Kia has just pulled the wraps off the next-generation Seltos in India, and it’s not just a simple nip and tuck. This is a full-blown transformation aimed at cementing its dominance in the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment. With bookings starting December 11, 2025, and prices set to be announced on January 2, 2026, the new Seltos arrives with a bolder design, a noticeably larger body, and a cabin packed with smarter tech, all while keeping the trusted engine options. It’s clear Kia isn’t just playing defense; it’s making a strong offensive move.
A Bigger, Bolder Package on the Road
The most significant change you’ll notice is its size. The 2026 Seltos has grown substantially, now stretching to 4.4 meters in length. To put that in perspective, it’s a whopping 95 mm longer, 30 mm wider, and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. Think of it as the Seltos hitting the gym and filling out its frame for a more commanding road presence. The only dimension that’s shrunk is the height, down by 10 mm, which likely contributes to a sportier stance. For you and your passengers, this growth translates directly to more cabin room, especially for those in the back seat, and a slightly bigger boot, now with 14 extra litres of space for your luggage.
From Conservative to Quirky: A Design Revolution
Kia is calling this a “revolutionary design shift,” and for good reason. Gone is the relatively conservative, European-inspired look of the old car. The 2026 Seltos embraces the quirkier, more futuristic design language we’ve seen on newer Kias. Up front, the headlights are nearly merged into the grille, creating a unified face, and interestingly, it foregoes the now-common connected LED daytime running light strip for a more distinct identity. Flush-fitting door handles that motor out add a premium, aerodynamic touch.
Around the back, it gets a cleaner look with the number plate moved down to the bumper. You’ll have plenty of ways to personalize it, with ten monotone and two dual-tone paint options. Higher-spec models, especially the sporty GTX variants, get neat touches like neon-colored brake calipers and large 18-inch alloys, while the X-Line pack offers a stealthier, blacked-out style.
Inside: Evolution Meets Smart Tech
While the exterior shouts for attention, the interior takes a more evolutionary, user-friendly approach. The layout will feel familiar but significantly upgraded. It borrows the excellent three-screen setup from the Carens and the chic, futuristic steering wheel from the EV6. A major win for many buyers is the retention of physical buttons and knobs for the climate control and infotainment—proving Kia understands that some things are just easier and safer to use on the move.
The materials feel plusher, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, and the extended wheelbase genuinely unlocks more legroom in the rear. Ambient lighting with 64 color options helps set the mood, making the cabin a more pleasant place to be.
Packed to the Gills with Features
The Seltos has always been a feature leader, and the 2026 model doubles down on that reputation. The tech headline is the twin 12.3-inch screens: one for the infotainment (with connected car tech) and one for the digital driver’s instrument cluster, which can even show a feed from the blind-spot camera. There’s also a 5-inch touch panel for the climate control, though it might be more of a novelty for most.
Comfort and convenience are top-notch with features like a 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a premium 8-speaker Bose sound system. A head-up display projects key info onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.
Safety: A Comprehensive Shield
Safety gets a strong emphasis. The new Seltos comes standard with six airbags and a robust electronic stability program. Key safety and aid features include an electronic parking brake with auto-hold (for automatic variants), a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Crucially, it continues to offer a Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. This includes tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which can actively help with steering, braking, and acceleration under certain conditions, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
Picking Your Variant: Something for Everyone
Kia is keeping the variant lineup extensive. The key choices highlighted are the HTK (O), which offers a sweet spot of essential features for practical buyers; the GTX (A), which is the top tech-loaded variant for gadget enthusiasts; and the stylish X-Line with its unique aesthetics. Prices are expected to start around ₹11.2 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it squarely against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a strategic and compelling upgrade. By dramatically increasing its size, it directly addresses a key purchase consideration in the Indian market. The bold new design helps it stand out in a crowded segment, while the feature-loaded, practical interior and strong safety net ensure it remains a hugely desirable package. It feels less like a mere update and more like Kia reasserting its blueprint for what a successful compact SUV should be: spacious, stylish, smart, and safe.