2026 Kia Seltos next-gen launches Jan 2 in India at ~₹12L. Bigger cabin, Level 2+ ADAS, turbo engines rival Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra. Bookings open!
Kia Seltos next-gen arrives as a bolder midsize SUV, set for India launch on January 2, 2026, with bookings already live since December 11. This second-generation Kia Seltos ups the ante against Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra with sharper styling, expanded space, and advanced driver aids. Expect prices starting around ₹12 lakh ex-showroom, blending premium features with everyday driveability for families craving more tech without compromise.
Kia Seltos Next-Gen Striking Exterior Upgrades
The 2026 Kia Seltos next-gen sports an aggressive front grille flanked by vertical split LED headlamps, deeper-set for a muscular stance. Flush door handles and thick cladding draw from Kia’s EV lineup, while a rising shoulder line adds drama across the profile. Rear gets a full-width taillamp with hourglass motifs and a sleeker spoiler, available in sporty GT-Line or rugged X-Line trims.
Grown larger overall, the Kia Seltos next-gen promises better road presence without sacrificing maneuverability in tight city traffic. Ten monotone colors plus dual-tones let buyers personalize, from fiery reds to stealthy blacks. New traction modes—Snow, Mud, Sand—enhance off-road cred, adjusting throttle for slippery or loose surfaces. Imagine tackling monsoon puddles or weekend getaways with confidence; this Kia Seltos next-gen feels more versatile than ever.
Built at Kia’s Anantapur plant with India R&D tweaks, it retains front-wheel drive but adds global safety architecture. Alloy wheels up to 18 inches complete the premium look, turning heads on highways.
Luxe Interior and Space Boost in Kia Seltos Next-Gen
Step inside the Kia Seltos next-gen, and twin 12.3-inch screens dominate—a seamless infotainment and digital cluster setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates, and an AI voice assistant make it future-ready. Heads-up display projects speeds onto the windshield, while 64-color ambient lighting sets the mood.
Rear space expands with reclining benches and family-focused touches like Rear Occupant Alert. Boot swells to 536 liters via dual-level floor—a 103-liter gain over the old Kia Seltos next-gen rival. Panoramic dual-pane sunroof floods light in, paired with Harman Kardon or Bose audio for road-trip vibes. Physical buttons for climate keep things intuitive amid the tech overload.
Wireless charging, 360-camera, and ventilated seats elevate comfort. Kia Seltos next-gen prioritizes real-world usability—think kids’ toys fitting easily or groceries stacking neatly. Four trims (HTE to GTX) scale features smartly.
Powertrains and Efficiency: Kia Seltos Next-Gen Delivers
Familiar yet refined engines power the Kia Seltos next-gen: 1.5L NA petrol (115hp/144Nm), turbo-petrol (160hp/253Nm), and 1.5L diesel (116hp/250Nm). Pair with manuals, iMT, IVT, or DCT for varied tastes. No major power bumps, but new mappings promise smoother delivery.
ARAI mileage holds steady around 18-22kmpl, with real-world figures near 16-20kmpl based on tests. A hybrid option looms later, aligning with Kia’s green push. Kia Seltos next-gen’s lightweight chassis aids peppy acceleration, hitting 0-100kmph in under 10 seconds for turbos. Highway merges feel effortless, city crawls efficient.
Traction modes shine off-menu paths, while refined NVH isolates cabin noise. Ownership perks include extended warranty and roadside aid.
Advanced Safety Suite Elevates Kia Seltos Next-Gen
Level 2+ ADAS headlines the Kia Seltos next-gen with Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous cruising. Blind View Monitor scans corners, plus enhanced stability control. Six airbags, dual-channel ABS, and 360-view camera standard across trims.
This setup outpaces many rivals in proactive safety, like auto emergency braking or lane keep. Kia Seltos next-gen’s stronger chassis absorbs impacts better, per global norms. Families gain peace of mind on long drives.
Also Read : Mahindra XUV 7XO Teaser Drops: XUV700 Facelift Packs Dual Screens, ADAS Upgrades
Kia Seltos Next-Gen vs Rivals: Feature Face-Off
The Kia Seltos next-gen targets Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra head-on, leading in tech density.
| Feature | Kia Seltos Next-Gen (~₹12L) | Hyundai Creta (~₹11L) | Tata Sierra (~₹12L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS Level | 2+ (Highway Assist) | Level 2 | Basic |
| Screens | Dual 12.3-inch | Dual 10.25-inch | Single 12-inch |
| Boot Space | 536L | 433L | ~450L |
| Turbo Petrol Power | 160hp/253Nm | 160hp/253Nm | 160hp/260Nm |
| Traction Modes | Snow/Mud/Sand | None | Terrain Modes |
| Sunroof | Dual-Pane Panoramic | Single Pane | Panoramic |
Kia Seltos next-gen edges Creta on space and boot; Sierra offers engine variety but lags ADAS. Value king for feature freaks.
Why Kia Seltos Next-Gen Wins Urban SUV Crown
Launch buzz peaks for Kia Seltos next-gen—book now for early dibs. At ₹12-20 lakh span, it balances premium without excess. Rivals scramble, but Kia’s design-tech mix steals show. Perfect for Mumbai traffic or Himalayan foothills.
