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2026 Kia Seltos Unveiled: Launch On 2 January - The Badass Gets Even Better
The second-generation Kia Seltos has been unveiled in India ahead of its market launch slated for 2 January 2026. The update brings a fully reworked exterior and cabin along with new trim options and revised powertrains, marking a major upgrade over the outgoing generation.
Visually, the new 2026 Kia Seltos adopts Kia's latest design language - a prominent "tiger-nose" grille, revised bumper, split LED DRLs, pop-out door handles and aero-oriented alloy wheels. At the rear, it features connected vertical tail lamps and a sculpted bumper, designed to give it a more modern SUV stance than its predecessor.
The cabin of the 2026 Kia Seltos receives a complete overhaul with a wide dashboard housing dual 12.3-inch displays, a refreshed centre console, panoramic sunroof and revised HVAC layout. Higher-spec trims are expected to offer features such as ambient lights, a power tail-gate, 60:40 split and reclining rear seats, wireless charging and a Bose-level audio setup.
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Seltos will continue with three powertrain options. The base 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 113 bhp/144 Nm, paired with a CVT. In contrast, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol version develops 158 bhp/253 Nm, utilising a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 1.5-litre diesel producing 118 bhp/260 Nm with six-speed MT/AT completes the line-up.
Trim levels for the 2026 Kia Seltos Seltos are listed as HTE, HTK, HTX, GT-Line and X-Line. Bookings open today (10 December 2025), with official pricing to be announced on 2 January 2026. We expect the the ex-showroom price of the 2026 Kia Seltos could start around ₹12 lakh and go up to near ₹20-21 lakh, depending on the variant.
With its updated design, upgraded interiors and modern powertrain and trim strategy, the 2026 Kia Seltos will rival compact and midsize SUVs such as Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq when it hits showrooms early next year.
2026 Kia Seltos Highlights
| Kia Seltos | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date (India) | 2 January 2026 |
| Trim Levels | HTE, HTK, HTX, GT-Line, X-Line |
| Exterior Highlights | Tiger-nose grille, split LED DRLs, pop-out door handles, aero wheels, connected tail lamps |
| Interior Highlights | Dual 12.3″ displays, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 60:40 split & reclining rear seats, wireless charging, premium audio |
| Powertrains | 1.5 L NA petrol (113 bhp/144 Nm, CVT), 1.5 L turbo petrol (158 bhp/253 Nm, 7-speed DCT), 1.5 L diesel (118 bhp/260 Nm, 6-MT/6-AT) |
| Hybrid Option | Not announced at launch |
| Expected Price Range | ~₹12 lakh to ~₹20-21 lakh (ex-showroom) |
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