First Drive|18 Feb 2026
Kia Seltos IVT review: Smooth Operator
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 20 Feb 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
Cruise control
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Rear camera
Kia Seltos HTE(O) Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน14.06 Lakh
Cruise control
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Kia Seltos HTE Diesel MT
1493 cc | Diesel | Manual
โน14.95 Lakh
Cruise control
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Rear camera
Cruise control
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Kia Seltos HTK Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน15.21 Lakh
Cruise control
Keyless start
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Electronic parking brake
Cruise control
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Cruise control
Keyless start
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Kia Seltos HTE(O) Diesel MT
1493 cc | Diesel | Manual
โน16.24 Lakh
Cruise control
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Touch screen infotainment system
Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol MT
1497 cc | Petrol | Manual
โน16.47 Lakh
Cruise control
Sunroof
Keyless start
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Kia Seltos HTK Petrol CVT
1497 cc | Petrol | CVT Auto
โน16.70 Lakh
Electronic parking brake
Cruise control
Keyless start
Anti pinch power windows
Airbags
Kia Seltos Official Brochure
Download the complete brochure with specs, features, and variants.
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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video|08 Feb 2018
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Kia SP Concept SUV first look video
Kia Seltos Colours
Kia Seltos FAQs
Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?
Trending Questions on Kia Seltos - Answered by Autocar Experts
A
Asked by: Amiton Feb 19, 2026
Hi, I need an automatic car for a daily commute of 50 km on weekdays in Mumbai city. I will hardly be taking any long trips on weekends or otherwise. Which car would you suggest: Harrier Petrol, 7XO Diesel or Seltos NA/Turbo, considering that I currently drive a Kushaq 1.0 manual? Budget is 25 lakh.
Purely as an urban commuter, the Kia Seltos NA Petrol IVT is the best option in terms of smoothness and user-friendliness. It is larger than your current car, and will feel like a proper upgrade in terms of space, comfort, features and tech.
Do keep in mind that your Skoda Kushaq's Turbo-Petrol engine is more powerful in comparison, and the Seltos 1.5 NA's performance could feel a bit underwhelming on the open road. Its turbo-petrol version will feel relatively more effortless.
The Tata Harrier and XUV 7XO are larger cars, and since you don't plan to use the new car for long trips, these could feel too big to drive in Mumbai's traffic.
S
Asked by: Sandip Aggarwalon Feb 17, 2026
I currently own a 5-year-old BS6 EcoSport diesel (earlier had a BS4 EcoSport diesel for 6 years). I now want to change my car but am unsure which one to buy. I am based in Delhi and drive around 9,000km per year, mostly in the city, with 3-4 highway trips annually. Budget: โน17-19 lakh. Priorities: driving experience, double-digit real-world mileage, and overall product value. Test drives done: Creta, Elevate, Seltos petrol (NA) - did not feel very impressive. I am inclined towards the Alcazar, Creta Turbo, and XUV700, but I am open to suggestions.
Out of the cars you have shortlisted, all use turbo petrol engines, and achieving double-digit fuel efficiency in a congested city like Delhi will be difficult. Your best bet for good and consistent efficiency is to opt for a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
That said, whether you choose a naturally aspirated or turbo petrol, we would suggest going for the new Kia Seltos. It shares its engine options with the Creta and Alcazar, including both the 1.5 litre NA petrol and the 1.5 litre turbo petrol. Being the newer generation car, the Seltos is larger than the Creta, more spacious, better equipped, and also offers a bigger boot.
Between the Seltos and the Alcazar, choose the Hyundai Alcazar if you want the captain seat option, the ability to seat more than five people, and a larger boot with the third row folded.
We would not recommend the Mahindra XUV700, now called the XUV 7XO, for your usage. Within your budget, you would only get the lower variants, which are not as well-equipped as the others.
More importantly, fuel efficiency could be a concern. While the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivers effortless performance, achieving double-digit mileage figures, even on the highway, would require very gentle driving.
L
Asked by: lohith son Feb 17, 2026
Hi Team, I am looking for a mid-size SUV under Rs 20 lakhs with a diesel option. My usage will be 80% highway and 20% city. I was looking at the Seltos diesel version. Kindly suggest how to proceed further.
The new Kia Seltos diesel is a strong all-around package and a good fit for your requirements. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is refined, offers decent performance, and is pleasant to drive. The Seltos is also spacious, comfortable and well-equipped. Within your budget, you can opt for the HTK variant if you are looking at the automatic, or the HTK (O) if you prefer a manual transmission. Given that around 80% of your driving will be on the highway, it is highly unlikely that you will face any DPF-related issues.
