2026 Kia Seltos first-drive review: Evolution done right

When Kia first showed up in India, it did so with confidence, and the Seltos was the reason. The midsize SUV didn’t just put the brand on the map; it shook up the segment and regularly went head-to-head with the established favourites. Fast forward a few years, and the landscape is far more crowded, with buyers spoiled for choice and expectations higher than ever.

Now, the Seltos is back in an all-new form, aiming to stay relevant in a space it once helped redefine. This new second generation looks to blend everyday practicality and family-friendly comfort with the appeal that made the original such a hit, raising the question of whether it can still stand out in one of India’s most fiercely contested SUV segments. Read the full review to find out.Design and platformThe new Seltos doesn’t play it safe with design, and that’s clear the moment you see it. Where the earlier car leaned towards a sleek, almost sporty look, this one goes all in on muscle and presence. It’s taller, wider in stance, and far more assertive, clearly aimed at buyers who like their SUVs to look tough and attention-grabbing.

Up front, the design introduces several fresh Kia cues, including striking LED daytime running lights with intricate patterns, slim headlamp units tucked into square housings, and fog lamps positioned lower on the bumper. From the side, chunky cladding, flush door handles, and large alloy wheels give it a modern, slightly futuristic vibe. The roofline tapers gently towards the rear, creating a floating roof effect, while decorative roof rails add to the SUV look, even if they’re more for show than function. The rear, by contrast, feels cleaner and more restrained, with vertically stacked tail lamps at the edges and a connecting light strip that lends a sense of width.

A neatly integrated spoiler rounds things off, hiding the rear wiper and housing the stop lamp, giving the Seltos a tidy finish from the back. The design is unapologetically bold and introduces a new direction for Kia, even if it doesn’t aim to please everyone. It also looks more cohesive in person than in pictures, with its size helping balance some of the stronger design elements.

Part of this added road presence comes from the Seltos’ increased size. The new model is noticeably larger than before, with a longer body and a stretched wheelbase, giving it a more planted stance. It’s also wider than its predecessor, and ground clearance has gone up to 200mm, reinforcing its SUV credentials.Under the skin, the second-generation Seltos shifts to Kia’s newer K3 platform, moving on from the older architecture. This new base brings in updated technology and is largely responsible for the SUV’s growth in dimensions. Mechanically, however, the engine and gearbox options remain familiar, carrying over from the previous generation.

Interior and featuresStep inside and it’s clear that Kia has reworked the Seltos’ cabin almost from the ground up. The second-generation model uses sturdier, better-quality plastics that give the interior a more solid, premium feel, complemented by soft-touch elements on the dashboard and door panels. While some of the textured surfaces can show scratches and may be difficult to restore, the overall impression is of a well-finished cabin with tight panel gaps and consistent fit and finish. It may not feel overtly luxurious, but the quality of materials, familiar Kia switchgear, and thoughtful detailing make it one of the more polished and premium interiors in its segment.

Kia has kept everyday controls refreshingly simple, with chunky switches handling climate functions and clearly marked buttons for audio duties. A rotary volume knob sits within easy reach, ensuring that basic adjustments can be made quickly without taking your eyes off the road. The steering wheel has been redesigned and now looks noticeably chunkier. It gets tilt and telescopic adjustment, along with well-laid-out buttons and rotary controls, including neatly placed dials at the base for drive and traction modes, which are both intuitive to use and easy to reach while driving.

The highlight of the cabin is the panoramic digital layout made up of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a dedicated 5.0-inch climate-control display. The infotainment system feels quick and responsive. The transitions are fluid, menus load without lag, and the overall experience feels polished. The fully digital instrument cluster is sharp and easy to read, presenting only the most relevant information, while subtle layout changes reflect the selected driving mode without overwhelming the driver.

Features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat with memory settings for its position as well as for the ORVMs, rear sunshades, dual-tone leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, 64-colour ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, OTA updates, and connected-car functions. However, the feature list isn’t without its gaps. There’s no head-up display, air purifier, or even puddle lamps on offer, and the absence of a powered tailgate stands out when key rivals like the Sierra and Victoris provide one. Rear seat comfort also takes a hit, as ventilated seats for second-row passengers are missing something particularly noticeable, given that Kia’s own smaller and more affordable Syros offers it.Safety kit features include Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts, tyre-pressure monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. On the safety front, the new Seltos is yet to be evaluated under either the Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP crash-testing programmes.Interior space and comfortThe front seats are well cushioned and supportive, offering a relaxed driving position that works well over long stints behind the wheel. They are shaped to hold you in place, which adds to confidence on the move, though those with a broader build may find them a touch firm around the sides. The uniquely contoured headrests stand out visually and serve a practical purpose too, offering stable head support without feeling intrusive.

