New Kia Seltos has finally broken cover in India, marking the compact SUV’s first complete generational overhaul since its 2019 debut. Kia unveiled the second-generation model at a special event in Hyderabad on December 10, 2025, revealing substantial upgrades in design, technology, and dimensions. While bookings commence from December 11 at ₹25,000, official prices will be announced on January 2, 2026.
New Kia Seltos Grows Bigger and Bolder
The redesigned SUV rides on Kia’s K3 platform, enabling significant dimensional improvements. At 4,460mm, the New Kia Seltos is now 95mm longer than its predecessor, claiming the title of India’s longest compact SUV. The wheelbase extends by 80mm to 2,690mm, directly benefiting rear passenger legroom. Width increases by 30mm to 1,830mm, while the boot capacity jumps substantially from 433 litres to 536 litres.
These aren’t mere incremental updates. The additional space addresses one of the most common criticisms of the outgoing model cramped rear seating for taller passengers.
Exterior Design Takes Inspiration from Global Kia SUVs
Kia has moved away from the flowing curves of the previous generation toward a more commanding, upright stance. The front fascia features an enlarged Digital Tiger Face grille flanked by Ice Cube LED projection headlamps. Star Map LED DRLs with constellation-inspired vertical elements run from the hood edges down into the bumper, creating a distinctive light signature.
The side profile introduces segment-first automatic flush door handles that pop out when approached. Thick wheel arch cladding, a bold diagonal shoulder crease, and black high-gloss roof rails complete the rugged appearance. At the rear, full-width Star Map LED connected tail lamps mirror the front’s design language, while a hidden rear wiper maintains visual cleanliness.
Wheel options range from 16-inch steel units on base variants to 18-inch crystal-cut alloys on premium trims.
New Kia Seltos Interior Gets Trinity Panoramic Display
The cabin transformation proves equally dramatic. Borrowing from Kia’s EV lineup, the interior centres around the Trinity Panoramic Display a curved glass panel housing three screens. A 12.3-inch HD touchscreen handles infotainment duties, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a dedicated 5-inch climate control screen.
For the first time, the New Kia Seltos offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Kia Connect 2.0 system delivers 91 connected car features with over-the-air update capability for 31 vehicle controllers. An 8-speaker Bose premium audio system comes standard from HTX variants upward.
Seating comfort receives attention through a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function on higher variants. Front ventilated seats, a 2-step rear seat recline function, and 64-colour ambient lighting enhance the premium feel.
Interior themes vary by trim line: Smoky Black & Grey for Tech-Line, Premium Brown & Grey for HTX, Smoky Black & White for GT-Line, and an exclusive Hunter Green theme for X-Line.
Engine Options and Transmission Choices
Kia retains its proven powertrain lineup without modifications, focusing refinement efforts elsewhere.
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol produces 115 PS and 144 Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic. ARAI-certified mileage stands at 17.0 kmpl for the manual and 17.7 kmpl for the CVT.
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol delivers segment-leading output at 160 PS and 253 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT) and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, returning 17.7 kmpl and 17.9 kmpl respectively.
The 1.5-litre diesel produces 116 PS and 250 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic. Fuel efficiency reaches 20.7 kmpl for the manual and 19.1 kmpl for the automatic.
Notably, Kia has discontinued the diesel-iMT combination for this generation.
New Kia Seltos Variants and Expected Pricing
The lineup spans 10 variants across three distinct styling themes:
Tech-Line variants (HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTX, HTX(A)) target mainstream buyers with a balance of features and value. GT-Line variants (GTX, GTX(A)) appeal to enthusiasts seeking sportier aesthetics. X-Line variants offer rugged styling for adventure-oriented customers, though availability is scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Variants suffixed with “(A)” include Level 2 ADAS capability.
Expected ex-showroom pricing ranges from approximately ₹10.99 lakh for the base HTE to ₹20.80 lakh for the flagship X-Line(A). This represents a modest premium of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh over the outgoing model.
Safety Features and ADAS Technology
Standard safety equipment across all variants includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, and rear occupant alert.
ADAS-equipped variants receive 21 autonomous safety features. Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality maintains safe following distances in traffic. Lane Following Assist keeps the vehicle centred within lane markings on highways. Front Collision-Avoidance Assist detects cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, applying emergency braking when necessary.
Additional systems include Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Safe Exit Warning, 360-degree surround view monitor, and High Beam Assist.
A segment-first integrated front and rear dashcam comes standard on select variants.
New Kia Seltos Colour Options
The palette includes ten exterior shades. Two new colours Frost Blue and Morning Haze join returning options including Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey, Imperial Blue, Magma Red, Pewter Olive, and Ivory Silver Gloss. An exclusive Matte Graphite shade remains reserved for X-Line variants.
Dual-tone roof combinations continue on select variants.
Competition in the Compact SUV Segment
The New Kia Seltos enters an intensely competitive market. The Hyundai Creta remains the segment leader, offering comfort-oriented dynamics and strong brand trust. Maruti Grand Vitara provides strong-hybrid technology unavailable on the Seltos. Honda Elevate competes on reliability and rear seat space. Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq target driving enthusiasts. The recently launched Tata Sierra adds pressure with comprehensive features and competitive pricing.
Against these rivals, the Seltos differentiates through its Trinity Display arrangement, flush door handles, segment-leading turbo-petrol output, and comprehensive connected car features.
Booking and Delivery Information
Interested buyers can reserve the New Kia Seltos from December 11, 2025, through Kia India’s official website or authorised dealerships. The booking amount stands at ₹25,000.
Official prices will be revealed on January 2, 2026, with deliveries expected to commence from mid-January. X-Line variants will arrive in the second half of 2026.
Production continues at Kia’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh.
Motors77 Verdict
The second-generation Kia Seltos delivers exactly what the nameplate needed meaningful evolution rather than superficial updates. The K3 platform enables genuine improvements in space and practicality, while the Trinity Display and flush door handles bring segment-first technology that justifies modest price increases.
Retaining unchanged powertrains may disappoint hybrid enthusiasts, but it ensures proven reliability and maintains competitive pricing. The 160 PS turbo-petrol remains unmatched in the segment for those prioritising performance.
For buyers seeking the most comprehensively equipped compact SUV in its price range, the New Kia Seltos makes a compelling case. The combination of segment-leading dimensions, advanced cabin technology, and thorough safety equipment positions it strongly against established rivals. Whether it can reclaim sales momentum from the Hyundai Creta will ultimately depend on final pricing but the product itself leaves little room for complaint.
Recommended for: Feature-focused buyers wanting maximum technology and space within the compact SUV budget.
Consider alternatives if: Hybrid powertrain or AWD capability ranks high on your priority list.
Read here: Kia EV2 Teaser – https://www.motors77.com/kia-ev2-teaser-smallest-electric-suv-debut-2026/mallest Electric SUV Debuts in 2026
