The Segment Leader Reborn: 2026 Kia Seltos Detailed Review

By Gaurav Mantri | Automotive Expert & Founder, GForceMotor Published: December 14, 2025

The Kia Seltos 2026 is here to completely redefine the urban SUV segment. If there is one car that started the craze in the last decade, it was the Seltos, but this new generation is a total metamorphosis. Fresh off its global debut, the Kia Seltos 2026 is no longer just a facelift; it is a generational leap that promises to be the new benchmark for Indian roads.

Fresh off its global debut, the 2026 Kia Seltos is no longer just a facelift. It is a generational leap. Significantly bigger than the previous Seltos, it now offers a road presence that rivals SUVs a segment above. As an automotive journalist with 25 years in the driver’s seat, I can confidently say: this is the most premium Seltos yet.

Let’s dive into the details of this transformed SUV.

Kia Seltos 2026 Design: The “Opposites United” Evolution

A Bold New Face

The 2026 Seltos ditches the soft curves for a boxier, more authoritative stance. The front fascia is dominated by an evolved Tiger Nose Grille, which is now wider and more aggressive.

• Vertical DRLs: Flanking the grille are the all-new Vertical Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). These sharp, upright light signatures give the car a futuristic, “EV-like” face, clearly inspired by the flagship EV9.
• Flush Door Handles: Moving to the side profile, the Seltos now features flush door handles that pop out when unlocked. It’s a feature usually reserved for luxury cars, aiding aerodynamics and adding a sleek, clean look to the doors.

The Rear & The Rim Detail

• Inverted ‘U’ LED Tail Lamps: The rear design is equally striking. The connected tail lamp bar is gone, replaced by distinct Inverted ‘U’ LED Tail Lamps that frame the tailgate, emphasizing the car’s increased width.
• Square Hub Alloys: Look closely at the wheels. The 18” alloy wheel design features a unique Square Hub center, a design element lifted directly from the higher version of the Kia SUV family (like the EV5 and EV9). It’s a small detail that screams “premium.”

Kia Seltos 2026 Interior: A Cockpit from the Future

Stepping inside the 2026 Seltos feels like upgrading to business class. The cabin architecture has been completely overhauled for space and tech.

Tech Meets Ergonomics

• Twin 12.3-inch Screens: The dashboard is headlined by a massive curved glass panel housing two displays: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment unit.
• Dedicated AC Controls: In a brilliant move for usability, Kia has placed dedicated AC controls explicitly between the two 12.3-inch screens. This “bridge” layout ensures you don’t have to fiddle with touch menus just to change the fan speed while driving—a massive win for ergonomics.

Luxury & Comfort

• Double Panoramic Sunroof: This is the showstopper. Unlike the single-pane glass of the past, the 2026 Seltos boasts a Double Panoramic Sunroof. This split-glass setup ensures that both front and rear passengers have their own distinct view of the sky, making the already larger cabin feel incredibly airy.
• Powered Seats: Comfort is paramount, with powered seats for the driver and co-driver, allowing for precise adjustments at the touch of a button.

• Steering Wheel Mode Buttons: For the driving enthusiasts, the new two-spoke steering wheel features dedicated Drive Mode buttons right on the wheel itself (similar to performance cars like the EV6 GT), allowing you to switch between Eco, Sport, and Normal modes without taking your hands off the wheel.

Dimensions: Is the Kia Seltos 2026 Bigger?

One of the biggest complaints about mid-size SUVs is the rear seat crunch. Kia has addressed this head-on. The 2026 model is physically bigger than the previous Seltos in every dimension—length, width, and wheelbase. This translates directly into more knee room for rear passengers and a larger boot, making it a proper family tourer.

Kia Seltos 2026 Performance: The Power of Choice

Kia continues to offer a powertrain for every type of buyer.

Safety & Tech: Level 2 ADAS Standardized in the Kia Seltos 2026?

In 2026, safety isn’t an option; it’s the digital co-pilot that defines a new-generation vehicle. The 2026 Kia Seltos significantly upgrades its safety game, positioning it firmly against rivals like the Tata Sierra by offering a sophisticated Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite on its top trims.

The Level 2 ADAS Advantage

Unlike passive safety features (airbags, ABS), Level 2 ADAS provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It means the car can control steering, acceleration, and braking under specific conditions, requiring the driver to remain fully attentive with hands on the wheel.

The Seltos’s ADAS package features over 20 autonomous functions, with the highlights including:

• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go: This system doesn’t just maintain a set speed; it automatically adjusts speed to the vehicle ahead, and—crucially—brings the car to a complete stop in traffic and resumes driving automatically. A lifesaver in city snarls.
• Front Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Crossing: This system monitors the road ahead (cars, pedestrians, cyclists) and applies the brakes autonomously if a collision is imminent. The new Junction Crossing feature adds a layer of protection when making a turn across traffic.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA): The LKA warns and corrects if you drift out of your lane, while the LFA actively uses the camera to keep the car perfectly centered within the lane markings—a massive aid on long highway stretches.
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) & Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): These systems use radar to monitor blind spots, applying corrective braking if a side-swipe or rear collision is detected while changing lanes or reversing out of a parking spot.

Beyond ADAS: The Structural Upgrade

It’s important to note that the ADAS tech is built on a stronger foundation. The Seltos 2026 is built on the newer K3 platform, which features increased use of high-strength steel. This upgrade is aimed squarely at achieving a coveted 5-Star Bharat NCAP safety rating, confirming Kia’s commitment to both crash protection and collision prevention.

Kia Seltos 2026 Color Options

The 2026 Seltos palette is wider and bolder than ever, offering a mix of sophisticated earth tones and high-energy hues. Importantly, Kia has introduced a matte finish for the top trim, a trend-setting move in this segment.

Morning Haze

Magma Red

Frost Blue

Ivory Silver Gloss

Pewter Olive

Imperial Blue

Gravity Gray

Glacier White Pearl

X-Line Matte Graphite

The Mid-Size War: Kia Seltos 2026 vs Rivals

The 2026 Kia Seltos enters an arena that has become arguably the most competitive in the Indian automotive landscape. While its extensive feature list and design language set it apart, it faces stiff opposition.

Kia Seltos 2026 Price & Verdict

Expected Price: ₹11.90 Lakh – ₹22.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Launch Date: January 2, 2026

The Gforce Verdict

The 2026 Kia Seltos isn’t just an update; it’s a statement. By integrating high-end features like the Flush Door Handles, Double Panoramic Sunroof, and Square Hub Alloys, Kia is punching upwards. It feels less like a compact SUV and more like a scaled-down luxury cruiser.

If you are waiting for an SUV that combines aggressive looks with genuine luxury tech, the wait is over.

❓ FAQs: 2026 Kia Seltos

Q: Is the 2026 Seltos actually bigger? A: Yes, it is significantly longer and wider than the outgoing model, offering superior road presence and interior space.

Q: What is special about the sunroof? A: It features a segment-first Double Panoramic Sunroof, offering separate glass areas for distinct cabin zones.

Q: Does it have physical AC buttons? A: Yes! It retains a dedicated AC control panel smartly positioned between the dual screens for easy access.

Image credit: Kia.com/in