- Kia India Launches Second-Generation 2026 Seltos with Prices Starting at ₹10.99 Lakh
Kia Motor India has officially launched the second-generation 2026 Kia Seltos in India, marking one of the most significant passenger vehicle introductions of the year. The new Seltos has been priced from ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the range extends up to nearly ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) for higher-spec variants, depending on engine and transmission combinations.
The launch is important not just because the Seltos is one of Kia’s highest-selling models in India, but also because it reflects how the mid-size SUV segment is evolving. Buyers now expect a mix of strong road presence, advanced technology, multiple powertrain choices, and improved safety, all within competitive price bands. With the new generation, Kia is aiming to address all of these expectations in one package.
Production of the 2026 Seltos has already begun at Kia’s manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, and customer deliveries are expected to commence in January 2026. Bookings had opened earlier, allowing Kia to gauge initial demand ahead of the price announcement.
Variant Structure and Pricing Approach
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | 1.5L Petrol | Manual | 10.99 |
| HTE (O) | 1.5L Petrol | Manual | 11.59 |
| HTK | 1.5L Petrol | Manual | 12.49 |
| HTK (O) | 1.5L Petrol | Manual | 13.19 |
| HTX | 1.5L Petrol | Manual | 14.09 |
| HTX (IVT) | 1.5L Petrol | Automatic (IVT) | 15.39 |
| HTX Diesel | 1.5L Diesel | Manual | 15.59 |
| HTX Diesel AT | 1.5L Diesel | Automatic | 16.89 |
| GTX | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | Manual | 16.29 |
| GTX (DCT) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | Automatic (DCT) | 17.79 |
| GTX (A) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | Automatic (DCT) | 18.49 |
| GTX Plus (A) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | Automatic (DCT) | 19.99 |
The 2026 Seltos is available in multiple trims, allowing buyers to choose a variant that matches their budget and feature requirements. Entry-level variants focus on essential comfort and safety, while mid-range trims add convenience features and technology. The top-end variants bring together premium interiors, advanced infotainment, automatic transmissions, and driver assistance systems.
With prices starting at ₹10.99 lakh, Kia has ensured that the Seltos remains accessible despite the extensive upgrades. The higher variants, approaching the ₹20 lakh mark, are positioned to compete with well-equipped versions of rival SUVs, offering a strong feature-to-price ratio.
This tiered pricing strategy allows Kia to attract first-time SUV buyers as well as customers upgrading from smaller or older vehicles.
A Full Generation Change Rather Than a Simple Facelift
Unlike incremental updates seen on many models in this segment, the 2026 Seltos represents a full generational update. It is underpinned by a newer platform that offers improved structural rigidity and better packaging compared to the outgoing model. The change in architecture has allowed Kia to slightly increase the overall dimensions of the SUV, resulting in improved cabin space and a more planted stance on the road.
From a design standpoint, the new Seltos adopts a more upright and muscular look. The front fascia features a broader grille with a distinctive lighting signature, while the split headlamp arrangement gives the SUV a more contemporary appearance. The bonnet sits higher than before, reinforcing the SUV’s visual presence, and the revised bumper design adds to its rugged appeal.
At the rear, the Seltos gets redesigned LED tail lamps connected by a light bar, a detail that has become increasingly popular across SUV segments. The updated rear bumper and skid-plate-style elements further emphasise the vehicle’s robust character. New alloy wheel designs, available in larger sizes on higher variants, complete the exterior transformation.
Interior Redesign Focused on Technology and Comfort
Step inside the 2026 Seltos and the most noticeable change is the completely redesigned dashboard. Kia has moved to a more minimalist yet tech-heavy layout, dominated by a wide, curved dual-screen setup. This combines a fully digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system into a single visual unit, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.
Material quality has seen a noticeable upgrade. Soft-touch surfaces, leatherette upholstery on higher trims, and subtle metallic accents give the cabin a more premium feel than before. Ambient lighting is integrated across the dashboard and door panels, allowing drivers to customise the cabin atmosphere based on personal preference.
