Kia India has achieved a historic landmark. The Kia Seltos has crossed 6 lakh cumulative sales in the Indian market since its launch in August 2019, cementing its position as one of the most consistently successful mid-size SUVs in the country. Announced on February 18, 2026, this milestone is not just about numbers — it tells the story of how a bold newcomer from South Korea reshaped what Indian car buyers expect from an SUV.
From Bold Entrant to Segment Stalwart: The Kia Seltos Journey
When Kia launched the Seltos in India in August 2019, it was the brand’s very first product in the country. The timing was strategic, the product was aspirational, and the reception was overwhelming. Within months of launch, the Seltos helped propel Kia into the top five passenger vehicle manufacturers in India — an extraordinary feat for a brand entering a fiercely competitive market.
The name “Seltos” is derived from “Celtos,” the son of Hercules in Greek mythology, symbolising strength and heritage. True to its name, the Seltos has proven remarkably resilient over nearly seven years in the Indian market, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and an intensifying competitive landscape — all while sustaining strong demand.
Key Highlights of the 6 Lakh Sales Milestone
1. Consistent Demand Across Variants
One of the most striking aspects of the Seltos’ success is how balanced its appeal has been. Demand has remained robust across entry-level, mid-spec, and premium trims, indicating that the SUV caters to a genuinely broad audience — from first-time car buyers moving up from hatchbacks to seasoned buyers seeking a feature-laden upgrade.
2. 29% Sales from Top Variants — A Premium Shift
A standout figure from this milestone: 29% of all Seltos sales have come from top-spec variants. This reflects a clear and growing preference among Indian consumers for advanced safety systems, connected technologies, and premium interior experiences. It signals that India’s mid-SUV buyers are increasingly willing to pay for higher trims equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), panoramic sunroofs, and enhanced digital integrations.
3. Strong January 2026 Performance
The Seltos delivered an impressive start to 2026. In January 2026, it recorded 10,639 unit sales — a robust 64.44% year-on-year growth compared to 6,470 units in January 2025. This placed it at No. 3 in the 4.2m–4.5m SUV segment, reaffirming its competitive standing even as newer rivals enter the market.
What Made the Kia Seltos a Sales Champion?
Bold Global Design That Stood Apart
At launch, the Seltos turned heads with its distinctive, international styling — an aesthetic that felt fresh and premium in a segment dominated by more conservative designs. The tiger-nose grille, bold character lines, and well-proportioned stance gave it strong visual appeal that has aged gracefully.
Multiple Powertrain Options for Every Buyer
The Seltos was among the first mid-SUVs in India to offer a comprehensive powertrain lineup that included petrol and diesel options, along with automatic transmissions across fuel types. This flexibility allowed buyers to pick the combination that best suited their lifestyle and budget, significantly widening the SUV’s addressable market.
Segment-Leading Features at Launch
Kia positioned the Seltos as a feature democratiser — bringing technologies typically seen in higher price segments to the mid-SUV space. Large-format infotainment screens, connected car technology (via UVO Connect), premium interior finishes, and ventilated front seats were all on offer at a time when most rivals offered far less. This created a compelling value proposition for buyers upgrading from smaller vehicles.
Evolution Through Safety and Technology
Over successive model updates, Kia continued enriching the Seltos with enhanced safety and technology features. The addition of ADAS (Level-2 Autonomous Driving Support), expanded connectivity solutions, and a broader safety package kept the Seltos relevant and desirable against a new wave of competitors.
The All-New Kia Seltos: Building on the Legacy
With the 6 lakh milestone achieved, Kia is looking firmly ahead. The second-generation Kia Seltos was launched on January 2, 2026, with prices ranging from ₹10.99 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated model builds on every strength of its predecessor while addressing evolving buyer expectations.
Bigger, Bolder Dimensions
The new Seltos is physically larger and more commanding — Length: 4,460 mm (segment-leading), Width: 1,830 mm, and Wheelbase: 2,690 mm. These enhanced dimensions translate into a roomier cabin, better road presence, and improved comfort for all occupants.
Advanced Technology Inside and Out
The new Seltos raises the bar for in-cabin technology in its segment, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens (one for infotainment, one for the digital instrument cluster), a 5-inch climate control display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Safety Package
Safety has been significantly bolstered in the new generation, with 24 standard safety features including 6 airbags and ABS, Level-2 ADAS with 21 autonomous features, 360-degree camera system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Engine Options
The new Seltos retains its multi-powertrain philosophy with three engine choices: the Smartstream G1.5 Petrol (naturally aspirated), Smartstream G1.5 T-GDI Petrol (turbocharged), and the 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel.
Kia Seltos Rivals: Who Is It Up Against?
The mid-SUV segment in India is fiercely contested. The Seltos competes directly against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Tata Sierra, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor. Despite this formidable lineup, the Seltos has maintained a consistent top-three position in its segment, a testament to its enduring product strength.
A Quote from Kia India’s Chief Sales Officer
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sunhack Park, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said:
“Crossing 6 lakh sales reflects sustained customer preference for a product that delivers strong fundamentals in design, safety, technology and performance. Seltos expanded expectations in the mid-SUV segment by offering features and configurations that were not widely available at the time of its launch. The consistent uptake across variants, including strong demand for top trims, indicates growing customer confidence in advanced safety systems and connected technologies.”
What This Milestone Means for Kia India
The Seltos’ 6 lakh achievement is more than a sales statistic — it’s the story of how Kia built brand equity in India from zero. The Seltos was Kia’s first product in the country, and it single-handedly established the Korean automaker as a credible and aspirational choice for Indian buyers. It helped Kia cross the 1 million cumulative sales milestone in India in June 2024, and it remains one of the brand’s most important products globally as a made-in-India SUV.
With the all-new Seltos now in the market, offering a larger footprint, smarter technology, and a stronger safety suite, Kia is well-positioned to sustain — and potentially accelerate — its momentum in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos crossing 6 lakh sales in India is a milestone built on consistency, innovation, and a deep understanding of what Indian buyers want. From its bold design and versatile powertrains to its premium features and evolving safety technology, the Seltos has earned its place as a benchmark in the mid-SUV segment. With the second-generation model now leading the charge, Kia India’s next chapter looks stronger than ever.
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