The All New Kia Seltos Unveiled: Design, Features, Variants and Full 2026 Guide

Image credits to Kia

The all new Kia Seltos has finally been revealed, and it is easily one of the most anticipated SUV launches of the year. This next generation Seltos is not just an update or a mild refresh. It represents a complete generational leap for one of Kia’s most successful and loved SUVs in India and global markets. First showcased globally and then unveiled in India, the new Seltos comes with a reimagined design, a thoroughly modern interior and a significant bump in technology, safety and overall refinement.

Kia has clearly positioned the 2026 Kia Seltos as a far more premium and future ready SUV, aimed at buyers who want style, performance, advanced features and strong road presence in a compact SUV package. With its bold new design language, larger dimensions, panoramic display setup, upgraded ADAS safety suite and improved comfort, the new Seltos promises to redefine expectations in its segment. The transformation goes well beyond cosmetic changes, making this one of the most important SUV upgrades in recent years and reinforcing Kia’s commitment to innovation and customer experience.

TLDR: Key Takaways

• The all new Kia Seltos gets a complete generational upgrade with bold new styling, a more premium cabin and major tech improvements.
• A new 30 inch panoramic display, upgraded Level 2 ADAS, and improved comfort features make it feel far more premium than the outgoing model.
• The SUV is now bigger, safer and more feature packed, with enhanced space, refined interiors and a more robust platform.
• Positioned as a future ready compact SUV, it aims to set new benchmarks in design, technology and user experience.

Launch Timeline and Market Availability

Bookings in India open this month, with deliveries scheduled to start soon after the official price announcement. The new Seltos is positioned in the premium compact SUV segment and is expected to fall within the same price band as the outgoing model.

Globally, production has already begun, and the SUV will roll out to major international markets, including Korea, Europe, North America and China. The United States will see the new Seltos arrive as part of its next model year lineup.

A Bold New Design Language

Image credits to Faisal Khan

Kia has made a dramatic shift in styling, following its modern Opposites United philosophy. The new Seltos has a stronger SUV stance and a more upscale presence compared to the earlier generation.

Exterior Enhancements

The updated front fascia features a much larger and more imposing Digital Tiger Face grille with striking vertical elements. The redesigned Ice Cube LED headlamps with Star Map DRLs give the SUV a futuristic look. The bumper adopts a squared off theme with thicker cladding and muscular contours for a more rugged feel.

From the side, the Seltos gets sharper body lines, new flush fitting door handles, chunkier wheel arch cladding and redesigned alloy wheels with a geometric pattern. The rear styling also changes significantly with large inverted L shaped LED tail lamps, a cleaner boot design and a sporty extended spoiler.

Bigger and More Spacious

The new Seltos has grown in every direction, giving it a more commanding road presence. The wheelbase has increased to provide noticeably better rear seat room. Boot space and fuel tank capacity have also improved, making it a more practical family SUV.

Colour Options

Kia has introduced several new paint choices, including Iceberg Green, Gravity Grey, Morning Haze, Frost Blue and a dramatic matte Magma Red, in addition to refined existing colours.

A Premium and Tech Forward Cabin

Image credits to Faisal Khan

Step inside and the Seltos feels completely redesigned. Kia has taken inspiration from its flagship models to elevate the interior experience.

Panoramic Display and Refined Dashboard

The highlight is the new 30 inch Trinity Panoramic display, combining the digital instrument cluster, the infotainment screen and a dedicated climate control display under one curved glass unit. This gives the SUV a luxury car like cockpit feel.

Kia has retained key physical controls for climate and media, ensuring ease of use while driving.

High Quality Materials and Ambient Mood Lighting

The cabin uses premium dual tone leatherette upholstery, soft touch panels and metallic accents. A 64 colour ambient lighting system stretches across the dashboard and doors, enhancing the premium feel, especially at night.

The new flat bottom steering wheel with drive mode toggles, inspired by the EV6, adds to the modern look.

Comfort Features

The SUV offers a 10 way powered driver seat with lumbar support and memory function, ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats with sunshades, Type C charging ports and wireless smartphone charging. The cabin also features a dual pane panoramic sunroof and a premium Bose audio system, making it more comfortable for long journeys.

Engine Options and Powertrain Choices

Image credits to Faisal Khan

Kia continues to offer its reliable and efficient engine lineup, covering petrol, turbo petrol and diesel options paired with various manual, automatic, CVT and DCT gearboxes. These powertrains have already proven their capability in the Indian market.

Hybrid Variant Coming Globally

Kia has also confirmed a Seltos Hybrid for select international markets. This new hybrid is expected to feature a turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and regenerative braking, offering higher efficiency and modern electrified features.

Safety Upgrades and Level 2 ADAS

Safety sees a major leap with the inclusion of an enhanced Level 2 ADAS package offering a wide range of autonomous features.

