2026 Kia Seltos Review: The Big Upgrade

Updated: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 13:09 [IST]

The Kia Seltos has become a strong player in India's compact SUV market since it was first launched way back in 2019. Over the years, Kia has only added more tech and gave the Seltos a mild facelift to enhance its looks in 2023. Now, six years after it first arrived on our roads, Kia has finally launched the second-generation Seltos.

The new Kia Seltos comes with a new design, a host of improvements to the cabin and even more tech than before, while retaining the engine lineup of its predecessor. So, how does the new second-gen Kia Seltos perform on the road. We drove the new Kia Seltos in Bangalore and here are our thoughts after a few hours in the driver's seat.

Kia Seltos Review – Exterior Highlights

The Kia Seltos stands out with its updated design. Its dark chrome grille enhances its front look. LED headlights with DRLs and integrated indicators add a modern touch. These lights have a sleek design for both high and low beams.

Glossy black accents and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels define its profile. Neon green brake calipers at the front and rear add a unique flair. Automatic flush door handles extend when the driver approaches.

The rear features a connected tail light design with a drop effect. Gloss black trim decorates the lower bumper. A hidden wiper with a washer system and a high-mount stop light are present. The boot offers 447 litres of space, expandable with 60:40 split rear seats.

Kia Seltos Review – Interior Highlights

The Kia Seltos offers a fully redesigned cabin. The driver has an electronically adjustable seat with lumbar support. This ensures comfort on both short and long trips, with memory function available for the driver's seat.

The dashboard features a connected screen layout. It includes two 10.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. A separate 5-inch touchscreen controls the air conditioning. Physical buttons for media, navigation, and home settings are also available. A volume rocker enhances usability.

Charging options are ample, with three USB ports at the front and two at the rear. A wireless charging pad is also present. The cabin combines soft-touch materials and plastics for a pleasant feel. Narrow AC vents and various storage compartments are integrated throughout.

Safety and convenience features are abundant. An auto-dimming inside rearview mirror and a sunglass holder are thoughtful inclusions. Passenger-side vanity mirrors are provided. All interior and exterior lighting is LED. The car has a Bose sound system with a subwoofer in the boot.

The steering wheel has a new three-spoke design with tilt and telescopic adjustment. Paddle shifters enhance the driving experience. Controls for drive and traction modes are on the steering wheel. Buttons for hill descent, traction control, and an electronic park brake are conveniently placed.

Kia Seltos Review – Specifications & Dimensions

The Kia Seltos offers diverse engine options. These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine. Each engine delivers specific power output and torque.

Engine Type	Max Power	Max Torque
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	115 PS (113 bhp) @ 6300 rpm	144 Nm @ 4500 rpm
1.5L Turbo Petrol	160 PS (158 bhp) @ 5500 rpm	253 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
1.5L Turbo Diesel	116 PS (114 bhp) @ 4000 rpm	250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm

Transmission options include manual, iMT, IVT (CVT), a 7-speed DSG for the turbo petrol, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the diesel model. The diesel variant tested featured a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

The Seltos, built on Kia’s K3 platform, boasts increased dimensions. The new model measures 4,460mm in length and 1,830mm in width. Its wheelbase extends to 2,690mm. The new-gen Seltos is longer, wider, and taller than before. It provides 200mm of ground clearance, 10mm more than the previous version.

Kia Seltos Review – Driving Impressions – Performance and Handling

We drove the Kia Seltos with the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The engine feels refined and though initial boost takes a moment, the acceleration is more than capable for everyday use and once at highway speeds, it cruises without any issues. For those looking for a bit more immediate oomph, you can check out the punchy turbo petrol engine.

The Seltos offers various drive and traction modes. These modes adjust steering stiffness and throttle response. The K3 platform has made the Seltos larger and slightly heavier, whic required Kia to tune up the suspension suspension. This setup is slightly on the firmer side, ensuring competent handling and comfort but not too stiff that you really feel the bumps and ruts. The seats on the Seltos provides good cushioning and combined with the revised suspension setup, make journeys pleasant.

The steering, despite its revised looks feels light and easy to use in the city. Switch to Sport mode and the wheel weighs up nicely, though like before there is no feedback from it. The brakes do the job well in bringing the new Seltos to a stop and the brake pedal offers good feel as well.

Kia Seltos Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts

The Kia Seltos excels in design, engine options, and features. Its increased dimensions and advanced platform offer a more spacious and stable ride. Driving dynamics, especially suspension tuning, provide a balanced experience on Indian roads.

With its updates and bigger presence, the Kia Seltos remains a compelling choice. The new Kia Seltos combines style, technology, safety features, and a host of refined powertrains, ensuring it remains a strong contender in the C-SUV segment and is an SUV that you really cannot ignore when deciding on your new family SUV.