Another diesel option worth considering is the new Tata Sierra. Compared to the Seltos, the Sierra is even more spacious, and its wider cabin makes it a very comfortable five-seater. It also scores slightly higher on comfort thanks to its plush ride quality. However, the Sierra is priced on the higher side, so variants comparable in price to the Seltos are not as well equipped, and its diesel engine is not as refined.
One factor to note is that with stricter emission norms, diesel engines are no longer as fuel-efficient as they once were. If fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority, you should also consider strong hybrid powertrains such as the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Grand Vitara, or Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, all of which can return over 20 kpl in both city and highway driving.
The upcoming Renault Duster is also expected to get a strong hybrid powertrain around Diwali, so that could be another option if you are willing to wait.
A
Asked by: Ajay Thilakanon Feb 16, 2026
Iโm looking for a compact SUV, and I am a big fan of the Kia Seltos. I am a driving enthusiast, but the TGDi engine of the Seltos will stretch my budget considerably. I also want all the bells and whistles like a 360-degree camera and a fully digital instrument cluster. I wanted a manual gearbox with the TGDi, but that is no longer an option. My dilemma is whether to choose the Kia Seltos HTX(A) manual with the naturally aspirated engine or the Hyundai Venue N-Line N10 DCT. Is spending โน2-4 lakh extra on the Kia Seltos (considering both NA and TGDi engines) justifiable, or should I settle for the sub-4-metre Hyundai Venue (1.0L turbo engine)?
If you enjoy driving, the Kia Seltos's 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is not the engine for you - capable as it is in everyday driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Venue, even though its 1.0-litre T-GDi engine has a strong 120hp power figure, just doesn't feel quite as punchy or enthusiastic as the numbers suggest. And since you're on a budget, but you also want all the bells and whistles, there are a couple of different ways you could go.
Since Kia doesn't offer the 1.5 T-GDi with a manual gearbox (the iMT is not as enjoyable), you could increase your budget and go for the DCT. If that's not an option, consider other fun-to-drive and fully loaded cars that could serve all your needs.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO with its 131hp, T-GDi engine is exciting to drive, especially in manual guise, and gets you loads of features within your budget. However, our recommendation is the Hyundai Creta N-Line - it's a little older than the Seltos and doesn't have the latest tech, but it's still very well-loaded with features and good on space too. Moreover, you get the smooth yet punchy 1.5 T-GDi engine with a manual, and the N-Line arguably handles better than the Seltos, too.
D
Asked by: Dabason Feb 16, 2026
I already have a 2019 Seltos petrol manual. Recently, I got a job, and my workplace is 45km away from my home, so it is a 90km daily drive. This long commute is taking a toll on my pocket, as I hardly get decent mileage. Moreover, pressing the clutch and brake in traffic during my return journey is frustrating and tiresome. Should I install CNG in my car, or should I sell it and buy a new one? If so, which one?
In our opinion, you should avoid retrofitting CNG to your around 7-year-old Seltos. Instead, it makes more sense to sell it and move to a newer car that is more efficient and easier on the pocket.
If you can set up home charging, an EV makes a lot of sense. It will significantly cut down your travel expenses, and, being an electric car, there is no hassle of changing gears. EVs are smooth and extremely easy to drive, which can greatly reduce daily driving stress.
Since you already own a Kia Seltos and would prefer something familiar, we would suggest considering the Hyundai Creta Electric. It is a very well-rounded product, and the calibration of the electric motor is spot on, making it extremely smooth and easy to drive. It also offers a single pedal regenerative braking mode that works beautifully, and once you get used to it, you will rarely need to use the brake pedal, reducing fatigue even further. Considering your running, we would recommend the larger 52 kWh battery pack, which should deliver over 350 km on a single charge, making it practical for your usage.
There are other, on-paper, more impressive EVs at this price point, such as the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra BE 6. However, if you are looking for a car that is easy to drive, hassle-free and easy to live with, the Creta EV is a very strong choice.
If you prefer to stick with an internal combustion engine but want lower running costs, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid. It runs in EV mode a lot of the time at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, making it very smooth and easy to drive. Being a strong hybrid, it is also extremely efficient, and even in the worst traffic conditions, you can safely expect over 20 kpl. Since it is still an ICE vehicle, occasional long highway trips donโt require planning, unlike an EV. What you will need to plan, however, is luggage, as the hybrid battery under the boot floor does eat into usable boot space.
If you are willing to wait, the new Renault Duster is expected to get a hybrid powertrain around Diwali, and the next-generation Creta and Seltos are also expected to receive hybrid options early next year.