Comfort features have also been expanded. The new Seltos offers ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, a premium sound system, and a powered driver’s seat with memory function on select variants. Rear seat comfort has benefited from improved cushioning and slightly better legroom, making the SUV more suitable for long journeys with passengers.
Infotainment and Connected-Car Features
Technology plays a central role in the 2026 Seltos’ appeal. The infotainment system supports wireless smartphone connectivity, voice commands, navigation, and a wide range of connected-car functions. These include remote engine start, vehicle health monitoring, location tracking, and over-the-air software updates for certain systems.
A head-up display is also offered on higher trims, projecting key driving information directly onto the windscreen. This feature, once limited to premium vehicles, is now increasingly making its way into mainstream segments, and its inclusion helps position the Seltos as a technology-forward offering.
Physical controls for frequently used functions have been retained, striking a balance between touchscreen operation and tactile usability. This approach is likely to appeal to drivers who prefer intuitive controls while driving.
Engine Options and Transmission Choices
The 2026 Kia Seltos continues to offer one of the most diverse powertrain line-ups in its segment. Buyers can choose from multiple petrol and diesel engine options, each paired with different transmission types to suit varied driving preferences.
The range starts with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, aimed at buyers seeking smooth performance and everyday usability. This engine is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. For those looking for stronger performance, Kia also offers a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with either a clutchless manual or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Diesel buyers are catered to by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, known for its balance of torque and efficiency. This engine is available with both manual and automatic transmissions, making it suitable for highway users and long-distance commuters.
This wide engine and gearbox mix allows Kia to cover a broad price range while appealing to urban users, highway drivers, and buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency.
Improved Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Safety has been a major area of focus in the new Seltos. All variants come equipped with essential safety features such as multiple airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Higher variants take safety a step further by offering advanced driver assistance systems. These include features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Such features are becoming increasingly important in purchase decisions, particularly among urban buyers and families.
By offering these systems on select trims, Kia has positioned the Seltos competitively against rivals that either offer limited driver assistance features or restrict them to top-end variants.
Positioning in a Highly Competitive Segment
The mid-size SUV segment in India is among the most competitive, with several established players and strong brand loyalty. Models in this category are often judged on design, features, engine options, and perceived value. The 2026 Seltos enters this space with a clear focus on technology, safety, and variety.
Compared to its rivals, the Seltos stands out for offering multiple powertrain options and a long feature list across trims. Its refreshed design and upgraded interior help it maintain a distinct identity in a crowded market.
Kia’s strategy appears to be centred on offering a premium experience without pushing prices too far beyond what buyers expect in this segment. This balance will be crucial in determining how well the new Seltos performs over the coming months.
Manufacturing, Bookings, and Delivery Timeline
The new Seltos is being manufactured locally, which helps Kia manage costs and ensure steady supply. Bookings were opened ahead of the launch, and early demand is expected to influence waiting periods for popular variants and engine-gearbox combinations.
Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2026, with dealerships preparing for a phased rollout. As with most high-volume launches, initial deliveries are expected to focus on higher-demand trims before supply stabilises across the range.
Strategic Importance for Kia in India
For Kia Motor India, the Seltos is more than just another model. It represents the brand’s ability to evolve with market trends while retaining its core strengths. The first-generation Seltos played a major role in establishing Kia as a strong player in the Indian market, and the second generation is expected to build on that foundation.
By introducing a more advanced, better equipped, and safer Seltos, Kia is signalling its intent to remain competitive even as buyer expectations continue to rise. The company’s emphasis on design, technology, and powertrain flexibility aligns well with the direction of the Indian passenger vehicle market.
What Lies Ahead
With prices now announced and deliveries set to begin, attention will shift to real-world performance, customer feedback, and sales figures. Variant-wise demand will offer insights into buyer preferences, particularly around engine choices and safety features.
Over the course of 2026, Kia may introduce special editions or feature updates to keep the Seltos fresh amid growing competition. For now, the launch of the 2026 Kia Seltos establishes a strong starting point for the brand in the new year, positioning it as a serious contender in one of India’s most important automotive segments.
