2026 Kia Seltos Roundup: Table of Contents
Launched in 2019 in the Indian market, the Seltos was Kia’s debut vehicle for the Indian market, aiming at the rapidly growing midsize SUV segment. At launch, the car received thousands of bookings, making it an immediate success for the Korean automaker. Since the launch, Seltos has driven the majority of Kia India’s sales (selling over 11,000 units in July 2025).
In 2023, Kia’s most popular offering got a minor facelift, which changed the external design and added a couple of features. However, the upcoming 2026 Seltos is the first generational upgrade for the model. It is expected to bring a complete overhaul in terms of design, technology, safety, and powertrain options.
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2026 Kia Seltos: Exterior Changes
Although the company hasn’t announced or teased the upcoming midsize SUV yet, early spy shots reveal enough about the vehicle to go on.
First and foremost, the forthcoming Kia Seltos upgrades will maintain the boxier and upright stance. However, it will receive signature vertical LED DRLs (which are sleeker and look more aggressive), along with a larger concave grille, and a full-width LED tail-light strip at the back.
The side profile of the vehicle (mostly camouflaged) reveals new alloy wheels (up to 18-inch in top trims). It could also include flush door handles, a revised window line, and other minor additions to give the car a fresh feel. While these are the predominantly visible changes, there’s something else that will excite prospective buyers.
The upcoming 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to be about 100mm longer than the current model; this will make it the segment’s longest SUV (even longer than the Jeep Compass). All the additional space could result in better legroom for the front/rear passengers, and a more spacious boot.
Reports claim that the upcoming Kia Seltos will utilize Hyundai-Kia’s new, third-generation small car architecture (shared with the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Niro). The increase in dimensions could also be attributed to the new platform (which would also result in an increased wheelbase).
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2026 Kia Seltos: New Interiors
The most noteworthy cabin change could be the addition of the 30-inch Trinity Display we’ve seen in the top models of the Kia Syros. It comprises a 12.3-inch driver’s information display, a five-inch touchscreen for climate control display (to the left), and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen toward the center.
The seat and door panels could borrow high-quality upholstery similar to Kia’s flagship vehicles. While the details about the 2026 Kia Seltos’ interior remain scarce, we can also expect features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, and, perhaps, ventilated rear seats on the higher trims.
2026 Kia Seltos: Hybrid Powertrain Expected
The 2026 Kia Seltos should retain the three engine options currently available. These include a 1.5L NA petrol, 1.5L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L turbo-diesel engine. But the major highlight of the vehicle, despite the redesigned exterior and interior, could be the addition of a hybrid powertrain.
With certain trims, the upcoming Kia Seltos could offer a 1.6L petrol engine paired with a 32kW electric motor (similar to the globally available Kona and Niro hybrid models), generating a combined output of 141hp and 265Nm. What’s even more interesting is that the midsize SUV might gain an e-AWD configuration (powered by an independent rear-mounted motor).
It’s worth mentioning here that the Kia Seltos has been available with an all-wheel-drive configuration in global markets, with North America and Europe being the immediate examples. Further, the spy shots (of test mules in India) reveal the presence of an upgraded rear independent suspension, which is typically seen accompanying AWD variants.
You shouldn’t just expect improved performance from the hybrid powertrain, but also increased fuel economy (something that I’m very excited to try, as my friend’s 2023 Seltos Diesel TC provides a real-world average of around 20 – 22 km/l on highways when cruising under 100km/h). The hybrid Seltos should also offer a similar real-world mileage.
While the hybrid powertrain might be available with TC or DCT transmission only, the other models should be available with a six-speed manual, iMT, and a CVT gearbox.
2026 Kia Seltos: Launch Timeline
Initially, the Hyundai-owned car brand was rumored to announce the refreshed Kia Seltos globally by the end of 2025 or early 2026, followed by an Indian launch by mid-2026 (right in time for the festive season).
However, new reports from Korea suggest that the launch has been pushed back, primarily due to the pricing concerns. The hybrid and e-AWD model, despite the added advantage of lower running costs, will lead to higher manufacturing costs (and maintenance costs, which are to be borne by the end-customers).
As a result, the hybrid variant might not perform in highly price-sensitive markets like India. To keep the prices in control, Kia should continue local manufacturing of the 2026 Seltos in India, likely in the current facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Further, Kia might not introduce the e-AWD setup in India after all, sticking with the 1.6L hybrid petrol engine.
Considering everything, the 2026 Kia Seltos could cost around Rs. 19 to 23 lakhs (ex-showroom). The car will compete with immediate rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Strong Hybrid) and Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Strong Hybrid).
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You can check whether you’re Skoda or Volkswagen car is affected by entering the VIN number on the Skoda India and Volkswagen India recall pages.
