First Drive|23 Dec 2025
2026 Kia Seltos review: Revolution or evolution?
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 02 Jan 2026
Kia Seltos
Autocar score
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โน12.79 - โน23.64 Lakh
On road price, Delhi
Delhi
Startingโน18,502 /month
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Kia Seltos Features and specifications
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Kia Seltos price & variants
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VariantsOn road price
Kia Seltos HTE Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน12.79 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTE(O) Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน14.06 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTE Diesel MT
1493 cc | Diesel | Manual
โน14.95 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTE(O) Petrol iMT
1482 cc | Petrol | IMT
โน14.98 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTK Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน15.21 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTK Petrol iMT
1482 cc | Petrol | IMT
โน16.13 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTE(O) Diesel MT
1493 cc | Diesel | Manual
โน16.24 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน16.47 Lakh
Kia Seltos HTK Petrol CVT
1497 cc | Petrol | CVT Auto
โน16.70 Lakh
Kia Seltos expert review
Autocar score
We like
Ride thatโs comfort oriented without sacrificing handling balance
Smooth and strong turbo-petrol engine performance
We don't like
Misses some expected features in this segment
The diesel engine lacks punch
Reviewed by: Sergius Barretto
Kia Seltos reviews
Kia Seltos comparison
Transmission
Torque Converter Auto, CVT Auto, Dual-Clutch Auto, Manual, IMT
Engine
1482 cc - 1497 cc
Fuel type
Diesel, Petrol
Mileage
-
Transmission
Manual, Torque Converter Auto, Dual-Clutch Auto, CVT Auto
Engine
1482 cc - 1497 cc
Fuel type
Diesel, Petrol
Mileage
17.4 kmpl - 21.8 kmpl
Transmission
Manual, Torque Converter Auto, Dual-Clutch Auto
Engine
999 cc - 1498 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
18.09 kmpl - 19.76 kmpl
Transmission
Manual, Torque Converter Auto, Dual-Clutch Auto
Engine
999 cc - 1498 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
16.44 kmpl - 19.89 kmpl
Transmission
Torque Converter Auto, Manual, CVT Auto
Engine
1462 cc - 1490 cc
Fuel type
Petrol, Petrol-Electric Hybrid
Mileage
19.2 kmpl - 27.97 kmpl
Transmission
CVT Auto, Manual
Engine
1498 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
-
Transmission
Manual, CVT Auto, Torque Converter Auto
Engine
1462 cc - 1490 cc
Fuel type
CNG, Petrol, Petrol-Electric Hybrid
Mileage
19.2 kmpl - 27.97 kmpl
Transmission
Manual, Torque Converter Auto, CVT Auto
Engine
1462 cc - 1490 cc
Fuel type
CNG, Petrol, Petrol-Electric Hybrid
Mileage
19.07 kmpl - 28.65 kmpl
Transmission
7-step CVT Auto, 6-speed Manual
Engine
1498 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
15.31 kmpl - 16.92 kmpl
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Kia Seltos FAQs
Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?
Trending Questions on Kia Seltos - Answered by Autocar Experts
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Asked by: Rajeshon Jan 11, 2026
I currently own an i20 and am planning to upgrade to a midsize SUV. I have shortlisted the base variants of the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos, but I am concerned about power delivery. Between the two, which offers better pickup with a naturally aspirated engine and better value for money?
The base variants of both the Tata Sierra and Seltos come with naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engines. If you are looking for performance and good power delivery, the Seltos' 1.5 engine is better.
In fact, the Tata 1.5 NA engine is the weak link in the Sierra, as performance and power delivery are sluggish and nowhere near as responsive as the Kia Seltosโ engine.
K
Asked by: Kakakon Jan 10, 2026
I am planning to buy a new SUV. I am considering the Creta or Seltos, and if I look at a 7-seater, the XUV 7XO or Scorpio N. Which is better between the Creta and Seltos, and between the Scorpio N and XUV 7XO?
