Old vs New Seltos (2026): Engine Specs & Features Differences

Kia India revealed the updated Seltos on Wednesday, marking the return of a model the company still considers the benchmark in its segment. This updated version has been introduced with the goal of pushing the segment forward once again

New Kia Seltos Bookings and Price Announcement Timeline

Bookings for the updated SUV opened across the country at midnight on December 11 and customers can reserve the model by paying ₹25,000. The company has also confirmed that final prices will be revealed on January 2, 2026

During the unveiling, Gwanggu Lee Managing Director & CEO of Kia India, said the updated Seltos is not a normal facelift. He explained that the latest model represents a significant step forward. According to him, the Seltos has shaped its segment since it first arrived in India, and the 2026 version lifts the standard once again with stronger design, better safety and more advanced tech. He added that the SUV has been engineered to match real Indian driving needs while meeting global quality levels. Kia’s focus, he said, is to lead the segment rather than follow it

Old Vs New Seltos 2026 Dimensions: The SUV Has Grown Larger

The updated Seltos grows longer and wider, resulting in a more spacious interior and a more confident stance while driving

The 2026 model now measures:

• 4,460 mm in length
• 1,830 mm in width
• 1,635 mm in height
• 2,690 mm wheelbase

When compared to the older version, the difference is clear:

• Length is up by 95 mm
• Width is wider by 30 mm
• Wheelbase has increased by 80 mm
• Height has dropped slightly by 10 mm

Because of the added length and width, passengers now have more legroom and better shoulder space. The boot space has also gone up by 14 liters, taking total capacity to 447 liters.
Kia has not yet shared the updated ground clearance numbers for the 2026 model

Old Vs New Seltos 2026: Changes In Exterior Design

The updated Seltos looks more bold and modern than the outgoing model. The design now takes cues from Kia’s larger global SUVs

Front Design

• The grille is more prominent with a stepped pattern, and it carries vertical gunmetal-finish elements almost across the entire width
• The headlamps are squared-off LED units, joined by vertical DRLs that give the SUV a stronger road stance
• A lightning-bolt-shaped LED design sits at the outer edges, adding a distinctive touch
• The front bumper now gets thicker black cladding and rectangular fog-lamp sections, improving the SUV’s tough appearance

Side Profile

• The body shows deeper contours and bigger wheel arches
• The alloy wheels now come in 18-inch size on the higher trims
• Pull-type door handles have been replaced with flush-fit handles, giving it a cleaner and more premium look
• Kia’s trademark kink near the C-pillar is still present but now blends into a blacked-out panel, creating a connected glass effect between the rear quarter window and the front windshield

Rear Styling

• The number plate has moved down to the bumper area
• A fresh inverted L-shaped LED tail-lamp design now defines the rear, making the SUV look wider and more futuristic

Old Vs New Seltos 2026 Cabin And Features: What’s Better Inside

The interior of the updated Seltos has been completely refreshed. While it keeps some of Kia’s familiar touches, the overall experience feels more premium

New Dashboard And Screens

• The front consists of a single wide glass panel that holds a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 5-inch climate control screen
• The steering wheel is new too, now a three-spoke unit with built-in drive mode and traction mode toggles

Comfort & Convenience Features

The updated Seltos packs a long list of advanced features, including:

• Ventilated front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Memory-powered driver seat
• Dual-tone leatherette upholstery
• Rear sunshades
• 64-color ambient lighting
• 360-degree camera
• Eight-speaker Bose audio system
• Connected-car tech with OTA updates
• Level 2 ADAS suite

Safety Equipment

The SUV offers:

• Six airbags
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• All-wheel disc brakes
• Hill-start assist
• ISOFIX child-seat mounts
• TPMS (tire pressure monitor)
• Standard rear-view camera

Old Vs New Seltos 2026 Engine Options

The updated Kia Seltos keeps the same engine choices as before. It offers two 1.5 litre petrol engines—one naturally aspirated (113 bhp/144 Nm) and one turbocharged (158 bhp/253 Nm). Gearbox options include a 6 speed manual, iVT, and 7-speed DCT. The 1.5 litre diesel makes 118 bhp/260 Nm with 6-speed manual or automatic

The 2026 Seltos is not a small update. It brings a bigger body, stronger design, more cabin space and a long list of advanced features. With upgraded technology and fresh styling the SUV is set to draw strong attention when bookings open. Since the price announcement is scheduled for January 2, 2026 buyers will soon know how the updated features reflect in on road pricing