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Kia Seltos 2026: 2026 Kia Seltos is the newest version of the popular compact SUV that has been on the road since 2018. The second‑generation model arrives with a fresh look, a larger range of trims and a mix of mechanical changes that aim to keep it relevant in a market that loves safety and connectivity.
The car now comes in ten different trims. The base level is called HTE. There are four additional “O” variants that add a few extra comforts, a step‑up model called HTX and its higher‑level version HTX (A). The top two levels are the GTX and GTX (A). For the very sportiest look, the GTX variants can be bought with a special X‑Line styling pack that changes the body kit and the colour of the paint and wheels.
Kia Seltos 2026
Engine options vary from trim to trim. The entry‑level engine line is a 1.5‑litre MPi petrol that can be paired with a 6‑speed manual (6MT) or a 6‑speed automatic (IVT). The base engine gives 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. The diesel variant, also 1.5‑litres, puts out 116 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It can be matched with a 6MT or a 6‑speed automatic (6AT).
A higher‑power option is a 1.5‑litre turbo‑charged petrol that delivers 160 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. The turbo unit is offered in the HTK and HTK (O) trims and can be mated to a 6‑speed manual, 6‑speed automatic or a 7‑speed dual‑clutch (7DCT). The top GTX trims share the same three power‑train choices, but they all come only with automatic transmissions.
Kia Seltos Variants
The following table shows the engine options that will be available in each trim.
| Trim | Petrol (6MT) | Petrol (IVT) | Diesel (6MT) | Diesel (6AT) | Turbo (6MT) | Turbo (6AT) | Turbo (7DCT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| HTE (O) | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| HTK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| HTK (O) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| HTX | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| HTX (A) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| GTX | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| GTX (A) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Interior and Connectivity
The base HTE trim already has a modern look inside and out. It comes with LED headlights that use a “Star Map” arrangement, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps. The front and rear skid plates are made from silver aluminium. The wheels are 16‑inch steel rim with a protective cover.
Inside the cabin, the HTE has a 12‑inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25‑inch main screen and a 4.2‑inch colour display for infotainment. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work through a wireless connection. Four USB‑C ports are available – one at the front and one in the rear. Other comforts include a manual climate system and a rear outlet.
The HTE (O) trim adds a few convenience items that cost extra on the base model. An electric parking brake with an Auto‑Hold feature is added. The driver sits on a bucket seat with a power‑adjustable seatback that lets you lean back for a stretch. Paddle shifters help you feel the automatic gear changes.
The HTK trim brings a step up in comfort. The wheels become 17‑inch alloy, and the rear windows use a hidden wiper that can be hidden when not in use. The rear doors get built‑in sunshade curtains and a front parking sensor on the right side. The steering wheel can tilt and slide. The back seat has a hidden parcel shelf.
All variants from the HTK (O) trim onward also get a dual‑pane panoramic roof that covers from the front to the back of the cabin. Leatherette seats are standard in those models. The interior of the HTX and HTX (A) trims adds more colour accents on the dashboard and a 12.3‑inch high‑definition touchscreen. The HTX (A) also has the new dual‑display system and a Bose premium audio system.
The very top two GTX trims add sporty design cues. The front grilles and side panels are made of a darker, gunmetal finish. The wheels become 18‑inch alloy with a distinctive crystal‑cut design. They also get neon light strips on the brake calipers. Inside, the seats are upgraded to leatherette with a full power‑adjusted seatback and lumbar support. A memory function for the driver’s seat is available. The rear windows now have a built‑in automatic light feature that can show a low‑light image.
The X‑Line styling pack can be added to the GTX and GTX (A) trims. It changes the paint options, gives black skid plates and adds two‑tone interior accents. The wheels become 18‑inch black‑painted alloys with a matte finish. The color options for the X‑Line are “Matte Graphite” and “Aurora Black Pearl”.
Technology and Safety
All variants come with a standard safety package, which includes 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and a rollover sensor. A rear‑view camera with dynamic guidelines is standard. The car also has a system that can brake automatically when driving downhill to keep the speed in check.
From the HTK on, additional sensor modules are added. Front parking sensors and lane‑deviation assistance appear. In the HTX (A) and the GTX trims, Kia offers a Level‑2 driver assistance system that can do up to 21 autonomous functions like parking and automatic lane keeping.
The 2026 Kia Seltos also runs a software platform called Kia Connect 2.0, which lets owners update their infotainment system over the air. The next‑generation infotainment has a 12.3‑inch screen and a 64‑colour ambient lighting system.
Trim Comparison
The following table lists the key features for each trim. Only the major changes are shown because the many shared items are covered above.
| Trim | Key Exterior | Key Interior | Key Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | Silver skid plates, 16″ steel wheels | 12‑inch cluster, 10.25‑inch main screen | Android/Apple Auto, 4 USB‑C ports |
| HTE (O) | Same as HTE | Electric parking brake, power driver seat | Added paddle shifters |
| HTK | 17″ alloy, hidden wiper, rear sunshade curtains | Mid‑height alloy wheels, bucket seats | Front parking sensor (right side) |
| HTK (O) | Same as HTK | Dual‑pane roof, leatherette seats | Wireless charger |
| HTX | 18″ sport alloy, LED fog lamps | 12.3″ touchscreen, color ambient lights | Bose audio, dual‑display system |
| HTX (A) | Same as HTX | Power‑adjustable driver seat, side parking sensors | Level‑2 ADAS, OTA updates |
| GTX | Ghost‑metal grill, neon brake strips, 18″ alloy wheels | Power lumbar seat, memory seat, ORVM auto reverse | All safety features of HTX (A) plus a sport package |
| GTX (A) | Same as GTX | Same as GTX with extra tech features | Full safety & tech stack of GTX + X‑Line style option |
Price and Availability
Kia has not yet set final prices for the 2026 Kia Seltos, but the price range is expected to be comparable to other compact SUVs in India. The base HTE trim will likely start from a price point that is competitive with the previous model, while the GTX (A) trim will be positioned at a premium tier.
The car is scheduled to roll out in early 2027, a few months after the launch of the new generation. Buyers may be able to book or reserve the vehicle as soon as next week.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a clear attempt by Kia to keep its small SUV relevant as other manufacturers add new powertrains and tech features. The new model brings a full range of power‑train choices, adds numerous driver‑assist systems, and gives buyers a wide variety of trim levels to choose from. If you have been looking for a compact SUV that has a modern look, a decent engine line‑up, and a wide safety package, the 2026 Kia Seltos may be a model worth keeping an eye on.
For more updates on auto launches and reviews, stay tuned to the news page.
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