ADAS Features Include:

• Forward collision warning and avoidance
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver attention monitoring

Kia has tuned these systems to work seamlessly on Indian road conditions, making them far more user friendly.

Standard Safety Features

All variants now include six airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, a 360 degree camera, all wheel disc brakes and ISOFIX mounts. The SUV is built on the new K3 platform, giving it improved crash protection and rigidity.

Variants and Trim Levels

Kia has expanded the variant lineup with multiple option packs. Entry level models focus on essential features, mid level trims add sunroofs, ambient lighting and advanced functions, while the top variants include the full ADAS suite, premium sound system and exclusive X Line styling.

Technology and Connectivity

The new Seltos is equipped with the latest version of Kia Connect offering remote diagnostics, OTA updates and a wide suite of connected car features. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, an AI based voice assistant and a Digital Key 2 feature that lets you unlock the car using your smartphone.

How the New Seltos Compares to the Previous Generation

Image credits to Faisal Khan

The transformation is significant. The earlier Seltos used a more rounded, compact European style design. The new version adopts a muscular and modern SUV character with sharper lines and a more assertive posture.

The switch to the K3 platform brings better stability, refinement and comfort. The increased wheelbase results in a more spacious cabin, especially for rear passengers. The new technology package and panoramic display bring it closer to luxury SUVs.

Expert Insights

Experts note that the new Seltos has successfully balanced bold exterior styling with a premium yet functional interior. The improved suspension tuning gives it a smoother ride without compromising handling. Soft touch materials, the panoramic sunroof and premium audio elevate the feel significantly.

Comparison with Hyundai Creta

The Seltos and Creta remain strong rivals in the segment.

Key Differences:

• Design: Seltos looks sportier and more aggressive, while Creta feels more refined and family friendly.
• Driving feel: Seltos offers sharper steering and more engaging dynamics.
• Interior quality: Seltos leans toward a more premium, modern layout.
• ADAS tuning: Seltos is slightly more responsive, while Creta prioritizes comfort.

Both are well equipped and priced competitively, but the Seltos tends to appeal more to younger buyers and enthusiasts.

Kia’s Vision and Market Strategy

Kia India leadership has highlighted the new Seltos as a pivotal product for their growth strategy. The company aims to strengthen its position in the Indian SUV market and expects strong demand for the upgraded model.

Globally, Kia expects the new Seltos to be one of its highest selling SUVs, helping the brand achieve ambitious growth targets across markets.

Key Takeaways

The new Kia Seltos is a major evolutionary step rather than a simple update. It brings together a bold design, premium interiors, advanced technology and modern safety enhancements. With a panoramic display, expanded ADAS features, improved comfort and more space, the new Seltos positions itself as one of the most complete SUVs in its category.

It retains the practicality and value of the original Seltos while pushing boundaries in design and technology, making it a strong contender for buyers looking for a future ready, premium compact SUV.

Read Mahindra XEV 9S Review: India’s Best 7 Seater Electric SUV for Families

FAQs

1. What is new in the all new Kia Seltos?

The new Seltos gets a complete redesign with a bold SUV stance, a premium panoramic display, upgraded ADAS safety, better interior materials and larger dimensions.

2. Is the new Kia Seltos bigger than the old one?

Yes. The new model is longer, wider and comes with an extended wheelbase, which translates to noticeably better rear seat space and a more planted road presence.

3. What is the price range of the new Seltos?

Kia is expected to price it in the same bracket as the outgoing model, which typically sits between the ₹11–20 lakh segment. Exact pricing will be announced during the official India launch.

4. Does the new Seltos get a panoramic sunroof?

Yes, it now gets a dual pane panoramic sunroof, making the cabin feel brighter and more premium.

5. What are the biggest interior upgrades?

The standout feature is the 30 inch Trinity Panoramic Display, along with better upholstery, soft touch materials, ambient lighting and improved seating comfort.

6. Does the new Seltos come with ADAS?

Yes, it features an enhanced Level 2 ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot detection and more.

7. Will Kia launch a hybrid version of the Seltos?

A hybrid Seltos is confirmed for global markets like Korea, Europe and the US. However, India’s hybrid launch timeline is not confirmed yet.

8. Is the new engine lineup different?

Kia has retained its reliable petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines, paired with manual, CVT, iMT and DCT options. Performance is expected to remain strong.

9. How does the new Seltos compare to the Hyundai Creta?

The Seltos leans toward a sportier, more premium feel with sharper handling, while the Creta focuses more on comfort and family friendliness. Both are strong contenders in the segment.

10. Who should consider buying the new Kia Seltos?

If you want a feature packed, modern, stylish and future ready SUV with strong road presence and premium interiors, the new Seltos is an excellent match. It especially appeals to younger buyers and tech focused consumers.