KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Completely redesigned exterior with global Kia styling and connected tail-lamps
- Premium new cabin with a 30-inch curved dual-screen display
- Added comfort features, including ventilated seats and a powered driver seat
The 2026 Kia Seltos marks a bold leap forward for the popular compact SUV, with a sharper design, premium interiors, and advanced tech. With a bolder exterior, a fully revamped dual-screen digital cockpit, enhanced safety features, and hints of hybrid technology, Kia has redefined what buyers can expect from this compact SUV. So, what are the key changes that make this Seltos more premium? Let's get into the details; however, before moving ahead, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
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What Remains The Same?
The updated Kia Seltos continues to offer a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel motor. It retains the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit delivering 115 hp and 144 Nm, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol producing 160 hp and 253 Nm, and the 1.5-litre diesel generating 116 hp and 250 Nm. Gearbox options remain diverse, with choices including a manual, iVT, DCT, and a traditional automatic transmission.
Exterior
The 2026 Kia Seltos has been unveiled with a completely redesigned exterior that reflects the styling direction of Kia's newer global models. The SUV now features a refreshed grille supported by vertical lighting elements, giving it a more upright and assertive front profile. New 18-inch alloy wheels enhance its stance, while the tailgate has been updated with a fresh connected tail-lamp setup. Both the front and rear receive newly sculpted bumpers paired with gunmetal-finished skid plates for a tougher look. Kia has also introduced smoother body panels and new flush-mounted door handles, adding to the SUV's cleaner appearance. A flatter roofline integrates seamlessly with the panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler, and shark-fin antenna.
The shoulder line and window contours have been subtly reshaped to create a more modern profile. The Seltos now comes in ten exterior colours, including two new additions: Morning Haze and Magma Red. Built on the K3 platform, the SUV has also grown in size, now measuring 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. With an 80 mm increase in wheelbase, it stretches to 2,690 mm, making it the longest in its class.
Interior
Inside, the new-generation Kia Seltos showcases a noticeably more premium and modern cabin. The dashboard has been completely reworked, featuring a cleaner layout, new dual-tone finishes, and upgraded leatherette upholstery. Kia has also introduced a redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel with the updated logo placement, adding a sportier touch. A major highlight is the new 30-inch curved display that merges the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single seamless panel.
Despite the tech-heavy setup, Kia has retained essential physical buttons and rotary controls for easier everyday use. Feature upgrades are extensive, including dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, a powered driver seat, memory-enabled ORVMs, a Bose eight-speaker system, ambient lighting, rear seat recline, smart proximity key unlocking, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Together, these updates significantly raise the cabin's comfort, convenience, and overall premium appeal.
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Verdict
The 2026 Kia Seltos brings one of the biggest updates the nameplate has ever seen. With a sharper global-inspired design, a far more premium cabin, and a generous feature upgrade, the new Seltos feels more sophisticated and future-ready than before. Kia has clearly focused on enhancing technology, comfort, and overall presence, while sensibly retaining the proven powertrains that buyers trust. For anyone considering a capable, stylish, and well-equipped compact SUV, the new Seltos looks set to raise the segment benchmark once again.
