Kia India has officially announced the price list for its much-anticipated second-generation model, the 2026 Kia Seltos. The SUV, which has commenced bookings for a token amount of Rs 25,000, marks a significant step forward with a comprehensive overhaul. It now sits on the new K3 platform and boasts a fresh exterior design, a revamped interior cabin, and a host of modern features.
Price Positioning and Key Rivals
The new 2026 Kia Seltos carries an ex-showroom price tag ranging from Rs 10.99 lakh for the base HTE NA petrol variant to Rs 19.99 lakh for the top-end turbo diesel automatic. This represents a marginal increase of approximately Rs 20,000 over its predecessor, a premium Kia justifies through the model's extensive upgrades. The Seltos continues to lock horns with formidable competitors in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment, including the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and the newly launched Tata Sierra.
Variant Line-Up: Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line
Kia has structured the new Seltos portfolio around three core trim themes. The Tech Line serves as the foundation, offering variants like HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, and HTX (A). For customers seeking a sportier appeal, the GT Line is available in GTX and GTX (A) guises, adding richer equipment and distinctive styling cues. The rugged and aggressive X-Line package remains an exclusive visual enhancement for the GT Line trims.
This strategy contrasts with its rivals. The Tata Sierra is offered in seven variants: Smart Plus, Pure, Pure Plus, Adventure, Adventure Plus, Accomplished, and Accomplished Plus. The Hyundai Creta, its closest cousin, spans a wider range from E, EX, EX(O), S, S(O), SX, SX Tech, SX(O) to the King edition.
Detailed Price Comparison with Creta and Sierra
A closer look at the price tags reveals a strategic positioning by Kia. At the entry point, the 2026 Seltos (Rs 10.99 lakh) is Rs 29,000 more expensive than the base Hyundai Creta (Rs 10.7 lakh) but becomes the more affordable option against the Tata Sierra, undercutting it by Rs 50,000 (Sierra starts at Rs 11.49 lakh).
The story at the top of the range is even more compelling for Kia. The Seltos turbo diesel AT, priced at Rs 19.99 lakh, is Rs 21,000 cheaper than the top-spec Hyundai Creta (Rs 20.2 lakh). It presents a substantial value proposition against the Tata Sierra, which commands a significant premium of Rs 1.30 lakh with its top variant priced at Rs 21.29 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Powertrain Options: A Three-Engine Strategy
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Seltos and its sibling, the Hyundai Creta, share an identical set of powertrain options. Buyers can choose from:
- A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine generating 160 hp and 260 Nm of torque.
- A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine producing 115 PS and 144 Nm.
- A 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 116 PS and 250 Nm.
Transmission choices are plentiful, including a 6-speed manual (MT), iMT, CVT (called iVT), a 6-speed automatic (AT), and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Tata Sierra counters with its own trio of engines: a 1.5-litre Kryotec turbo diesel (118 hp/280 Nm), a new 1.5-litre NA petrol (106 hp/145 Nm), and a 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo petrol (160 hp/260 Nm). Tata Motors has also confirmed plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Sierra in the near future.
With its competitive pricing, a refreshed and more premium package, and a wide array of variants and powertrains, the 2026 Kia Seltos is poised to intensify the battle for supremacy in India's favorite SUV segment. Customers can book their new Seltos either online or by visiting their nearest Kia dealership.
