Kia India has officially showcased the second-generation Seltos, ahead of its launch in early 2026. The new model continues to rival popular midsize SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris and Honda Elevate. While its overall platform remains familiar, the updated Seltos receives a refreshed design, a more premium cabin and an expansive features list across variants.
Kia will announce the new Seltos prices on January 2, 2026, while bookings open on December 11, 2025 for a token amount of ₹25,000. Deliveries are expected to begin from mid-January.
Engine and Gearbox Options
Kia continues with the proven trio of 1.5-litre engines:
-
1.5L NA Petrol (115hp, 144Nm) – 6MT / CVT
-
1.5L Turbo-Petrol (160hp, 253Nm) – 7DCT
-
1.5L Diesel (116hp, 250Nm) – 6MT / 6AT
A 6-speed iMT is also available with select turbo-petrol variants.
Variant–Wise Powertrain Availability
| Engine / Gearbox | HTE | HTE (O) | HTK | HTK (O) | HTX | HTX (A) | GTX | GTX (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 NA Petrol 6MT | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 1.5 NA Petrol CVT | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1.5 Turbo-Petrol 6iMT | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 1.5 Turbo-Petrol 7DCT | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1.5 Diesel 6MT | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 1.5 Diesel 6AT | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Variant-Wise Features Breakdown
Kia has added a significant number of features even in the base trims, while the top variants now offer a premium experience comparable with higher-segment SUVs.
HTE – Well Equipped Base Variant
Safety & Exterior
-
6 airbags
-
ESC, ABS, hill-start assist
-
All-wheel disc brakes
-
LED headlamps, LED DRLs & LED tail-lights
-
Tyre pressure monitor
-
Rearview camera
-
16-inch steel wheels
-
Manual flush door handles
-
Rear spoiler
Interior & Comfort
-
12-inch digital driver display
-
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
-
Black-grey upholstery
-
Manual driver seat height adjust
-
Steering controls & cruise control
-
4 USB-C ports
-
Keyless entry
-
Manual AC with rear vents
HTE (O) – Added Convenience
Additional Features
-
Electronic parking brake with auto hold (AT only)
-
16-inch styled steel wheels
-
Connected LED tail-lights
-
Part-leatherette upholstery
-
Traction modes & drive modes (AT only)
-
Paddle shifters (AT only)
-
60:40 split rear seats with centre armrest
-
Middle passenger headrest
-
Rear seatback pockets
HTK – Feature-Rich Mid Variant
Adds Over HTE (O):
-
17-inch alloy wheels
-
Auto-folding ORVMs
-
Rear wiper & defogger
-
Automatic flush door handles
-
Smart key with proximity unlock
-
Push-button start
-
Tilt & telescopic steering
-
Rear door sunshades
-
Rear parcel tray
HTK (O) – Premium Convenience Added
Additional Kit
-
Front parking sensors
-
Leatherette upholstery
-
Front ventilated seats (AT only)
-
8-way powered driver’s seat (AT only)
-
Wireless charging
-
Panoramic sunroof
-
Leatherette steering wheel
HTX – Premium & Tech-Loaded
Upgrades Over HTK (O):
-
Gloss black grille & ORVMs
-
LED fog lamps
-
Brown-grey interior theme
-
Leatherette dashboard & door trim inserts
-
Ambient lighting
-
Large 12.3-inch infotainment screen
-
OTA updates
-
5-inch HVAC touch panel
-
Auto-dimming IRVM
-
Ventilated seats & powered driver’s seat (AT only)
-
8-speaker Bose audio system
HTX (A) – ADAS-Equipped Variant
Additional Safety Tech
-
Level 2 ADAS
-
Smart cruise control with stop & go (AT)
-
Parking collision avoidance (AT)
-
360-degree camera
-
Two extra side parking sensors
-
12.3-inch driver display
GTX – Sportier Styling & Extra Luxury
Added Features
-
LED projector headlamps
-
DRLs with integrated indicators
-
Gloss black cladding & bumper
-
18-inch alloy wheels
-
Neon brake callipers
-
LED reverse lamps
-
10-way powered driver’s seat with memory
-
Memory-linked ORVMs
-
Black & white interior theme
GTX (A) – Fully Loaded Performance Variant
Adds Over GTX:
-
Extra ADAS functions
-
Enhanced collision avoidance tech
-
Stop-and-go capable smart cruise control
X-Line Pack – Exclusive Styling Option
Available with GTX & GTX (A):
-
Gloss black skid plates
-
Gunmetal side garnish
-
Black & green cabin theme
-
Satin metal highlights
-
Black & Hunter Green leatherette seats
-
18-inch black alloy wheels
-
Special exterior shades including Aurora Black Pearl and Matte Graphite
Conclusion
The new Kia Seltos arrives as a more premium, safer and better-equipped midsize SUV than ever before. With multiple powertrain choices, a long variant list and segment-leading features like Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch screens and ventilated seats, the second-gen Seltos aims to stay a strong contender in the highly competitive segment.
Read More:
