South Korean automobile major Kia Motors recently unveiled the new-generation Kia Seltos, strengthening its presence in India’s highly competitive compact SUV segment. The Seltos has already built a strong reputation in the Indian market, and the latest model has started receiving an encouraging response from customers soon after bookings opened.
Customers can book the new Kia Seltos with an initial amount of ₹25,000. The official launch is scheduled for January 2, 2026. Ahead of its launch, we got the opportunity to drive the SUV. Here is a detailed review of the new Kia Seltos.
Design: Bold, Premium and Rugged
The new Kia Seltos stands out with its updated and aggressive design language. The dark chrome grille enhances the SUV’s premium and rugged appeal. The LED headlamps and DRLs add a modern touch to the front profile.
Glossy black accents, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and neon green brake calipers at the front and rear give the SUV a distinctive sporty character.
At the rear, the Seltos features a connected tail-lamp design with a drop effect. The lower bumper gets a glass black trim, along with a hidden wiper and washer system and a high-mounted stop lamp.
The SUV offers a 447-litre boot space, which can be expanded further using the 60:40 split rear seats.
Features: Loaded with Premium Technology
The new Kia Seltos comes with a completely redesigned cabin. The driver gets an electrically adjustable seat with lumbar support, ensuring comfort on both short city drives and long highway journeys. A memory function is also provided for the driver’s seat.
The dashboard features a connected screen layout with a dual-tone smoky black and white interior theme. Leatherette seats and a spacious cabin enhance the premium feel. The highlight is the 75.18 cm (30-inch) Trinity panoramic display panel, paired with a double D-cut dual-tone leatherette steering wheel.
Key premium features include:
- 10-way powered driver seat
- Integrated memory seat synced with ORVM settings
- Front ventilated seats
- 8-speaker Bose premium sound system
- 64-colour ambient mood lighting
- Wireless smartphone charger
For rear passengers, the SUV offers:
- 60:40 split reclining rear seats
- Type-C USB charging ports
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with natural light
Segment-first features include:
- Smart key proximity unlock
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Kia Connect 2.0 suite
Additional convenience and safety features:
- Auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror
- Sunglass holder
- Passenger-side vanity mirror
- Subwoofer placed in the boot
- New three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment
Paddle shifters enhance driving engagement, while drive and traction mode controls are mounted on the steering wheel. Buttons for hill descent control, traction control, and electronic parking brake are placed ergonomically for easy access.
Engine Options and Dimensions
The new Kia Seltos is offered with multiple engine choices:
- 1.5L Smartstream Petrol – 115 PS, 144 Nm
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (T-GDI) – 160 PS, 253 Nm
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel – 116 PS, 250 Nm
Transmission options include:
- 6-speed Manual
- 6-speed iMT
- IVT
- 7-speed DCT
- 6-speed Automatic
The lineup includes four standard trims: HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX, along with optional variants: HTE(O), HTK(O), HTX(A), GTX(A)
For added style, the X-Line styling package is exclusively available with the GTX and GTX(A) variants.
In terms of size, the new Seltos has grown:
- Length: 4,460 mm
- Width: 1,830 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
The increased dimensions translate into a more spacious cabin. The SUV also stands out with its black high-gloss grille and dark gunmetal accents, differentiating it from rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
Driving Impressions: Balanced and Confident
The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic delivers strong performance. While there is a slight delay in initial turbo boost, acceleration is smooth and confidence-inspiring once it kicks in.
For those seeking instant power delivery, the turbo petrol engine is the better choice, offering class-leading performance.
The Seltos offers multiple drive and traction modes, which adjust steering weight and throttle response according to driving conditions. Built on the K3 platform, the SUV feels larger and more stable, supported by a well-tuned suspension setup that balances comfort and handling.
The seats offer excellent cushioning, making long journeys comfortable. Despite its bold styling, the steering wheel feels comfortable to hold and easy to control. Overall, the new Kia Seltos strikes a fine balance between ride quality and handling, making it suitable for a wide range of driving conditions.
Verdict
With its bold design, premium features, multiple powertrain options, and refined driving dynamics, the new Kia Seltos continues to strengthen its position as one of the most well-rounded SUVs in its segment.