Between the Hyundai Creta and Seltos, both cars offer the same engine and gearbox options. However, the Kia Seltos is all-new, features a larger body, more cabin space, and feels a notch up in quality as well.
Your choice of seven-seaters isnโt as similar. The Mahindra Scorpio N is built on a body-on-frame chassis, which means it's very tough and can take a lot of beating, but it's nowhere near as comfortable as the XUV 7XO, which has a larger cabin and far more features.
The biggest difference between the two is ride quality: the Scorpio N, a tall-riding SUV, rocks from side to side and is quite bumpy on rough roads. In contrast, the Mahindra XUV 7XO, with its updated suspension, feels incredibly refined and comfortable. It softens the bumps and feels very stable at high speeds. So if you donโt travel on really bad roads, the XUV 7XO is a far better option.
D
Asked by: Deep Kumar Dimrion Jan 9, 2026
I am planning to upgrade my car and am considering the Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder or Kia Seltos, with a maximum budget of โน16 lakh. I am not an enthusiastic driver and only need essential features such as a large infotainment system, alloy wheels and leatherette seats. Features like a sunroof, turbo engine or head-up display are not necessary. Which car and which variant should I opt for with a petrol manual transmission?
The Kia Seltos is the best pick of the models on your shortlist. It's got a refined petrol engine and smooth manual gearbox, and delivers better performance on the whole. What also works in the Seltos' favour is its comfier ride quality. Further, the Seltos is a larger vehicle and offers significantly more passenger space.
Within Rs 16 lakh, you could get the Seltos 1.5 MT HTK that gets features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and part-leatherette seats.
S
Asked by: Samir Shahon Jan 8, 2026
Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to replace my Honda BR-V CVT and have shortlisted the Kia Seltos CVT, Kia Seltos Turbo DCT, and Tata Sierra Turbo Petrol AT, all in top-end trims. My daily driving involves about 30km of bumper-to-bumper traffic in Mumbai, with around 7,500km driven annually, along with a couple of highway trips of about 400km each. The car will mostly be chauffeur-driven in the city, so rear-seat comfort is important. My budget is โน25 lakh. Please suggest the most suitable option.
The Kia Seltos CVT is the ideal choice for your daily commute in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The transmission is seamless, power delivery is adequate for your occasional highway trips, and the drive experience will be smooth and comfortable. Fuel efficiency will also likely be better than any other turbo-petrol option, as turbo cars generally consume a lot more fuel (than NA engines) in stop-go conditions.
The Tata Sierra delivers excellent ride comfort, the backseat is very comfortable, and its turbo-AT combination delivers strong performance. But the Kia car edges ahead in terms of finesse and quality.
If fuel efficiency isn't a concern, then another option you could consider is the new Mahindra XUV 7XO. The turbo-petrol AT combination is smooth, performance is stronger than the Kia and Tata car. Besides having a very spacious and comfortable backseat, this Mahindra car also gets a rear-seat ventilation function, which you might find useful.
A
Asked by: Avinashon Jan 7, 2026
I have a family of four and am looking for a petrol automatic SUV, preferably with a DCT. My options include the Seltos, Sierra, Harrier and 7XO. My annual running is around 6,000km, so I do not want to overspend, but also do not want to compromise on features.
If you want to choose a DCT, your best bet is the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta. Both get the 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine, which produces 160 hp and is paired with a 7-speed DCT, but the Creta gets this combination in a higher variant than the Seltos.
The Kia Seltos was launched very recently, so it has a fresher look, is bigger in size and offers all modern features. Even the lower variants of this Kia car have decent features. Tata Sierra gets the DCT with the naturally aspirated engine, which is not our top pick and Harrier and XUV 7XO don't get the DCT.
C
Asked by: Charanpal Surion Jan 6, 2026
I am confused between the 1.5 NA with IVT and the 1.5 turbo with 7-speed DCT. My usage will be mainly in the city, but after 1.5 years, it will be around 70% highway driving between Gurgaon and Delhi, with the rest in the city. I prefer a jerk-free drive, reliability, and a good overall driving experience.
