2026 Kia Seltos Launch Live Updates: Price, Design, Images & Features | Hindustan Times – Hindustan Times
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New Kia Seltos 2026 India Launch Live Updates: The 2026 Kia Seltos will go against the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Tata Sierra and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Kia is all set to launch the new-gen Seltos in the Indian market today. The event is scheduled to happen in Hyderabad, from where we will bring you all the live and latest updates about the 2026 Kia Seltos. The SUV has been a huge success in the compact SUV segment, and with the update, it wants to increase its market share.
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The new Seltos might also offer a hybrid engine when it is launched. At the 2025 Investor’s Day, the brand confirmed that they have a hybrid version of the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine ready. The electrified version will offer better fuel efficiency when compared to the non-hybrid engine. Currently, the engine produces 115 hp and 144 Nm, it is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.
As of now, Kia has not confirmed whether the new Seltos will come with all-wheel drive in the Indian market or not. However, in the global market, the brand already sells the all-wheel drive versions of the Seltos. Considering the fact that Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have started offering all-wheel drive with the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Victoris and Grand Vitara, and Tata Motors is also prepping the all-wheel drive version of the Sierra, there is a possibility that this time the 2026 Seltos might come with all-wheel drive.
The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to be offered in Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line. The Tech Line will be the standard trim whereas the GT Line will be the sportier one. The X-Line will be the top-end with the matte finish.
The 2026 Kia Seltos could be equipped with six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake featuring auto-hold, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Additionally, it will include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Stability Control, and Traction Control as well.
Kia is likely to add more premium tech, including possibly new screens, new upholstery, enhanced connected tech, and more comfort-focused cabin upgrades. The brand could add features such as ventilated rear seats, an electric tailgate and boss mode, among others.
The 2026 Seltos will come with Level 2 ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and a comprehensive airbag suite is expected. There would also be collision avoidance assist, blind spot detection, high beam assist and driver attention warning, among others.
The naturally aspirated petrol engine will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic transmission. The turbo-petrol engine could be offered with an iMT transmission and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Finally, the turbo diesel engine will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a torque converter automatic transmission.
Kia is expected to retain existing engine options, including the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and a turbo diesel engine as well. A hybrid powertrain may also be introduced, and there is also a possibility that an all-electric powertrain might be available in the future.
Unlike the current Seltos, the 2026 model looks boxier and bigger with sharper design cues, echoing global models like the Telluride. Expect a more premium and substantial stance when compared to the current generation.
The new Seltos embraces Kia’s updated design philosophy with a bold front grille, vertical LED DRLs, refreshed bumpers and connected taillamps, giving it a more modern, aggressive stance when compared to the current one.
The Seltos was introduced in the Indian market back in 2019. Since then the brand has sold over 5.5 lakh units in the Indian market. That is not it, Kia also exports the Seltos from India to other countries. The brand has exported around 1.55 lakh units of the Seltos.
The Seltos is such a huge success in the Indian market because it offers a near perfect blend of everything that a customer is looking for from a compact SUV. There is a decent amount of space on offer, the Seltos has always been a great looker, it comes loaded with features, safety tech and plenty of engine and gearbox combos. All of this ensures that there is a variant out there for everyone.
The Seltos was the first product that Kia launched in the Indian market back in 2019. The SUV received over 50,000 bookings within just two and a half months.
