The Kia Seltos has been one of the most popular compact SUVs in markets like India, the US, and many Asian countries. With its sharp design, feature‑loaded cabin and multiple engine options, it often tops best compact SUV and SUV under 20 lakhs lists.
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Kia Seltos 2026 : Why it is trending in Autoworld
The Kia Seltos 2026 is already creating ripples among those customers who are on the lookout to upgrade their vehicles. Even though Kia has not launched the 2026 version of the vehicle as of now in the last quarter of 2024, we are ready with some expected predictions.
Please note that every piece of information mentioned below (launched, feature, mileage, price, etc.) is expected and changeable at the time of its launch. Cross-check it with the Kia website once bookings begin.
Kia Seltos 2026 Expected launch date in India - 2026
- Launch window expected: Mid-late 2026
- Likely to reveal: Auto expo/brand event a few months before the launch
Commencement of booking: Usual 4–8 weeks before the commencement of deliveries For other markets like North America, Europe, and ASEAN, the 2026 Seltos will also likely appear in model year 2025–2026, contingent on local product cycles. Again, that's just a predicted timeline based on previous trends, as Kia has not announced a specific date just yet.
Kia Seltos Design & Exterior: Sharper, More Premium Road Presence
Refined LED headlamps and DRLs
Bold front grille and bumper design
Alloy wheels & tyres
Black roof options
Kia Seltos Interior & Features: Tech‑Loaded, Connected & Comfortable
Interior & Features: Tech-Loaded, Connected & Comfortable
Infotainment & connectivity
- Remote engine start/stop
- Remote AC control
- Live vehicle location & geofencing
- Service reminders & OTA updates (where supported)
- A branded system like Bose (as in current Seltos) with multiple speakers and a sub‑woofer is very likely on higher variants.
- Automatic climate control
- Push‑button start with smart key
- Auto headlamps & rain‑sensing wipers (top trims)
- Power‑adjustable driver seat in higher variants
- 60:40 split rear seats to expand boot space
Engine power and fuel efficiency estimates
- A small four-cylinder gasoline motor usually shows up. Most models come with a basic 1.5 liter non-turbo version.
- Fine handling, steady performance, works well around town yet handles open roads too.
- Mileage figures for the upcoming Kia Seltos 2026 petrol model - non-turbo - are estimated between 14 and 17 kilometers per liter. These numbers come from ARAI testing, officially claimed values. Transmission type will influence actual results. Expect variation based on driving habits too.
- Right now, most versions put out around 158 to 160 PS. That number comes straight from existing setups. Performance sits in that range unless changes are made. Some tweaks might shift it slightly. Output doesn’t go beyond that under normal conditions.
- A small number of markets keep seeing that 1.5L diesel option pop up. Fuel efficiency? Somewhere between thirteen and sixteen kilometers per liter is what they say.
- Fuel economy stretches far while power stays ready at low speeds
- A typical run might get you 18 to 21 kilometers per liter - official numbers, yet real enough for those who drive a lot.
- Transmission: IVT, similar to CVT, pairs with North American gasoline engines.
- DCT automatic for turbo‑petrol Automatic transmission using a torque converter comes with diesel engines where available.
Safety and ADAS stronger protection
- A brand new set of cushions inside the cabin helps protect people during a crash - six are fitted as standard across many models. These include units for both front seats, along the doors, and above the windows. Most versions of the 2026 Kia Seltos come with this layout built in. Protection comes from multiple directions thanks to their placement. You will find one each for driver and front passenger too.
- Braking that adjusts itself when needed, stability kept steady through slippery moments, plus help stopping on slopes without rolling back. Every seating position gets a full harness belt along with adjustable head support.
- A small camera at the back helps show what is behind when moving backward. Some versions also include front sensors along with the rear setup. These added detectors give extra awareness up ahead during slow maneuvers
- ISOFIX child‑seat anchors.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (autonomous emergency braking) Staying between lines gets easier when the system nudges the wheel. If drifting happens, a quiet alert wakes up attention. Speed adjusts itself on open roads, provided local rules say it's okay.
- Watching areas you cannot see while driving. Alerts when something approaches from the side at intersections. Notifies if vehicles cross behind during reversing. Keeps track of how focused the driver stays.
- What sets the 2026 Seltos apart shows up when lined up beside models such as the Hyundai Creta. Not far behind come choices like the Honda Elevate, each bringing something different. Standing tall among peers includes going head-to-head with the Toyota Hyryder. Even vehicles like the MG Astor enter the mix in these rankings. The segment for top compact SUVs in 2026 stays tightly contested.
Kia Seltos 2026 Price : What You Can Expect
You're probably already typing away at your search bars with keywords like "Kia Seltos 2026 price in India" or "Kia Seltos price on road" - but truth be told, the exact price won't be confirmed until the launch. However, we can make an educated guess at some potential price ranges
Expected Kia Seltos 2026 Price in India
If you consider the current pricing of the Seltos and take into account a bit of inflation we can probably expect
Ex-Showroom prices in India to be:
somewhere in the ballpark of ₹ 11.5 to 22.5 lakhs (It all depends on which engine and what trim you're after)
And once you factor in RTO, insurance and other handling costs - the on-road price is likely to be
anywhere from around ₹ 13 lacs to ₹ 27 lacs - and this is largely dependent on things like
the state or city you live in (as road tax does vary between places)
the trim you're buying and whether you add on any extras
how you choose to insure the thing
Now these are just rough estimates to give you a ballpark figure to budget with. As for the world market - USA and Canada for example - you can probably expect base models to start at around $25,000-$27,000. Other Asian markets (depending on local Taxes and what they're offering) will probably either be similar to the outgoing Seltos or a bit higher. Again, take any of this with a pinch of salt - at the end of the day these are just early estimates and you should keep an eye on the final pricing when the car actually launches.
Financing a Kia Seltos 2026 - Smart Ways to Get Behind the Wheel
Buying a new car isn't just about the list price you see on the sticker - it's about getting the best deal on the financing too. Here are the top ways to make that new Seltos of yours a reality:
Bank Loans Are Still An Option: Most of the big banks will give you a car loan but be prepared for interest rates that usually hover between 8-10%. And just to give you some idea, loan terms can vary from a pretty short 3 years up to a bit longer 7 years.
Non-Bank Lenders Can Be Flexible: Non-banking financial companies are often a bit more lenient when it comes to paperwork and sometimes even offer a bit lower interest rates on their EMI options.
Kia's Got Some Sweet Deals: Kia India has its own in-house financing company and they often run special promotions - things like really low down payments and step up EMI plans that can make it a lot more manageable.
Leasing Can Be A Tax Smarts Move: If you’re a business owner, leasing the Seltos could actually save you a bit on taxes.
Putting Down A Bigger Deposit Helps: Generally the more you put down upfront the less of a burden your EMIs become and the less overall interest you end up paying
Throw an Insurance Package in Too: It often pays to combine your financing with Kia’s insurance package - you can often snag a better deal that way.
The Final Word
The 2026 Kia Seltos does way more than just give itself a nice new face - its also a real segment winner. With a launch date of January 2026, a relatively affordable price tag of anywhere from 10.99-19.99 lakh, and a feature-packed interior it's poised to be a top seller in the compact SUV market. And if you're looking at different financing options that's a big plus - makes it a lot more possible for all sorts of people to own one of these vehicles.
If you're thinking of buying an SUV in 2026 then the Kia Seltos is definitely the one to have your eye on.