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
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.
R
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.
P
Asked by: prashant goelon Dec 30, 2025
Hi, I'm planning to upgrade from 2012 Brio MT (1000 kms monthly 25/75 City/Highway) and the natural choice is Honda Elevate due to familiarity in power delivery, better in/egress and driving dynamics. While a manual is my preferred choice, I am open to an automatic. Features like panoramic sunroofs or fancy screens don't matter much. Please suggest. Also, with Turbos on sale, how often do you see buyers switching from an NA to a Turbo and back to NA? Is a Turbo petrol power so addictive?
The Honda Elevate is a good choice for you and a significant upgrade over your Honda Brio. It is spacious and comfortable, with a good ride quality. The 1.5 litre petrol engine is refined, and the manual gearbox is slick and easy to use.
Considering your limited city running, a manual gearbox should work fine, but an automatic will add a lot of convenience and reduce effort, especially in cities like Bengaluru, where you live. This Honda car also gets a CVT automatic, which is smooth and responsive and works well both in the city and on the highway.
As for turbo petrol engines, their power delivery is indeed addictive and makes them enjoyable to drive, but they do have some downsides. In general, turbo petrol engines are not as smooth as naturally aspirated units and can feel slightly jerky at low speeds. Their fuel efficiency is also very sensitive to throttle inputs, and with a heavier right foot, mileage can drop sharply.
If you are keen on turbo petrol options, you can consider the new Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta N Line or the Tata Sierra. The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are also worth considering, but we would suggest waiting, as their updates are expected soon.
K
Asked by: Kumaranon Dec 30, 2025
I am planning to buy a new 7-seater and am confused between the Kia Carens Clavis and Maruti Ertiga, both with naturally aspirated petrol engines. I do not like the new air-conditioning setup in the Ertiga. Could you advise on the Carens Clavis in terms of mileage, reliability, and long-term service costs?
The Kia Carens Clavis is a great 7-seater. It is very spacious, and even tall adults can sit in the last row without any issue. The cabin feels very premium, with high-quality materials used, and even the lower variants offer impressive standard equipment, which makes the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol versions excellent value for money.
The 1.5L petrol engine is smooth and refined, and in our tests, it accelerated quickly than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, indicating better drivability too. This engine is shared with the Carens, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Verna, and it has been quite reliable so far. Service and maintenance costs are also on par with, or even lower than, its rivals.
A
Asked by: Aryan Singhon Dec 23, 2025
Hi Autocar India team, Iโm currently in the market for a Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT. Dealers are quoting around โน23.5 to 24 lakh on-road, with negotiations coming down to roughly โน21-21.5 lakh. With the next-generation Seltos expected to be launched soon, my confusion is whether paying ~โน21 lakh for the current GTX Plus DCT still makes sense, or if itโs better to wait for the new model pricing to be announced and then decide. Would love your perspective on what a realistic โgood dealโ looks like.
Prices for the new Kia Seltos will only be announced on January 2, 2026. It's safe to assume prices will be higher than the current model by about Rs 25,000 to 50,000. In effect, opting for the current-gen Kia Seltos can save you Rs 3 lakh or more, which seems like a good deal. You could push to get the price further down, as the dealer will be in a rush to clear old Seltos stock before sales of the new one start.
The new Seltos does improve on rear seat space and ride comfort, but the drive experience isn't very different. In fact, the overall sensation is of a car that's incrementally better rather than one that takes a huge leap forward. If you don't mind a firm ride and rear seat space isn't a deal-breaker, the outgoing Seltos at a big discount is the more sensible pick.
A
Asked by: Abhijit Sahaon Dec 21, 2025
Shall I buy the existing Seltos HTX IVT as Iโm getting a good discount, and will it have better resale value, or should I consider the XUV 3XO AX7L for better features and a turbo engine? My budget is around โน14-15 lakh - please suggest.
If you are getting a good deal, go for the Kia Seltos HTX iVT. The new Seltos is bigger and fresher but gets the same engines and is likely to be at least a lakh more expensive.
Yes, your resale will be hit once the new model comes out, but that can be compensated with the good deal you get on the outgoing model. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a smaller car than the Seltos, so it will be a step down in that sense.
D
Asked by: Dhaval Patelon Dec 12, 2025
I have been using automatic cars, a Celerio and a Grand i10, for the past 8 years. Both are good, and the i10 is smoother. I now want to replace the Celerio and buy a new automatic petrol car or an EV within a 20 lakh budget. My monthly usage is around 1,000 km, mostly in the city with rare highway trips. Which is better: an automatic SUV priced around 16 to 20 lakh, or an EV like the Windsor or Nexon within an 18 lakh budget? I also have a home charging facility. My wife will use the car sometimes. Are there any other EV or automatic options available in this range?
If you are looking for a petrol SUV, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are the best options in the Rs 16-20 lakh price range. Both are very good all-rounders with spacious and well-equipped interiors, and they are also very refined and easy to drive in the city.
Since you have two petrol cars, a home charging possibility and drive mostly in the city, we would recommend you go with an electric car. They are perfect for the city as they are easy, smooth and silent to drive.
Between the MG Windsor and the Tata Nexon EV, we would lean towards the Windsor as it offers you a degree of better comfort over the Nexon and is well-equipped too.
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