The Kia Seltos has crossed the 7 lakh domestic sales milestone in India, recording 7,04,829 cumulative units between August 2019 and October 2026. The achievement comes as the second-generation Seltos, launched in January 2026, brings a strong recovery in demand for Kia’s popular midsize SUV.
The milestone further strengthens the Seltos’ position as Kia India’s best-selling vehicle. It has also become the company’s most successful export model, with more than 1.6 lakh units shipped to international markets.
Key Highlights
-
Cumulative domestic sales: 7,04,829 units.
-
India launch date: August 22, 2019.
-
October 2026 sales: 13,423 units.
-
January-October 2026 sales: 1,13,078 units.
-
Year-on-year sales growth in January-October: 87%.
-
Cumulative exports: More than 1.6 lakh units.
-
Second-generation model launched in January 2026.
Kia Seltos crosses 7 lakh sales: How it reached the milestone
The Kia Seltos was launched in India on August 22, 2019, marking Kia’s entry into the country’s passenger vehicle market with its first locally manufactured model. The SUV quickly attracted buyers with its distinctive styling, multiple engine and gearbox choices, connected technology and premium cabin features.
Its initial response was particularly strong. During August 2019, the Seltos recorded 6,236 units in sales, entering the country’s top five utility vehicles shortly after its launch. It also helped Kia establish itself among India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers.
The SUV recorded 81,717 units during FY2020, followed by 89,173 units in FY2021 and 95,929 units in FY2022. It crossed the 1 lakh annual sales mark for the first time in FY2023, when domestic sales reached 1,00,132 units.
However, increasing competition in the midsize SUV segment affected its momentum. Sales remained almost flat in FY2024 at 1,00,423 units before declining to 72,618 units in FY2025.
The recovery began in FY2026, when sales increased to 83,747 units. The arrival of the second-generation model in January 2026 further strengthened demand.
New-generation Kia Seltos drives sales recovery
The second-generation Kia Seltos has played a significant role in helping the SUV cross the 7 lakh sales milestone. Between January and October 2026, the model recorded 1,13,078 units in domestic sales, compared with 60,526 units during the corresponding period in 2025.
This represents an impressive 87% year-on-year increase.
October 2026 was particularly important, with the Seltos recording 13,423 units. This was its second-highest monthly sales performance since its Indian debut, behind the 15,000 units recorded in January 2020.
The new-generation model has also benefited from replacement demand among existing Seltos owners. Its updated exterior, larger dimensions, improved technology package and additional convenience features have helped attract customers considering an upgrade.
Between February and October 2026 alone, Kia sold 1,02,439 units of the SUV, meaning the latest 1 lakh sales came within just nine months.
Kia Seltos’ contribution to Kia India’s growth
The Seltos remains Kia India’s most successful domestic model by cumulative sales. It accounts for approximately 36% of the company’s 16.88 lakh utility vehicle sales in India through October 2026.
Its export performance has also been significant. More than 1.6 lakh Seltos units have been shipped to international markets, making it Kia India’s leading export model.
The Sonet is the company’s second-best-selling domestic model, but it trails the Seltos by approximately 1.1 lakh units. The Carens family has also established a substantial customer base, with cumulative sales of 3,31,186 units.
The following table highlights the Seltos’ annual domestic sales performance.
| Financial year | Sales |
|---|---|
| FY2020 | 81,717 |
| FY2021 | 89,173 |
| FY2022 | 95,929 |
| FY2023 | 1,00,132 |
| FY2024 | 1,00,423 |
| FY2025 | 72,618 |
| FY2026 | 83,747 |
FY2027 sales through October: 81,090 units, April-October period.
The figures highlight how the Seltos maintained strong demand during its initial years, experienced a slowdown as competition increased and subsequently recovered following the introduction of its second generation.
2026 Kia Seltos: Price, engines and features
The latest Kia Seltos is available with three engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.
| Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L petrol | 115 PS | 143.8 Nm |
| 1.5L turbo-petrol | 160 PS | 253 Nm |
| 1.5L diesel | 116 PS | 250 Nm |
Transmission options include a six-speed manual, IVT, six-speed iMT, seven-speed DCT and six-speed automatic, depending on the powertrain.
The SUV is available in multiple trims, including HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX and X-Line derivatives. Its equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument display, ventilated front seats, Bose audio system and connected-car technology, depending on the variant.
Higher variants also offer Level 2+ ADAS, a 360-degree camera, head-up display and digital key functionality.
As of October 2026, the Kia Seltos is priced between approximately Rs 11.25 lakh and Rs 21.57 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The exact price depends on the selected engine, transmission and variant.
The model also carries a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, according to Kia’s official product information. Its standard safety equipment includes six airbags and electronic stability control.
Kia Seltos vs rivals: Where does it stand?
Despite its strong sales performance, the Seltos operates in one of India’s most competitive SUV categories. It faces established rivals, including the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Mahindra Scorpio and several other midsize SUVs.
Wholesale sales during April-October 2026 show how the leading models compare.
| SUV | Sales |
|---|---|
| Mahindra Scorpio | 1,12,841 |
| Hyundai Creta | 1,07,682 |
| Maruti Victoris | 88,804 |
| Kia Seltos | 81,090 |
Although the Seltos ranks fourth in this comparison, its strong growth during 2026 indicates that the latest generation has improved its competitive position.
The Creta remains its closest traditional rival, while the Victoris offers buyers a different proposition with its hybrid powertrain options. The Scorpio attracts customers looking for a more rugged SUV.
For buyers, the Seltos makes sense if premium cabin technology, multiple powertrain choices and extensive features are priorities.
Pros and Cons of the Kia Seltos
Pros
-
Strong domestic sales record and established market presence.
-
Three engine options covering different driving requirements.
-
Multiple manual and automatic transmission choices.
-
Premium features, including ADAS, panoramic sunroof and digital displays.
-
Five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Cons
-
Higher variants carry a considerable price premium.
-
Feature availability varies significantly between trims.
-
Several strong competitors offer alternative powertrain and ownership propositions.
-
Actual fuel efficiency depends on driving conditions and transmission choice.
What the 7 lakh milestone means for Kia
Crossing 7 lakh domestic sales is an important achievement for Kia India because the Seltos played a major role in establishing the brand in the country.
The latest generation has also demonstrated that the nameplate continues to attract buyers despite increasing competition. With 1,13,078 units sold between January and October 2026, the SUV has regained considerable momentum.
For prospective buyers, its sales record provides evidence of sustained market acceptance. However, purchase decisions should still depend on variant pricing, service accessibility, insurance costs and the intended ownership period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Kia Seltos have been sold in India?
Kia Seltos has recorded 7,04,829 cumulative domestic sales between August 2019 and October 2026. It remains Kia India’s highest-selling vehicle in the domestic market and has also become the company’s leading export model.
2. When was the Kia Seltos launched in India?
The Kia Seltos was launched in India on August 22, 2019. It was Kia’s first locally manufactured vehicle in the country and played a major role in establishing the South Korean automaker in India’s passenger vehicle market.
3. How many Kia Seltos units were sold in October 2026?
Kia sold 13,423 units of the Seltos in October 2026. This was its second-highest monthly sales performance since launch, following the 15,000 units recorded in January 2020.
4. What is the price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is priced from approximately Rs 11.25 lakh to Rs 21.57 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, as of October 2026. Prices vary according to the engine, transmission and selected variant.
5. Which SUVs compete with the Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos competes with the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate and other midsize SUVs in India.
6. Is the new Kia Seltos safe?
The latest Kia Seltos has received a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. It comes with six airbags and electronic stability control, while higher variants offer advanced driver assistance features, including Level 2+ ADAS.
Final Verdict
The 7 lakh sales milestone confirms the Kia Seltos’ importance to Kia India’s business. The second-generation model has given the SUV a fresh sales boost, recording 87% year-on-year growth during January-October 2026. For buyers considering a feature-rich midsize SUV, the Seltos remains a strong contender, although comparing its mid-level variants against the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Victoris is advisable before booking.
Read More: