations of Indian SUV buyers who now demand comfort, connectivity, and safety along with performance.
Bold New Exterior With a Premium Appeal
The 2026 Kia Seltos showcases a striking new design that feels both modern and confident. At the front, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille has been redesigned and paired with vertical LED daytime running lights, giving the SUV a sharper and more aggressive look. The revised bumper and skid plate elements add a subtle rugged touch, enhancing its SUV character.
From the sides, cleaner body lines and newly designed alloy wheels improve the overall stance, while the rear now features connected LED tail lamps that create a wider and more premium visual impression. Overall, the new Seltos looks more refined while still retaining its sporty identity.
Spacious and Tech-Focused Interior
Step inside the 2026 Seltos and the biggest transformation becomes evident. Built on an updated platform, the SUV offers increased cabin space, especially for rear-seat passengers. The dashboard design is clean and futuristic, centred around a large panoramic display panel that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Key interior highlights include:
- Large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting for a premium cabin feel
- Ventilated front seats for added comfort
These updates make the Seltos well-suited for long drives as well as daily city commuting.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety has received a major upgrade in the 2026 Kia Seltos. The SUV now comes equipped with a comprehensive set of safety and driver assistance technologies designed to enhance confidence behind the wheel.
Notable safety features include:
- Six airbags as standard
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- 360-degree camera system
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist (variant dependent)
These features place the Seltos among the safer options in the compact SUV segment.
Engine Options and Driving Performance
The 2026 Seltos continues to offer a range of reliable and efficient engine options to suit different driving needs. Buyers can choose from petrol and diesel powertrains, paired with multiple transmission options including manual and automatic gearboxes.
This variety ensures that the Seltos appeals to a wide audience—from city-focused drivers seeking comfort to highway users looking for strong performance and efficiency.
Expected Pricing and Market Position
The new Kia Seltos is expected to be priced starting at around ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), with higher variants commanding a premium based on features and technology. This pricing keeps it competitive against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, and other popular compact SUVs.
With its balanced mix of design, technology, and safety, the Seltos continues to be one of the strongest contenders in its segment.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia Seltos represents a well-rounded upgrade over the previous model. With its bold exterior, spacious and tech-rich interior, improved safety features, and multiple powertrain choices, it caters to modern SUV buyers looking for both style and substance.
For those considering a premium compact SUV in 2026, the new Kia Seltos stands out as a practical, comfortable, and future-ready option.
