First Drive|23 Dec 2025
2026 Kia Seltos review: Revolution or evolution?
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 02 Jan 2026
Kia Seltos
Autocar score
View full review
₹12.79 - ₹23.64 Lakh
On road price, Delhi
Delhi
Starting₹18,502 /month
EMI calculator
Show more
Kia Seltos Latest Updates
Show more
Kia Seltos Features and specifications
Our Rating | |
Engine | |
Fuel Type | |
Transmission | |
Seats | |
Body Style | |
Doors | |
Max Power | |
Max Torque |
Kia Seltos price & variants
Show more
VariantsOn road price
Kia Seltos expert review
Autocar score
We like
Ride that’s 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
Check out our video comparing Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos news
Kia Seltos videos
video|13 Dec 2023
2023 Kia Seltos vs 2019 Kia Seltos drag race
video|04 Jul 2023
Kia Seltos facelift walkaround video
video|04 Feb 2022
Volkswagen Taigun vs Kia Seltos drag race video
video|26 Aug 2021
2021 Kia Seltos X-Line first look video
video|06 Jun 2020
2020 Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos comparison
video|15 Oct 2019
Kia Beat 360 experience centre - Manohar Bhat interview video
video|20 Jun 2019
2019 Kia Seltos first look video
video|08 Apr 2019
Kia SP2i SUV trial production video
video|08 Feb 2018
Kia at the Auto Expo 2018 first look video
video|07 Feb 2018
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
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, I’m currently in the market for a Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT. Dealers are quoting around ₹23.5 to 24 lakh on-road, with negotiations coming down to roughly ₹21-21.5 lakh. With the next-generation Seltos expected to be launched soon, my confusion is whether paying ~₹21 lakh for the current GTX Plus DCT still makes sense, or if it’s better to wait for the new model pricing to be announced and then decide. Would love your perspective on what a realistic “good deal” 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 I’m 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 ₹14-15 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.
V
Asked by: Vamshion Dec 6, 2025
I own a 4th-generation Honda City, which is a very comfortable car. I am now looking to buy an SUV within a budget of Rs 18 to 21 lakh. I am interested in the Tata Harrier and Sierra, but I am concerned about Tata’s service issues. Should I wait for the new Kia and Duster? My monthly usage is around 1,500km. Should I go for petrol or diesel?
If your usage is as high as 1500km per month, you should definitely opt for a diesel SUV. That, unfortunately, rules out the new Renault Duster, as while promising the same robust feel with a more upmarket interior compared to the previous version, it will only be available with a petrol engine.
Yes, Tata Motors' service has historically been a cause for concern with owners in certain cities and at certain outlets, but Tata has stated that this year it has taken action to streamline its internal processes and clear bottlenecks in its service. One can hope, then, that by the time deliveries of the Tata Sierra begin, things will have improved. Do note that you will only get a low-spec variant of the Sierra diesel in your budget.
The new Kia Seltos, which will be revealed on December 10 and launched in early 2026, is definitely worth waiting for. It will not only be larger and more spacious than the current model, but it will also gain many new features. While the current model's petrol and diesel engines are expected to continue, hybrid versions are also expected to join the range further down the line.
M
Asked by: Mohd Rehanon Dec 5, 2025
I own a Swift VXI and have clocked 86k kms in 10 years. Now I want to upgrade to a new car. Budget is 15-22 lacs. I recently drove Kia Seltos Diesel automatic and felt great. Particularly the interiors, music system features and a punchy feel with the engine. I want to travel so that's the reason I want to go for diesel. Just need to ask will there be any problem if I take out my car thrice in a week for long distances? And what are the other options available?
The Kia Seltos is a very good option, and the good news is that there is a new Kia Seltos version launching in only a few days. It is likely to carry forward the powertrain, and that means the torquey diesel engine will also be available.
The new model will also get feature additions and a fresh new look, so it's worth waiting for. Also, there is no issue with going for a long drive three times a week in your car.
In fact, since diesel cars feature a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), it is recommended to take them out on long drives and get the engine to burn off the soot collected. Driving long distances often will not cause any issues.
