Kia has officially showcased the all-new Seltos ahead of its India launch on January 2, 2026. After a successful run since 2019, the popular midsize SUV has now undergone a major update. The second-generation model moves to the brand-new K3 platform, brings a completely revamped design, and packs more tech than ever — all while retaining the powertrains buyers are familiar with.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the new Kia Seltos vs the outgoing model, covering exterior, interior, features, and mechanicals.
Kia Seltos New vs Old: Exterior Changes
Bolder, more upright front fascia
The new Seltos adopts Kia’s updated global styling cues inspired by the latest Telluride. The brand’s signature ‘Tiger Face’ grille is now wider and more squared-off, flanked by new LED headlamps with multiple DRL elements. Additional DRLs sit integrated within the grille and double up as turn indicators.
The bumper has been fully redesigned too, switching from rugged cladding to premium gloss-black elements for a more sophisticated appeal.
Flush door handles & redesigned alloy wheels
The side profile sees major upgrades — the 2026 Seltos now features flush-type door handles, gloss-black wheel-arch cladding and fresh 18-inch alloy designs. The rear quarter glass has been merged with the windshield, giving the SUV a more seamless look.
Dimensionally, the new Seltos is:
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95mm longer
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30mm wider
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80mm longer in wheelbase
Cleaner rear design with slimmer tail-lamps
At the rear, the Seltos adopts a minimalist look with slimmer, connected LED tail-lights reminiscent of the Kia Clavis. The rear wiper is now tucked neatly under the spoiler for a cleaner finish. The bumper carries gloss-black detailing with a silver-effect skid plate.
New exterior colours include Morning Haze, Magma Red, Frost Blue and Ivory Silver Gloss.
Kia Seltos New vs Old: Interior Upgrades
Completely new dashboard & steering wheel
The cabin sees one of the biggest transformations. The updated Seltos gets an upright, more modern dash layout along with a new three-spoke flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel. It now includes drive and terrain mode controls in addition to multimedia and ADAS buttons.
The centrepiece of the interior is the dual 12.3-inch Syros-derived display setup — one screen for infotainment and one for the instrument cluster. A unique new 5-inch climate touchscreen sits between them for HVAC controls, while Kia has retained physical AC knobs lower down.
Premium seats & increased boot space
The 2026 Seltos gets upgraded dual-tone leatherette upholstery, new headrest designs and a 60:40 split rear bench that folds flat. Boot space has increased slightly to 447 litres, up by 13 litres from the previous generation.
Kia Seltos New vs Old: Features and Safety
The Seltos continues its reputation for being one of the most feature-rich SUVs in the segment. Key features include:
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Panoramic sunroof
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Ventilated front seats
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Dual-zone climate control
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Bose 8-speaker audio
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10-way powered driver seat with lumbar support, memory and relaxation functions
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Wireless charger
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Electric parking brake with auto hold
Safety equipment stays strong with:
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6 airbags
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360-degree camera with blind spot view
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Level-2 ADAS
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TPMS
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All-wheel disc brakes
Kia Seltos New vs Old: Engine & Gearbox Options
Under the hood, Kia has kept things unchanged. The new Seltos continues with the same tried-and-tested engines:
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115hp 1.5 NA petrol
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160hp 1.5 turbo-petrol
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116hp 1.5 diesel
Both manual and automatic gearbox options remain available across the range.
Expected Price & Launch Timeline
Bookings for the new Seltos are already open, and prices will be announced on January 2, 2026. Expected starting price: around ₹11.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
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