Kia India has officially launched the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos, marking a full generational update for one of the country’s most competitive mid-size SUVs. The new model arrives at a starting price of ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and introduces changes across dimensions, design, interior technology, powertrains and safety architecture. With this update, the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos enters a segment that has grown more crowded and more demanding than when the original model debuted.
The 2nd Gen Kia Seltos is built on a new platform, offers a wider variant spread, and introduces a multiple option-pack strategy that significantly alters how buyers can configure the vehicle. Rather than positioning the SUV as a radical departure, Kia appears to have focused on incremental but wide-ranging updates aimed at retaining relevance in a fast-evolving category.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Exterior Design
In terms of proportions, the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos is larger than before. It now measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and sits on a longer wheelbase of 2,690 mm. These figures place it among the larger offerings in the mid-SUV segment and suggest an emphasis on improved cabin space and road presence rather than compact urban usability.
The exterior design follows Kia’s current “Opposites United” philosophy. Key changes include a revised front fascia with what the company calls the Digital Tiger Face, updated LED projector headlamps with a dynamic welcome function, and flush-style automatic door handles on higher trims. The rear receives an integrated spoiler and redesigned lighting elements, while select variants are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and contrasting brake calipers.
Colour options stand at ten monotone shades, including new additions such as Morning Haze and Magma Red.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Interior Design
Inside, the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos reflects a clear shift toward screen-dominated layouts. The centrepiece is a 30-inch panoramic display panel that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single horizontal unit. Physical controls are retained in limited areas, primarily for climate functions.
Material upgrades are visible on higher variants, including leatherette upholstery and a redesigned steering wheel. Kia has also focused on comfort-oriented features, particularly for urban and highway usage. Front ventilated seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, and a panoramic sunroof are offered on select trims and option packs.
Connectivity features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a proximity-based smart key unlocking function.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Powertrain
The 2nd Gen Kia Seltos continues with a familiar engine lineup but offers a wide range of transmission choices. The powertrain options include:
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1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine
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1.5-litre diesel engine
Transmission options vary by engine and variant and include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed intelligent manual (iMT), IVT automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. This spread positions the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos as one of the more mechanically diverse SUVs in its class, catering to buyers prioritising fuel efficiency, performance, or convenience.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Safety and Platform
A major technical update for the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos is the introduction of Kia’s global K3 platform in India. This platform underpins improvements in structural rigidity, noise insulation, and ride stability.
Safety equipment now includes a standard safety package with six airbags, ABS, hill-start assist and electronic stability aids. Higher variants and specific option packs add Level 2 ADAS, which includes 21 driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking. While ADAS adoption is increasing across the segment, its effectiveness will largely depend on Indian driving conditions and calibration.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Price and Variants
Pricing for the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos starts at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and extends significantly upward depending on engine, transmission and option pack selection with the top end variant costing ₹19.99 lakh.
Kia offers four core trims: HTE, HTK, HTX and GTX, along with an X-Line version positioned as the most premium iteration. In addition, buyers can choose from four option packs — Convenience, Premium, ADAS, and X-Line design packages — allowing for a more modular approach to feature selection.
This structure means that features traditionally locked to top-end trims can now be accessed through option packs, but it also introduces complexity in variant selection. The GTX(A) and X-Line(A) variants sit at the top of the range and include the most comprehensive feature lists, including ADAS, premium audio and enhanced interior materials.
2nd Gen Kia Seltos – Market Positioning and Rivals
The 2nd Gen Kia Seltos operates in one of India’s most contested segments, competing against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
Rather than undercutting rivals aggressively on price, Kia appears to be positioning the 2nd Gen Kia Seltos as a feature-dense and technology-forward option. Its strengths lie in variety — of engines, transmissions and trims. Production for the model is underway at Kia’s Anantapur facility, with nationwide availability supported by the brand’s dealer network.