Kia India has officially unveiled the new-generation Seltos, marking a major leap forward for the midsize SUV that originally helped shape the brand’s footprint in the country. Over six years after the first Seltos arrived, the second-gen model steps in with a fresh design philosophy, a completely revamped cabin, and a shift to Kia’s K3 architecture.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Exterior Design
The new Seltos has grown in every measurable direction. The SUV now stretches 4,460mm end to end, sits on a 2,690mm wheelbase, measures 1,830mm wide, and stands 1,635mm tall. The updated proportions, combined with the K3 platform, give it a more planted stance and improved interior space.
The styling direction takes clear cues from Kia’s newer global SUVs. The reworked front end is dominated by a broad, intricately detailed grille with vertical gunmetal elements, giving the SUV a more assertive face. Boxy LED headlamps sit on either side, and the DRLs extend vertically, enhanced by a distinctive lightning-bolt signature near the outer edges. The redesigned bumper incorporates black cladding and neatly sculpted surrounds for the fog lamps, adding toughness without clutter.
Along the flanks, stronger character lines and chunkier wheel-arch cladding give the Seltos a more muscular posture. Kia has switched to flush-fitting door handles for a cleaner profile. The familiar kink in the window line returns but now blends into a blacked-out trim piece that visually stretches the rear glass into the tailgate.
At the back, the number plate has shifted downward to the bumper, cleaning up the tailgate’s design. The standout element here is the new inverted L-themed LED signature that spans across the rear, giving the SUV a distinctive nighttime identity.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Interior Design
Step inside and the change is even more dramatic. The dashboard layout has been completely modernised and is built around a widescreen digital setup: a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a separate 5.0-inch panel for climate controls. Despite the tech-heavy approach, Kia has kept a healthy mix of physical buttons and knobs for essential functions. The steering wheel is brand-new as well, featuring a three-spoke look with drive and traction mode selectors.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Features and Safety
The equipment list, especially on the higher trims, is extensive. Highlights include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a memory function for the powered driver’s seat, rear sunshades, dual-tone upholstery, a 360-degree camera, Bose’s eight-speaker audio setup, 64-colour ambient lighting, OTA updates, connected-car capabilities and Level 2 ADAS.
Standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, disc brakes on all wheels, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a rear-view camera.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Powertrain Options
Despite riding on the new K3 platform, the powertrain lineup is unchanged. The Seltos continues with three engines:
- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115hp, 144Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual or CVT
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp, 253Nm) available with an iMT or 7-speed DCT
- 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (116hp, 250Nm) offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Variants
As before, the variant spread continues across three broad lines -Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line. The Tech Line remains the volume driver with six trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTX and HTX(A). Above this sits the GT Line, offered in GTX and GTX(A) versions, which adds a sportier appearance and a richer equipment list. The X-Line package, known for its darkened styling elements, remains exclusive to the GT Line range.
New-Gen Kia Seltos – Market Positioning and Rivals
Reservations have been open since December 11, with a booking fee of ₹25,000. Customers can secure their SUV online or by visiting any authorised Kia dealership. The company will announce prices on January 2, 2026, and deliveries are scheduled to begin around mid-January.
The new-gen Kia Seltos is positioned as a premium, feature-rich midsize SUV aimed at buyers who want bold design, advanced tech in a competitive segment. Upon launch it will challenge established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara & Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, MG Astor and the newest kid on the block, the Tata Sierra.