The Kia Seltos has always been a game-changer in India’s fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment. But with the second-generation Kia Seltos now officially launched at a starting price of ₹10.99 lakh, the big question buyers are asking is simple:
Has Kia made the Seltos smarter — or just more expensive?
Let’s break it down properly, because this new Seltos is not just a facelift. It’s a complete rethink of one of India’s most popular SUVs.
A Familiar Name, But a Very Different Seltos
At first glance, the new Seltos looks sharper, wider, and more aggressive — and that’s no accident.
Built on Kia’s global K3 platform, the SUV now benefits from a stronger, more rigid structure, promising better safety, improved ride quality, and enhanced driving stability. Production is already underway at Kia’s Anantapur plant, and deliveries are expected to ramp up quickly.
Prices start at ₹10.99 lakh and stretch all the way to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded variants — placing it directly against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and MG Astor.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story.
Design: Bigger Presence, Stronger Identity
Kia has clearly taken inspiration from its global SUVs, especially the Telluride, and it shows.
What’s new outside?
- A bold Digital Tiger Face grille
- Sleeker Ice Cube LED projector headlamps
- Segment-first automatic flush door handles
- Newly designed alloy wheels
- A wider stance and longer wheelbase
With a length of 4,460 mm, the new Seltos doesn’t just look premium — it feels more substantial on the road, something Indian SUV buyers care deeply about.
This is a design that doesn’t scream for attention — it commands it.
Step Inside: Where the Real Upgrade Begins
Open the door, and the transformation becomes impossible to ignore.
The cabin of the new Kia Seltos feels like it has jumped one full segment ahead.
The showstopper?
A massive 75.18 cm panoramic display that seamlessly integrates:
- The infotainment system
- The digital driver’s display
Add to that:
- Bose 8-speaker premium sound system
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Ambient lighting
- Soft-touch materials throughout the dashboard
This is no longer just a “nice” interior — it’s a wow interior.
Comfort Features That Feel Almost Luxury-Segment
Depending on the variant, the Seltos now offers features that were once reserved for much more expensive cars:
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory
- Relaxation mode
- Welcome retract seat function
For daily commuters, highway drivers, and family users alike, the cabin feels comfort-focused yet tech-heavy — a rare balance.
Safety: No More “Variant Confusion”
One of the biggest criticisms of older Seltos models was safety. Kia has clearly listened.
Standard safety across all variants:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist
Higher variants go even further with:
- Level-2 ADAS
- 21 autonomous safety functions including:
- Forward collision avoidance
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
This makes the new Seltos one of the safest SUVs in its class, at least on paper.
Engines & Performance: Familiar, But Refined
Kia has retained its proven engine lineup — a smart move for reliability and service confidence.
Engine options:
- 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (for enthusiasts)
- 1.5L CRDi Diesel (still a favorite for torque lovers)
Transmission choices:
- Manual
- iMT
- IVT
- DCT
- Torque Converter Automatic
This wide range ensures there’s a Seltos for every type of buyer — from city drivers to highway cruisers.
Variants & Customisation: Something for Everyone
The new Seltos is offered in four main trims:
- HTE
- HTK
- HTX
- GTX / X-Line
Each trim can be further enhanced with option packs, allowing buyers to add ADAS, premium comfort features, or sporty styling without jumping straight to the top variant.
This modular approach gives buyers more control — but it also means choosing the right variant becomes crucial.
The Big Question: Is the New Kia Seltos Worth the Price?
At ₹10.99 lakh, the base variant is competitive.
At nearly ₹20 lakh, the top-end variant enters dangerous territory — close to larger SUVs and even entry-level luxury cars.
So who should buy it?
Buy the new Seltos if:
✔ You want cutting-edge tech
✔ Safety is a priority
✔ You love premium interiors
✔ You prefer petrol or diesel over hybrid/EV
Think twice if:
✖ You’re extremely price-sensitive
✖ You want maximum value at lower variants
✖ You’re considering strong-hybrid alternatives
Final Verdict: Evolution, Not Just an Update
The all-new Kia Seltos is not perfect, but it is impressively complete.
It looks better, feels safer, drives smarter, and offers technology that few rivals can match. While pricing at the top end may raise eyebrows, the overall package ensures the Seltos remains one of the most desirable SUVs in India.
In short:
👉 The Seltos hasn’t lost its crown — but now it has challengers watching closely.
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