The Seltos is offered with three front-wheel-drive engine options and is built on Kia's K3 platform.

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or an IVT automatic.

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine develops 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque and is available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT automatic.

The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque and comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

All variants also get Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes along with traction control.

The Seltos offers competitive fuel efficiency across its engine range. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol returns a claimed 17-18 km/l, while the more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol delivers 16-17 km/l.

The 1.5-litre diesel is the most efficient option, with a claimed fuel economy of 20-22 km/l, making it the preferred choice for buyers who cover long distances regularly.

The dashboard has a clean, uncluttered layout and is dominated by a seamless, curved setup featuring two large 12.3-inch screens. One screen serves as the driver's digital information display, and the other controls the car's entertainment and navigation system. 

This system runs on Kia's newest software, which can be updated automatically over the air. Below these main screens is a dedicated 5-inch touchscreen for managing the climate control, creating a distinctive triple-screen configuration. This section also includes physical dials and haptic feedback buttons for easier use.

The new three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in high-quality leather on some models and features illuminated controls, including paddle shifters for automatic versions.

The center area between the front seats is raised and includes a charging pad for wireless phones, several USB-C charging ports, and a sliding armrest with extra storage underneath. 

The five seats are upholstered in premium fabric or leatherette, with black and white two-tone options available. The driver's seat is highly adjustable, offering 10-way power movement, memory settings, and both heating and cooling functions.

Passengers in the back row benefit from increased knee and leg support, as well as reclining seats that split 60:40.

The boot capacity is 447 liters and can be expanded by folding the rear seats flat to over 1,200 liters. The boot door can be opened and closed automatically without hands and the height can be adjusted.

The cabin atmosphere is enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting and a large panoramic sunroof. Extra features, such as a passenger seat control that allows the rear passenger to slide it forward for more legroom, and a premium 8-speaker Bose sound system, make the car feel luxurious.

The car also features wireless connectivity for phones and Kia's updated connected car services with 91 functions.

The new Seltos  grown noticeably, now measuring 4,460 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,645 mm tall. Crucially, the distance between the front and rear wheels, the wheelbase, is now longer at 2,690 mm. 

At the front, the signature "tiger nose" grille has been made larger and stands more upright, giving it a premium, textured look with vertical lines. On either side, the car features vertically stacked LED headlights with slim LED daytime running lights, which lend the vehicle a sharper, more focused expression and a stronger presence when driving.

The lower bumper is also more substantial and sculpted, featuring bigger air intakes that contribute to better airflow and a sportier feel. The sides of the Seltos have been streamlined with new door handles that sit flush with the body until you use them. New aerodynamic alloy wheels, which come in sizes from 16 to 18 inches depending on the version, complete the profile.

At the back, the design mirrors the front's assertive style with connected LED taillights, a reshaped boot door with a small integrated spoiler, and a rear bumper that has a diffuser look, including two visible exhaust tips on the higher-end models. The Seltos is available in up to 10 colors, including popular choices like Aurora Black Pearl and a fresh two-tone option for the X-Line mode called Morning Haz and Magma RED

Safety is a primary concern for the 2026 Kia Seltos, which is built on a strong platform that uses a high proportion of ultra-high-strength steel for excellent impact protection. It is expected to achieve top safety ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. 

All versions of the Seltos come equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), and a hill-start assist system. These features, along with disc brakes on all four wheels, ensure strong and confident stopping power.

For child safety, the car includes standard ISOFIX mounting points and a rear occupant alert system that uses sensors to detect if a passenger has been left behind. The driver is aided by a 360-degree camera system for parking, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. 

The higher-spec models introduce an advanced Level 2 ADAS system, which uses a front camera and radar to offer semi-autonomous driving assistance. This includes systems that help prevent frontal collisions, monitor blind spots, assist with keeping the car in its lane, warn the driver of fatigue, and provide a safe exit function.

The 2026 Kia Sletos has many new and updated rivals like, Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra 7X0, MG Hector, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and of course Thar.