Kia Seltos 2026 Review: Still the Segment King or Just Over-Hyped?

In the Indian automobile world, the name ” kia Seltos” carries weight. It was the car that single-handedly put Kia on the map in 2019, and with the all-new 2026 Second-Generation launch, the stakes have never been higher. This isn’t just a minor facelift; it’s a tech-loaded beast built on Kia’s new K3 platform.

With a starting Ex-showroom price of ₹10.99 Lakh, the Seltos continues to target the heart of the mid-size SUV segment. But in a market now flooded with strong hybrids and 5-star safety rated competitors, does the Seltos still have the “badass” edge? We took the top-end GTX+ Turbo Petrol for a 500km spin through Delhi’s bumper-to-bumper traffic and the Yamuna Expressway to give you the real picture.

QUICK SPECS TABLE: Key Highlights

Feature	1.5L NA Petrol	1.5L Turbo Petrol	1.5L Diesel CRDi
Power	113 BHP @ 6300 rpm	158 BHP @ 5500 rpm	114 BHP @ 4000 rpm
Torque	144 Nm @ 4500 rpm	253 Nm @ 1500 rpm	250 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Transmission	6MT / IVT	6iMT / 7DCT	6MT / 6AT
Boot Space	447 Litres	447 Litres	447 Litres
Ground Clearance	190 mm	190 mm	190 mm
Fuel Tank	50 Litres	50 Litres	50 Litres

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The 2026 Seltos looks like it went to the gym and came back with a tuxedo. The new Digital Tiger Face grille is wider, making the car look significantly more “butch” than before.

• The Lights: The Star Map LED DRLs now extend further into the grille, and the sequential turn indicators give it a premium, Audi-like vibe.
• The Stance: Sitting on 18-inch crystal-cut alloys (in the GTX/X-Line), it has a commanding stance. It doesn’t just sit on the road; it dominates it.
• The Rear: The connected LED tail lamps are the highlight here. They look stunning at night, making the car look wider and more expensive than it is.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and you’ll wonder if you’ve accidentally climbed into a luxury German sedan.

• The Dashboard: The dual 12.3-inch curved displays (one for the cluster, one for infotainment) are the best in class. The software is lag-free, and the 360-degree camera is so crisp you can count the whiskers on a cat sitting near your tire.
• Space & Comfort: The front ventilated seats are a blessing in the 45°C Indian summer. In the back, legroom is generous, and the 2-step reclining seats allow passengers to find a comfortable “boss mode” position. Yes, three people can sit at the back, but the middle passenger might find the floor hump a bit annoying.
• Features: You get a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 8-speaker Bose system, and dual-zone climate control. Missing feature? We would have loved to see a powered tailgate at this price point.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

City Drive

The 1.5L NA Petrol is your best bet if you’re a sedate driver. The steering is feather-light, making U-turns in tight colony lanes effortless. However, the 7-speed DCT in the Turbo variant can feel a bit “jumpy” in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Highway Drive

This is where the 158 BHP Turbo Petrol shines. At 100kmph+, the Seltos feels rock solid. Overtaking is a breeze—just tap the pedal, and the DCT drops a gear to propel you forward. Body roll is well-contained for an SUV, but it’s not as sharp as a Volkswagen Taigun.

Suspension: The Pothole Test

Kia has finally fixed the stiff ride quality of the older model. The suspension absorbs potholes easily now, though you will still feel the sharp edges of deep craters because of those large 18-inch wheels.

Read more : Maruti Suzuki Dzire

SAFETY: The Elephant in the Room

Safety has been a point of debate for Kia. For 2026, the Seltos comes standard with 6 Airbags, ESC, and All-wheel Disc Brakes.

• ADAS Level 2: With 21 features like Blind Spot Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist, it’s like having a co-pilot. The Adaptive Cruise Control works brilliantly on the expressway but is a bit too “panic-prone” for chaotic city traffic.
• Build Quality: While the previous model scored 3 stars, Kia claims the new K3 platform is more robust. We are waiting for the latest Bharat NCAP results to see if it finally hits that 5-star mark.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Is it worth the price tag at the petrol pump? Here are the numbers from our testing:

Engine	ARAI Claimed	Real World (City)	Real World (Highway)
1.5L Petrol MT	17.7 kmpl	11-12 kmpl	15-16 kmpl
1.5L Turbo DCT	17.9 kmpl	9-11 kmpl	14-17 kmpl
1.5L Diesel AT	19.1 kmpl	13-15 kmpl	18-21 kmpl

THE COMPETITION: Seltos vs. Creta vs. Grand Vitara

Feature	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta	Maruti Grand Vitara
Engine Power	158 BHP (Turbo)	158 BHP (Turbo)	102 BHP (Strong Hybrid)
Tech/Features	10/10	9.5/10	8/10
Fuel Efficiency	7/10	7/10	10/10 (27 kmpl)
Price (Base)	₹10.99 Lakh	₹10.73 Lakh	₹10.77 Lakh

Winner: If you want technology and performance, the Seltos wins. If you want resale value and comfort, the Creta is king. If you want mileage, the Grand Vitara is unbeatable.

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You want the most feature-rich cabin in this price segment.
• You love a punchy engine that makes highway driving fun.
• You want a car that looks modern and turns heads.

Skip it if:

• You have a very high monthly running (Look at the Grand Vitara Hybrid instead).
• You find the touch-based climate controls distracting while driving.
• Safety rating is your #1 priority and you’re waiting for a proven 5-star score.

FAQs (People Also Ask)