All-new Seltos gets a stunning new look and packs in a comprehensive range of premium features
Kia has introduced major updates to the second-gen Seltos in terms of its styling, equipment and safety package. A total of 10 trims are on offer – HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, HTX (A), GTX, GTX (A), X Line and X Line A. Only the he top trims, GTX and GTX (A), also have the option to upgrade with the X-Line Styling Pack. Let’s check out the variant-wise engine choices and features to better understand the available options.
New 2026 Kia Seltos – Variant-wise engine options
With the base variant HTE, powertrain options include the 1.5-litre MPi petrol (6MT) and the 1.5-litre diesel (6MT). The MPi petrol engine generates 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. In addition to the 6MT, this engine is also offered with an IVT transmission. The 1.5-litre diesel unit generates 116 PS and 250 Nm. It is paired with either a 6MT or 6AT transmission.
Seltos HTE (O) and HTK trims share the same powertrain options – 1.5-litre MPi petrol (6MT and IVT), 1.5-litre diesel (6MT and 6AT), and 1.5-litre turbo petrol (6iMT). The turbo petrol unit generates 160 PS and 253 Nm. It also has a 7DCT transmission option. New Seltos HTK (O) has all the powertrain options on offer.
The HTX and HTX (A) have five powertrain options. The only one missing is the 1.5-litre turbo petrol 6iMT. Top-spec GTX and GTX (A) have all three engine options with the respective automatic transmission options. Manual transmission option is not available with any of the top variants.
Variant-wise features
Entry-level HTE variant of 2026 Kia Seltos is quite well-equipped. Key features include Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps & Star Map LED DRLs, Star Map LED tail lamps, shark fin antenna and front and rear skid plates in silver finish. The base variant has 16-inch steel wheels with cover. Insides are fully loaded, featuring a 12-inch LCD cluster with a 4.2-inch colour TFT MID and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Other highlights include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Type-C USB ports at the front and rear, cruise control, keyless entry, central locking and electrically adjustable ORVMs. The HTE variant has manual air conditioning and rear AC vents. Safety is pretty robust, as Kia is offering 24 safety features as standard across all variants. These include TPMS, 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill start assist control (HAC), rear parking sensors, downhill brake control, rollover sensor and rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.
Next is the HTE (O), which gains premium features with the automatic option. It has an electric parking brake with auto hold, paddle shifters and cup holder with premium sliding cover. Users also have access to traction control modes (Sand/ Mud/ Snow) and drive modes (Eco/ Normal/ Sport).
Mid-spec variants – HTK, HTK (O), HTX, HTX (A)
HTK trim gets 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs with auto fold, hidden rear wiper and rear defogger. Other highlights include smart key proximity unlock, rear door sunshade curtains, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and rear parcel shelf.
Dual-pane panoramic sunroof starts with the HTK (O) variant onwards. This variant also has leatherette seats, LED persona lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, sporty alloy pedals, front parking sensors, and wireless charger. Automatic variants of HTK (O) have front ventilated seats and an 8-way power driver seat with relaxation position.
Things get more interesting with the HTX and HTX (A) trims. The HTX gets premium cosmetic touch-ups, LED front fog lamps and gloss black ORVMs. Inside, the HTX has premium dual-tone leatherette seats, 64 colour ambient mood lighting and a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen. It supports OTA updates and has Kia Connect 2.0 connectivity suite and Bose premium sound system.
Further enhancing the equipment list is the HTX (A), offering most of the important updates introduced with the new-gen Seltos. It has the Trinity panoramic display panel, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, side parking sensors and ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features.
Top trims – GTX, GTX (A)
GTX trims get sportier styling across the front, side and rear. Key highlights include distinctive gunmetal accents, side door garnish, 18-inch sporty crystal cut alloy wheels and neon brake callipers. Features on the inside include leatherette seats, 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, memory function for driver seat and ORVMs and auto reverse ORVMs.
Buyers opting for the GTX or GTX (A) can also choose the X-Line styling pack. It has exclusive features such as front and rear skid plates in glossy black finish, side door garnish with dark gunmetal accents, two-tone interiors with satin metal accents, two-tone leatherette seats and black painted 18-inch alloy wheels. X-Line variants get an exclusive Matte Graphite & Aurora Black Pearl colour option.