While you haven't specified which car you are buying, we assume this choice is for either the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Kia Carens Clavis. Whichever the case, given your usage and requirements, we recommend the 1.5 IVT.
The Hyundai/Kia CVT gearbox, which uses a chain drive, feels more robust and responsive than others that use a belt-drive system, and the 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine feels more than sufficient for city or highway use. Yes, of course, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is more powerful and more exciting, but the 7-speed DCT gearbox is simply too jerky in low-speed use, which becomes frustrating after a while. In the long run, this gearbox will likely require more maintenance than the IVT, too.
S
Asked by: SGon Jan 6, 2026
I am planning to upgrade my car, which is now 10 years old. My daily travel is within the city, with a couple of long highway drives. My budget is around โน15 lakh. Kindly recommend a suitable car. I have shortlisted the XUV700, Seltos, and Sierra. Your expert opinion would be appreciated.
The Mahindra XUV700 has recently been replaced by its facelift, the XUV 7XO. However, while it is an excellent SUV, in your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you will only get a base model. Similarly, in the lower segment, you will be limited to low or mid-range models of the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra. However, if you are okay with that, both are excellent SUVs.
The Tata Sierra excels in space and comfort, while the Kia Seltos is the better all-rounder, with punchier engines and more features. For your usage, we recommend the turbo-petrol automatic variant of either car, as it offers a good blend of price, performance, and refinement between city and highway use.
A
Asked by: Abhion Jan 5, 2026
My budget is around โน20 lakh, and I am looking for an automatic transmission. I need delivery before January 2026. Most of my driving will be in the city, with one out-of-station trip every month. I am currently considering the new MG Hector 2026. Are there any other options I should look at?
The MG Hector's strength is its rear comfort; the seats are comfy, there's plenty of room, and the flat floor aids the overall comfort, too. However, bear in mind that the fuel efficiency is not very good, and neither is the high-speed stability on highways.
If this is a concern for you, check out the new Kia Seltos, which is a very good all-rounder in this segment. Do check with your local dealer about deliveries, though.
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Asked by: Rajneesh Moreyon Jan 5, 2026
I canโt decide between the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and the all-new Kia Seltos. My budget is โน20-24 lakh, and I am looking to upgrade to an SUV.
Both the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and the Kia new Seltos have their own strengths and are accomplished products.
If you want something that feels premium, has a refined engine, is comfortable for four adults, and offers a large boot, the Seltos is a good option. However, if your running is high and efficiency is a priority, it is hard to beat the Victoris Hybrid within your budget.
Not just on the highway but even in the city, you can expect over 20 kpl. If you are okay with the compromised boot space due to the hybrid battery, the Victoris will serve you well. While the Seltos does offer a refined diesel option, its efficiency does not come close to the Victoris Hybrid, especially with the torque converter automatic, which impacts fuel economy. Most modern diesel cars are also not as efficient as they used to be due to tightening emission norms.
R
Asked by: Rahul Thakuron Jan 5, 2026
Hi, I am confused between the new Kia Seltos and the new Tata Sierra, both petrol variants. My monthly driving is around 500-700 km, mostly in cities. I am looking for an automatic turbo-petrol car or NA petrol with good driving quality and low maintenance. My budget is โน20 lakh, not above that. Your team can suggest any other brand or model, provided it is not close to a facelift or next-generation update.
The Tata Sierra Turbo Petrol automatic goes well beyond your budget, as the Adventure Plus variant crosses Rs 21 lakh on road. With the Seltos, you can get the HTK(O) variant within your budget, and it is well-equipped with most essential features.
Considering that most of your driving is in the city, we would suggest choosing the naturally aspirated variants. Between the two, the Kia Seltos is the better pick. Its 1.5-litre engine is more potent, the CVT gearbox is creamy smooth in stop-go traffic, and it is responsive enough when you need power for a quick overtake. In comparison, the Sierraโs 1.5 litre engine feels slower, and the DCT transmission is not as smooth.
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