Kia Seltos

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The 2026 Kia Seltos is offered with three engine options. The entry-level 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 naturally aspirated petrol produces 84.4 kW and 143.8 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an IVT (continuously variable-type). The performance-oriented 1.5-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol delivers 117.5 kW and a strong 253 Nm, available with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT. The 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel produces 85 kW and 250 Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

Claimed mileage ranges from 17.9 km/l to 20.7 km/l depending on the powertrain and transmission combination. The diesel manual is expected to return the highest figures, while the turbo-petrol DCT sits at the sportier, less frugal end of the spectrum. Real-world tests by Autocar India suggest the diesel automatic returns between 15.6 and 19.4 km/l in mixed urban and highway driving — a realistic expectation for most buyers. The 50-litre fuel tank (per Autocar India data) means highway range comfortably exceeds 700 km on the diesel.

Running costs are competitive for the segment. Kia offers a standard 3-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance, and OTA software updates for 31 controllers via Kia Remote Diagnostics reduce the need for dealer visits for software-related issues.

Performance and drive

The turbocharged petrol is the driver's choice: 117.5 kW and 253 Nm delivered through a 7-speed DCT makes for brisk acceleration and confident overtaking on highways. The iMT option in the same engine gives manual-gearbox feel without a clutch pedal — useful in city traffic. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol is more relaxed, suited to urban commuters who prioritise smoothness over outright pace.

The diesel, with 250 Nm available from as low as 1,500 rpm, offers strong mid-range pull that suits Indian highway conditions. The 6-speed automatic on the diesel is well-calibrated, though some reviewers note it can be slow to kickdown at low speeds. The K3 platform underpinning the new Seltos brings improved structural rigidity, and the suspension tune — while comfort-biased — handles broken roads and speed breakers with 190 mm of ground clearance to spare.

Drive modes (available on higher trims) allow the driver to switch between Eco, Normal, and Sport settings, adjusting throttle response and steering weight. The electric power steering is light in the city and firms up adequately at speed, though it lacks the feedback of a hydraulic setup.

Cabin, space, and tech

At 4,460 mm long and riding on a 2,690 mm wheelbase, the new Seltos is genuinely spacious inside. Rear passengers benefit from the longer wheelbase, and the 60:40 split-recline rear bench (available from HTK(O) upwards) adds practicality for families. Boot space of 447 litres (VDA method) is among the largest in the segment and comfortably swallows airport luggage for four.

The centrepiece of the cabin is the Trinity Panoramic Display — a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen with integrated navigation. On GTX and above, this is complemented by a 12.7 cm (5-inch) dual-zone automatic climate control touchscreen, a Bose 8-speaker premium sound system, 64-colour ambient mood lighting, and a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar adjust and integrated memory. The Head-Up Display projects speed, navigation, and ADAS alerts onto the windshield, reducing the need to look away from the road.

The Digital Key feature — available on higher trims — lets owners lock, unlock, and start the Seltos via smartphone, with the ability to share access with family members. Kia Connect 2.0 (GTX and above) adds geofence, time fence, speed, and idle alerts. OTA updates for 31 controllers keep the car's software current without a workshop visit. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof, available from HTK(O) upwards, floods the cabin with light and is a popular feature in this segment.

Safety and ADAS

The 2026 Seltos holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, the highest possible score, and is built on Kia's Advanced K3 platform for improved crash performance. Six airbags are standard across all 12 variants — a meaningful commitment at a base price of ₹10.99 lakh. All-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Control, and a 360-degree camera with rear-view guidelines are fitted across the range.

ADAS is tiered by variant. GTX, GTX(A), X-Line, and X-Line(A) get ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Front Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind View Monitor in the instrument cluster, Junction Crossing Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. The top two variants — GTX(O) and X-Line(O) — step up to ADAS Level 2+ with 28 autonomous features, adding more granular radar-and-camera-based interventions. A Smart Dashcam with front and rear cameras is also available on upper trims, a useful feature for insurance and security purposes.

Variants and pricing

The 2026 Seltos is available in 12 trim levels: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTX, HTX(A), GTX, X-Line, GTX(A), X-Line(A), GTX(O), and X-Line(O). The base HTE starts at ₹10,99,900 (ex-showroom) and the top X-Line(O) is priced at ₹21,56,900 (ex-showroom), per official Kia India data. Third-party sources (Times of India Auto, HT Auto) list the broader range at approximately ₹10.99–22.02 lakh across all engine-transmission sub-variants.

The three trim lines — Tech Line (HTE/HTK/HTX), GT Line (GTX), and X-Line — cater to different buyer profiles. Tech Line variants focus on value and practicality; GT Line adds sportier styling with 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, neon brake calipers, and Intense Ice Cube LED projection headlamps with Star Map DRLs; X-Line adds rugged cladding and a distinctive outdoor aesthetic. The newly introduced GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants bring the full ADAS Level 2+ suite with 28 features.

How it compares

The Seltos's closest rival is the Hyundai Creta, which shares a platform and some powertrains but differentiates on styling and feature packaging. The Maruti Grand Vitara counters with a strong-hybrid option that delivers class-leading fuel efficiency, though it lacks the Seltos's ADAS depth on comparable trims. The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun offer a more driver-focused experience with the 1.5 TSI engine and DSG, but their feature lists and safety ratings don't match the Seltos at equivalent price points.

The Kia Seltos's 4,460 mm length is best-in-segment, giving it a genuine space advantage over the Creta (4,330 mm) and Grand Vitara (4,345 mm). The 447-litre boot also leads the class. On ADAS, the Seltos's Level 2+ suite on GTX(O)/X-Line(O) is among the most comprehensive in the sub-₹22 lakh space. The 79% resale value retention (Autocar India Used Car Study, 4th Edition, with Spinny) is a segment-leading figure that strengthens the total cost of ownership argument.

Who should buy it

The Kia Seltos is the right choice for buyers who want a feature-rich, spacious compact SUV with a strong safety record and broad powertrain choice. The HTK(O) or HTX petrol IVT hits the sweet spot for urban families wanting a sunroof, automatic gearbox, and comfortable cabin without crossing ₹16 lakh. Frequent highway drivers and high-mileage users should look at the diesel variants, where the 6-speed automatic offers the best blend of comfort and efficiency.

Buyers who prioritise active safety and want the most advanced driver assistance in the segment should stretch to the GTX(O) or X-Line(O) for the full 28-feature ADAS Level 2+ suite and HUD. Those who want a sportier driving experience will find the T-GDi turbo-petrol with 7DCT the most engaging option in the lineup. The Seltos is less suited to buyers on a strict budget who need a third row — for that, the Kia Carens Clavis is the better choice within the Kia family.