Kia Seltos Review

This review is labeled Researched — based on manufacturer-published specifications and Indian automotive trade press, not a hands-on test drive. See How We Review.

Testing methodology

A hands-on review would include a real-world mileage test, an ownership loan, and independent measurement of ride and handling. This entry reflects published specifications and independently published crash-test results only.

Engine and performance

The 2026 Seltos shares its core engine lineup with its platform-mate: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (113bhp/145Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (157bhp/253Nm), and a 1.5-litre diesel (114bhp/250Nm). Transmission choice is narrower than its closest rival — 6-speed manual and CVT on the naturally aspirated petrol, 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT on the turbo, and manual or torque-converter automatic on diesel, with no dedicated CVT paired to the turbo engine.

Safety

This is where the 2026 Seltos pulls decisively ahead of its segment: it was awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, scoring 31.70 out of 32 for adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 for child occupant protection — a combined 76.70 that Kia and Bharat NCAP’s own reporting describes as the highest score recorded among ICE vehicles tested by the program to date. The tested car included frontal and side curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, ESC, and ISOFIX mounts as standard.

Comfort and features

At 4460mm long, 1830mm wide, with a 2690mm wheelbase, the new Seltos is larger in every exterior dimension than its closest rival, translating to a larger cabin footprint even though both share an identical 433-litre boot figure. Level 2 ADAS with 21 autonomous features — including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring — is available, a genuinely comprehensive suite for the segment.

Mileage and efficiency

Published mileage sits around 17.0 kmpl depending on powertrain — marginally behind the closest rival’s equivalent turbo-petrol variant, though both are close enough that real-world driving style will matter more than the certified figure.

Price and value

Launched from ₹11.00 lakh to ₹21.82 lakh (ex-showroom) across nine trim levels, the Seltos starts and tops out slightly higher than its closest rival. The value case rests heavily on the safety-rating gap and the newer platform — see our Creta vs Seltos comparison for the full trade-off.

FAQ

What is the ground clearance of the Kia Seltos? 190mm, per Kia’s published dimensions — enough for the vast majority of Indian road and speed-breaker conditions without scraping.

Does the Kia Seltos come with a hybrid engine option? No — per Kia’s published lineup for this generation, the choices are a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel. No hybrid variant is currently offered.

Does the Seltos offer a CVT with the turbo-petrol engine? No, per Kia’s published lineup — the turbo-petrol pairs with either a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT, not a CVT.

Sources: Team-BHP — Kia Seltos price, specifications and features, CarDekho — Seltos Bharat NCAP crash test results, Hyundai Motor Group — Kia Seltos 5-Star Bharat NCAP announcement, V3Cars — Kia Seltos ground clearance and dimensions