The 2026 Kia Seltos is finally here, and it’s not a mere facelift, but an evolution of one of India’s favourite mid-size SUVs. The new Seltos, built on the global K3 platform, is larger and much more tech-laden than the outgoing model. With a wide price spread of ₹10.99 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Kia has slotted in a bewildering number of variants to ensure there’s a Seltos for just about any kind of buyer—from the economical family man to performance enthusiasts.
Below, we unpack the new Seltos variants and their features, as well as the engine-gearbox combinations available to you to determine which model deserves a spot in your garage.
2026 Kia Seltos Pricing and Trim Order
Kia retains its three-line hierarchy: Tech-Line, GT-Line and X-Line. That’s the high volume stuff managed by the Tech-Line with its HTE, HTK and HTX trim levels, while premium and sporty sit in GT-Line and X-Line territory.
Engine Options: Power of Choice
One of the Seltos’ strong points is its array of powertrains. Whether you’re looking for a frugal diesel for highway munching or a punchy turbo-petrol for some spirited driving, the 2026 model will cater to your desires.
1.5L Smartstream Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol:
- Power/Torque: 115 PS / 144 Nm
- Transmissions: 6-speed MT or IVT (CVT)
- Best for: Pleasant city driving and casual cruising.
1.5L Smartstream Turbo-Petrol (T-GDi):
- Power/Torque: 160 PS / 253 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed iMT (Clutchless Manual) or 7-speed DCT
- Best for: Hardcore fans of the cutting edge.
1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel:
- Power/Torque: 116 PS / 250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT or AT
- Best for: High-mileage users who want a ballbuster of mileage and torque.
Variant-Wise Features Explained
HTE & HTE (O) – The Practical Ride Application Form for the test can be downloaded from here.
The base HTE is no longer a “stripper” model. 6 airbags, ESC and 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on every model. You’ll find 16-inch steel wheels, a digital instrument cluster and halogen projector headlamps.
HTE(O) Entries: This is the actual “value” entry. It also brings in the much desired Connected LED Tail Lamps, roof rails, and availability of Diesel Automatic or Petrol IVT making it the most affordable automatic SUV in the segment.
HTK & HTK (O) – Allah ke Banday Value Champions
The HTK adds on the 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, rear wiper/washer and electrically foldable ORVMs.
HTK (O) Additions: This will likely be the best seller. It is the first to offer a Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control and 17-inch alloys wheels (for Turbo/AT variants). Most importantly, you can only get almost every engine and gearbox pairing in the HTK(O).
HTX & HTX (A) – Premium and ADAS
The HTX gets into high-end vibes. You also receive a Brown and Grey interior theme, Front Ventilated Seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat and the 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound System.
HTX (A) Additions: A for ADAS. This version adds Level 2 ADAS (17 features) such as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist plus a 360-degree camera. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for safety and luxury without the “sporty” too-firm ride of the GT-Line.
GTX & X-Line – Power Performance Flagships
These are the “everything” variants. The GTX also has 18-inch crystal cut alloys, black-and-white sports interior and high-performance 1.5L Turbo-Petrol or Diesel AT only engines.
X-Line: This is all looks. It comes in a beautiful matte graphite exterior color and has sage green interiors with gloss black detailing. The entire Level 2 ADAS suite (21 features) is standard on all trims, as are the HUD and an Electronic Parking Brake.
Which Variant Should You Buy?
On a Budget? Go for the HTE (O). You get the premium look of connected tail lamps and the vital safety kit without spending a bomb.
- The Middle Choice: The HTK (O) is a sweet spot. The panoramic sunroof and 10.25-inch screen help it feel premium, and you can marry it to the Turbo-DCT should speed be your desire.
- The Luxury Seeker: You’ll get the best cabin experience with ventilated seats and Bose audio on the HTSafety First: Making a whole lot of sense is the HTX (A) that delivers Level 2 ADAS and 360-degree camera without forcibly being charged for GTX-Line prestige.X.
- 2026 Kia Seltos No doubt about it: The 2026 Kia Seltos has set the bar high. “ADAS* and the panoramic sunroof are a perfect example of that simply because I think ‘premium’ features are not anything new, it’s just who’s able to afford them,” Nelson says.Kia has democratized “premium.”
