Kia Seltos 2026 Variant-wise Powertrain Explained

Kia Seltos 2026 engine line up stays unchanged on paper but how Kia has distributed these engines across variants makes a big difference for buyers. The new generation Seltos is larger gets a redesigned cabin and continues to use the same three engines as before. What has changed is the way each engine and gearbox has been assigned across trims. This clear explanation will help you understand every option without confusion

Kia Seltos 2026 Engine Line-Up: All Three Engines Explained

Kia keeps things familiar with the 2026 Seltos, offering three engines that cover the needs of different users. Even though these engines remain unchanged in terms of output their availability across trims has been reorganised

1. 1.5Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

This is the engine most city users will prefer. With 115 PS and 144 Nm, it is smooth predictable and easy to drive daily. Kia pairs this engine with two gearbox choices:

• 6 speed manual
• iVT (CVT type automatic)

The relaxed driving experience and light controls make this setup ideal for commuting, short trips and beginners

2. 1.5Litre TurboPetrol Engine

Those who want stronger performance will lean towards the 1.5 litre turbo petrol producing 160 PS and 253 Nm. This powertrain clearly prioritises quicker acceleration and more energetic driving

Kia offers two transmission options here:

• 6 speed iMT (clutchless manual)
• 7 speed DCT (dual clutch automatic)

The DCT is noticeably quicker and smoother while the iMT is a good choice for drivers who want manual like control without using a clutch

3. 1.5-Litre Diesel Engine

High mileage users and highway travellers will still find the diesel the best fit. This 116 PS and 250 Nm motor remains one of Kia’s most dependable units

It is available with:

• 6 speed manual
• 6 speed torque converter automatic

This diesel engine is known for steady performance good fuel economy and better pulling power on long drives. All engines on the 2026 Seltos continue to drive only the front wheels

Kia Seltos 2026 Engine Line-Up: Specifications Table

All three engines return in the 2026 update, and each powertrain has been placed strategically across variants

Kia Seltos 2026 Engine Line-Up: Detailed Variant Analysis

HTE Base Variant

The entry level HTE keeps things simple. It only gets:

• 1.5-litre NA petrol MT
• 1.5-litre diesel MT

There are no automatic gearboxes here and no turbo petrol either. It works best for buyers who want an affordable, no-nonsense version

HTE (O) Big Step Up In Powertrain Choice

The HTE (O) is where the Seltos lineup begins to offer broader flexibility. You now get:

• NA petrol MT and CVT
• Turbo-petrol with iMT
• Diesel MT and AT

This is also the first variant where the diesel automatic becomes available

HTK Wide Coverage Of Powertrains

The HTK continues the broad availability offered in HTE (O). It keeps:

• NA petrol MT + CVT
• Turbo-petrol iMT
• Diesel MT + AT

This makes the HTK a popular mid-variant because it covers almost every engine and gearbox combo except the turbo DCT

ALSO READ: 2026 Kia Seltos Real-Life Images

HTK (O) The Only Variant Offering Every Powertrain

This variant is the single most flexible trim across the entire range. It includes:

• NA petrol MT and CVT
• Turbo-petrol iMT and DCT
• Diesel MT and AT

If someone wants the freedom to pick absolutely any combination, HTK (O) is the one

HTX Focus On Features Restricts Turbo Choices

HTX positions itself more as a premium feature loaded variant. Powertrain options include:

• NA petrol MT + CVT
• Turbo-petrol DCT only
• Diesel MT + AT

Here the turbo petrol loses the iMT, offering only the DCT performance option.

HTX (A) Tech-Forward, Same Engine Options

The HTX (A) keeps the same powertrains as the HTX. The difference lies in added technology and comfort features not drivetrain expansion

GTX Start Of GT-Line

The GTX is performance focused. It drops the NA petrol entirely and offers:

• Turbo-petrol DCT
• Diesel AT

Neither the manual diesel nor the turbo iMT are available here.

The X Line shares the exact same options

GTX (A) and X Line (A) Automatic-Only Trims

These higher trims offer only automatic gearboxes:

• NA petrol CVT
• Turbo-petrol DCT
• Diesel AT

All manual choices are removed, giving a full automatic lineup for buyers who want convenience and premium features

Kia Seltos 2026: Variant-Wise Powertrain Distribution

Now that the engine options are clear here is how Kia has divided them across the 10 variants.

Kia Seltos 2026 Engine Line-Up: Key Takeaways

• The base HTE gets only manual petrol and manual diesel
• The NA petrol CVT and diesel AT appear in almost every variant except HTE
• The turbo iMT is limited to lower and mid trims only
• The turbo DCT becomes available from HTK (O) upwards
• The HTK (O) is the only variant with every single powertrain option
• The GTX and X Line variants are automatic-only
• The top trims also get NA petrol, but only with the CVT

Kia Seltos 2026 Features And Launch Details

The new Seltos receives significant updates inside as well. You get:

• Dual 12.3 inch screens
• A 5 inch climate control display
• Dual-zone climate control
• Bose 8 speaker system
• Ventilated seats
• 10 way powered driver seat with memory
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• Connected car technology

Safety includes:

• Six airbags
• 360 degree camera setup
• Front & rear dashcams
• Level-2 ADAS
• ESC, hill assist and ISOFIX

Kia will announce the official prices on January 02 with bookings open for ₹25,000. Deliveries begin mid-January and the starting price is expected to be around ₹11.20 lakh (ex-showroom)