Things improve further in the rear, where the longer wheelbase makes a noticeable difference. Legroom is generous, even for taller occupants, and the rear bench offers excellent cushioning with spot-on thigh support that helps reduce fatigue on longer journeys. Headroom is adequate for most, and the cabin is wide enough for three adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The backrest angle can be adjusted to suit different preferences, adding to overall comfort. The addition of Boss mode could have been more convenient; rear passengers get AC vents, sun blinds, Type C charging ports, and an armrest with cupholders.Engine optionsMechanically, the second-gen Seltos remains the same as before. It continues to get three engine options – a 1.5-litre NA petrol with 115hp/144Nm that’s offered with either a 6-speed MT or a CVT gearbox, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 160hp/253 nm that’s offered with an IMT or a 7-speed DCT. Another engine is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 116 hp/250 nm that gets a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. For this drive, we sampled the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.PerformanceThe TGDi petrol retains a familiar character, with the engine making its presence felt without sounding rough or unrefined. It delivers its performance in a clean, progressive manner, coming alive from around 2,000rpm and pulling strongly and smoothly through the rev range. It doesn’t feel strangled at the top end, allowing enthusiastic drivers to make the most of the power on offer. The engine is audible when pushed, but it never feels harsh, maintaining a well-judged level of refinement.

The dual-clutch gearbox shifts swiftly under most conditions, though, as is typical of this type of transmission, it can feel slightly hesitant during very low-speed manoeuvres. Out on the highway, the Seltos settles into a relaxed stride. Acceleration is brisk, and the SUV reaches cruising speeds quickly without feeling strained. The strong mid-range makes highway overtaking stress-free, while the engine remains comfortably unstressed at triple-digit speeds.The gearbox complements this character well, delivering smooth shifts and prompt responses to throttle inputs. Kickdowns are quick enough to bring the engine back into its sweet spot, and for drivers who want more involvement, the paddle shifters add a layer of control. Switching to Sport mode sharpens the overall response, with quicker throttle reactions and the transmission holding gears longer.Suspension and handlingOne of the biggest improvements in the new Seltos is the way it rides. Kia has clearly reworked the suspension tuning, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Where the earlier car felt on the firmer side, this generation leans far more towards comfort. Broken roads, sharp edges, and uneven patches are dealt with in a much calmer manner, with the suspension absorbing imperfections cleanly and without sending harsh shocks into the cabin. It’s easily the most standout change in the way the car drives, and one that will be appreciated every day.What’s commendable is that this softer setup hasn’t made the Seltos feel loose or floaty. Even when driven at a brisk pace, body movements are well contained, and the SUV feels composed. Stability at highway speeds is reassuring too, with the car maintaining a steady line over undulations and rougher stretches of tarmac.

Braking performance, on the other hand, is confidence-inspiring. The all-disc setup delivers smooth, predictable stopping power that’s more than adequate for everyday use, including sudden slowdowns when required. Steering weight varies slightly depending on the selected drive mode, moving from a comfortable heft to something firmer, though the difference isn’t dramatic.VerdictThe second-generation Kia Seltos feels like a carefully thought-out evolution rather than a radical overhaul, and that works in its favour. Kia has clearly listened to feedback and focused on making the SUV more comfortable and more usable in real-world conditions. The revised suspension setup stands out as the highlight, delivering a noticeably smoother ride while still keeping the car stable and well-controlled, especially at highway speeds.

The turbo-petrol engine paired with the dual-clutch gearbox continues to be a strong suit, offering effortless performance and relaxed cruising. Inside, the cabin feels solid and well assembled, with improved materials, sensible ergonomics, and the welcome presence of physical controls. Rear-seat comfort has also taken a step forward, making the Seltos a better companion for families and long journeys alike.There are a few compromises, including some missing features and a steering setup that prioritises ease over engagement. The bold design may also divide opinion. Even so, taken as a whole, the Seltos comes across as a mature, well-rounded package that stays true to what made it successful in the first place. For buyers seeking a refined, comfortable, and capable midsize SUV, this new generation reinforces why the Seltos continues to be a benchmark in the segment.