R
Asked by: Roshanon Dec 3, 2025
Hi Autocar, I have booked the Creta King Edition 1.5 Turbo DCT. Now, as the new Kia Seltos is in line for launch, should I wait for it or go ahead with my booked car? When can we expect the delivery of the new-gen Kia Seltos? I am quite impressed by the co-passenger electric seat in the Creta King. Will we get that in the next-gen Kia Seltos?
While we don't have the features list for the new Kia Seltos yet, it is likely that it will get a powered front passenger seat with a boss mode for operation from the rear as well. We will know more when the new Kia Seltos makes its world debut on December 10.
This new-gen Kia car is expected to grow in size, with the price announcement not before January 2026, and deliveries only later in Q1 2026.
Therefore, if you'd prefer to get your car sooner, you might be better off going ahead with your booking of the Hyundai Creta King. It remains the midsize SUV segment benchmark for now and is a well-rounded and fully loaded package.
P
Asked by: Puneet Bathamon Dec 2, 2025
My monthly running is 500km or less, with one long tour every 3 to 6 months of around 1,200 to 1,300km to and fro. I am confused between the petrol automatic versions of the Tata Sierra, Mahindra 7XO, and the upcoming Kia Seltos. All three fall within my budget. My priorities are safety and fuel efficiency. Kindly advise.
Given your requirements, you should first rule out the Mahindra XUV 7XO (XUV700 facelift) because while it has the most powerful petrol engine with 200hp on offer, its fuel economy, particularly for the automatic version, is very low.
While the new Kia Seltos is likely to use the same petrol engines as the current Seltos, not much else is known about the car at present, including its price or fuel efficiency. Thus, we think it's better for you to go with the Tata Sierra petrol automatic.
You get two options of petrol automatics - 1.5 naturally aspirated with a DCT, or 1.5 turbo-petrol with a torque converter AT - and given Tata's stellar track record, you can bet it will score high on safety too.
S
Asked by: Sachin son Dec 1, 2025
My monthly driving is around 2,000 km, with 80 percent city usage and 20 percent highway. I want to purchase an SUV for a family of four. I am looking for an economical yet powerful car. I am confused between the Creta SX(O) Diesel AT, Seltos GT Diesel AT, XUV700 AX5 Diesel AT, and Scorpio Z8. Please guide me on what I should buy, as I want a performance-driven car and prefer a diesel over a petrol. The car should be strong in power and handling, and also be feature- and tech-loaded.
The Creta's and Seltos' 1.5-litre diesel engine will be efficient, while the XUV700's and Scorpio N's 2.2-litre diesel will be powerful and punchy.
Since power and handling are priorities, go for the Mahindra XUV700. Further, with twin screens and a large sunroof, among other features, the XUV is well-equipped, and these modern niceties further add to the overall feel-good factor.
R
Asked by: Rakesh Kumaron Nov 29, 2025
I want to buy a diesel car from Kia, preferably the Syros or Sonet. However, my usage is around 7,000 km per year. Which car would suit my requirements better, petrol or diesel? I prefer diesel because I used a Hyundai diesel car for 10 years earlier.
Both the Kia Seltos and Sonet diesels are competent and enjoyable, but with your usage of around 7,000km a year, a diesel simply doesn’t make financial or mechanical sense. The higher upfront cost of the diesel will take a long time to recover at that mileage, and you also won’t be using the engine in the way modern diesels are designed for.
A key concern is the DPF (diesel particulate filter). This sits in the exhaust and traps soot; every so often, it needs to get hot enough to burn that soot off in a process called regeneration. This typically happens when the car is driven for a sustained period at higher speeds and with the exhaust fully up to temperature. If your running is mostly short, low-speed trips, the DPF may not regenerate properly, leading to soot build-up, warning lights, reduced performance and, in the worst case, an expensive repair or replacement.
Given your usage, a petrol car makes far more sense. The 1.0 turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT gives you a strong mid-range punch that feels very close to a diesel in everyday driving, but without the DPF worries. It is smooth, refined and well suited to mixed city and highway use.
Between the Kia Sonet and Seltos, the Sonet is the better fit if you usually drive alone or with just one passenger; it’s more compact, easier to park and generally costs less to buy like-for-like. The Seltos is the one to pick if you regularly travel with family, thanks to its extra space, bigger boot and more “proper SUV” feel, though some variants are noticeably pricier.
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.