Kia aims to raise the bar even higher with their all-new Seltos in 2026. Kia hasn't gone for a radical reinvention; instead, it has delivered a well-calibrated upgrade that doubles down on design, tech, and safety. With a bold new identity, segment-first features, and a strong lifestyle appeal, the Seltos is positioned as "Badass. Forever." But does it live up to that tagline? Let's break it down into three simple sections: What's Good? What Could Have Been Better? Why Should You Buy It?
What's Good?
The new Seltos looks sharper, bolder, and more premium than the outgoing Seltos. The Kia Digital Tiger Face dominates the front, flanked by Ice Cube LED projection headlamps and Star Map LED DRLs with a dynamic welcome function. At the rear, the connected Star Map LED tail lamps enhance width and give the SUV a distinctive night-time identity.
The stance is muscular, and the proportions feel more mature thanks to the extended wheelbase. Alloy wheels go up to R18 (18-inch), with crystal-cut and black-painted options adding sportiness. It also gets neon-painted brake calipers on the GT Line in all colour options. Overall, the Seltos nails the design brief. It's bold without being overdone, and the road presence is undeniable.
Step inside, and the cabin feels like a tech lounge. The highlight is the Trinity Panoramic Display Panel, which combines dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. The interface is crisp, intuitive, and loaded with features.
The materials feel premium, and Kia has smartly used matte finishes instead of piano black on most surfaces. This is a big win because matte trims are easier to maintain and don't age badly.
The extended wheelbase translates into better rear legroom and an overall spacious feel. The rear seats even recline, adding comfort for long drives. Ambient mood lighting with 64 colour options elevates the cabin vibe, while soft-touch materials and leatherette trims across the dashboard and doors reinforce the premium positioning.
Kia has packed the Seltos with segment-leading features. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof is a showstopper, and front ventilated seats add to the comfort quotient. The 10-way power driver seat comes with lumbar support, memory function, and even a welcome retract mode.
Dual-zone automatic climate control with a touch interface, a BOSE premium sound system with 8 speakers, wireless charging, rear sunshades, and powered ORVMs with memory and auto-fold - the list goes on. Simply put, the Seltos is loaded.
Safety is where Kia has made a big leap. The Seltos now offers ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features, including Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Add to that 6 airbags as standard, ESC, VSM, TPMS, all-wheel disc brakes, and a reinforced safety structure, and you have one of the safest SUVs in the segment. The 360-degree camera with blind view monitor in the cluster is another thoughtful addition.
We drove the 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine paired with the 7-speed DCT, and it's a gem. With 160 PS and 253 Nm, the engine feels lively and responsive. The torque band is well spread, making city driving effortless and highway cruising enjoyable. The gearbox is smooth, and shifts are quick.
The suspension deserves praise too. It strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling. The Seltos feels planted at high speeds and absorbs bumps without unsettling the cabin. Drive modes - Eco, Normal, and Sport - let you tailor the experience, while traction modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) can add confidence in tricky conditions, if you ever find yourself in one..
What Could Have Been Better?
While the Seltos impresses on most fronts, there are a few areas that could use improvement. First, the neon brake calipers on the GT-Line and X-Line variants are a cool touch, but they're barely visible because of the aerodynamic wheel design. It's a small detail, but enthusiasts will notice.
Second, while Kia has moved piano black away from the cabin, it's now on the front grille, rear bumper, and wheel arches. These areas are prone to scratches and fading, and if you plan to get a PPF (Paint Protection Film), the grille alone could cost you a bomb due to its intricate design.
Third, the rear seat recline mechanism is a great feature, but the lever placement isn't ergonomic. It feels like an afterthought and could have been better integrated.
Beyond these, there's little to complain about. The Seltos is a well-rounded package.
Why Should You Buy It?
The all-new Kia Seltos isn't just an upgrade; it's a statement. It reinforces Kia's position as a tech and design leader in the mid-size SUV segment. If you value style, space, and segment-first features, the Seltos should be on your shortlist.
Who is it for?
Urban buyers who want a premium SUV with strong road presence, families looking for comfort and safety, and tech-savvy users who love connected features. The Turbo Petrol variant we drove is perfect for those who enjoy spirited driving without compromising on practicality.
Pricing will be the key. Kia hasn't announced it yet, but expect a slight premium over the outgoing model. Given the feature set and positioning, that's justified. If Kia manages to keep the top variants competitive, the Seltos will continue to gain its fanbase.
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Verdict
The all-new Kia Seltos is a well-calibrated evolution rather than a radical reinvention. It doubles down on design, tech, and safety, making it one of the most compelling choices in the mid-size SUV space. Yes, there are minor quirks - like the piano black on the exterior and the recline lever for rear seats - but these don't overshadow the strengths.
If you're in the market for a premium mid-size SUV that blends presence, practicality, and performance, the Seltos deserves a serious look.