S
Asked by: Sanjay Vamburkaron Feb 16, 2026
I want to buy a mid-size SUV for city and highway driving to replace my 2105 Corolla Altis. I do not want a very bulky vehicle. I am considering between the new Kushaq and the Seltos. What is your advice?
Between the two we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos as per your requiremnt, For city driving it is easy to recommend the 1.5 litre CVT as the naturally aspirated engine is refined has smooth power delivery and the CVT gearbox's smooth nature is perfect for you daily commutes and despite being one of the largest cars in the segment, it reamisn a car that is easy to drive and park.
The new Seltos is spacious, comfortable and has a big boot too. It is also loaded with features and boast of one of the most premium interiors in the segment.
We still haven't driven the Skoda Kushaq facelift, but it remains mechanically almost identical, except the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine will get a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, and that is something that we are keen to try and to see if that makes a whole lot of difference. So stay tuned for the Autocar India review.
K
Asked by: Kushalon Feb 16, 2026
Hey Autocar Team, I am looking to upgrade from an Elite i20 2016 variant - confused between going for the top variant of sub 4m or upgrading to the larger SUV, considering the Hyundai Venue HX10, the Kia Sonet GTX Plus or upgrading to the new Kia Seltos HTX variant - the cost difference is ~4 lakhs, primarily city driving in Mumbai and monthly long trips along with family.
Itโs a confusion many people face, and understandably so. If you go purely by the brochure and think with your head rather than your heart, compact SUVs do offer strong value for money, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
Since you havenโt specified the engine option, letโs assume you are looking at petrol variants. In that case, there is a noticeable difference in the driving experience. Compact SUVs like the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT. While this setup offers good punch, it doesnโt feel as smooth, refined or effortless as the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated or 1.5-turbo petrol engines offered in the Kia Seltos.
If you are considering a diesel, the experience is largely similar across these cars, as they all use the same 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with either a manual or a 6-speed automatic.
There are other areas where the Seltos feels like a clear step up in terms of space, comfort and interior quality. If a larger, more refined petrol engine, better cabin space and superior comfort matter to you, it makes sense to spend the extra money on the Seltos.
However, if you prefer to save that money and go with a compact SUV, then between the Sonet and the Venue, we would suggest the Hyundai Venue, as it is the newer car, offers better rear seat space, and packs in more features.
N
Asked by: Narayananon Feb 14, 2026
Hi, I am confused between the Seltos (ventilated seats) and the Elevate (missing ventilation and some minor features like a front parking sensor) petrol automatic for Chennai city as a first-time car buyer. Please help me decide between the two.
The Kia Seltos is the better choice here. It is better equipped than the Honda Elevate, has a more spacious cabin and overall feels more upmarket and refined. The Elevate has a larger boot, and its 1.5-litre petrol engine is very flexible and efficient.
However, the Honda Elevate now feels a generation behind the new Seltos, which has moved the game forward in the mid-size SUV segment.
P
Asked by: Prasenjit Boseon Feb 14, 2026
Which would be the best choice between the Hyundai Creta and the new Kia Seltos? Initially, I had made up my mind to buy the Creta, but after the launch of the new Seltos, I am confused, especially considering the new K3 platform, safety and features. Which would be better in the long run in terms of efficiency, service and maintenance cost? I will be using it for both long drives and local travel. Please suggest.
We'd recommend the new Kia Seltos. As you have rightly noted, the Seltos is based on a new platform and offers a higher level of tech and refinement, and there's also the promise of enhanced safety. Furthermore, the Seltos is significantly larger in length and wheelbase, and feels roomier than the Creta.
We do not expect the current Hyundai Creta and new Seltos to differ significantly in long-term ownership and maintenance costs. However, the Seltos' added weight could result in negligibly lesser fuel economy. If you have your heart set on a Creta, you could postpone your purchase to early 2027, when the next-gen model based on the K3 platform debuts.
K
Asked by: k Mahesh Dutton Feb 12, 2026
I am planning to buy the new Seltos. Kindly advise whether to go for the iMT or CVT version, as I prefer an automatic.
Since you want a proper automatic gearbox, it's the Kia Seltos CVT that you should go for out of the two you have mentioned. The Kia Seltos iMT is a clutchless manual, meaning there's no clutch pedal for you to operate but you do have to manually row through the gears like in a conventional manual.
The Seltos CVT, on the other hand, is like any other automatic wherein you just have to shift the gear selector either to 'D' (Drive) or 'R' (Reverse). It's worth noting that the Seltos is also available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox only with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 6-speed torque converter automatic only with the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine.
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