For years, the mid-size SUV segment had been dominated by SUVs without any serious threat. That changed when Kia, when it was new to India in 2019, launched the Seltos. It completely rocked the segment with its premium features, space, comfort and tech. Since then, every competitor has been trying to match its benchmark. Recently, Tata launched the new Tata Sierra, but on its heels comes the second-generation Kia Seltos, and it looks set to reset the rules once again.
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Seltos is its size. Built on Kia’s new K3 platform, the 2026 Seltos has grown considerably. It’s about 100mm longer, has an overall length of about 4.5 metres, and its wheelbase has increased by 80mm. The width has also increased by about 30mm. All this pushes the Seltos into a space that brings it closer to larger SUVs like the Harrier, Safari and XUV700. The car’s stance is more upright and square, giving it a stronger road presence than before.
Kia’s new K3 platform
The front design is bolder and more aggressive. The grille now extends from edge to edge and blends nicely into the new square-shaped headlamps. Vertical DRLs on the edge of the bonnet create the new Kia signature look. The entire face is dominated by lighting elements and grille treatment, giving the SUV a confident, modern identity. The side profile gets smart 18-inch wheels with squared-off detailing and gloss-black cladding for a more premium feel. The X-Line Pack , now just a styling package , brings an all-black theme with a unique green interior.
At the rear of the Seltos, the design follows Kia’s latest styling direction. The slim LED tail-light setup with its U-shaped signature and connected light bar looks clean and contemporary. The boot offers 447 litres of space, though the loading lip is quite high. There’s also an almost full-size spare wheel under the floor.
Step inside and the cabin feels noticeably more spacious and premium. Twin 12.3-inch displays, a familiar touch-switch panel for AC controls and plenty of physical buttons make the layout modern and user-friendly. There’s a big increase in quality levels, especially in the X-Line with its stylish upholstery and comfortable seats. The new steering wheel feels premium and also has drive and traction mode controls.
Rear seat comfort has been vastly improved. The bench is wider, better padded, and offers excellent thigh support. There’s more knee room and headroom, and the large panoramic sunroof extends far back without eating up space. Features like rear sunshades and a reclining backrest enhance comfort, although rear seat ventilation and a sliding function, available on the smaller Carens/Sonet, would make the experience even better.
Under the hood, the powertrain lineup is currently familiar: 1.5 NA petrol, 1.5 turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel, with the same gearbox options as before. Kia has confirmed that a hybrid version of the 1.5 petrol is likely to join the lineup later. The car also gets Level 2 ADAS (21 features), with Level 2+ coming soon via an update.
Like 2019, the new Kia Seltos will once again make waves in the mid-size SUV space, a segment that has become one of the most competitive battlegrounds in India. Kia will launch the SUV on January 2.
