New-gen Kia Seltos vs Old Seltos: Here's What's Different

The new generation Kia Seltos has broken covers and there’s plenty to talk about. Prices of the new-gen Seltos will be announced on 2 January 2026 whereas bookings for the same have commenced across all authorised Kia showrooms at a token amount of ₹25,000. The latest iteration of the mid-size SUV gets a significant overhaul over the outgoing model. Here’s a look at what has changed in the new Kia Seltos from the older model.

New-gen Kia Seltos vs Old Seltos: Design

The design of the new-gen Kia Seltos has undergone several changes over the older model. For starters, the front fascia is completely revised with a new iteration of the Tiger Nose grille featuring vertical gun-metal accents, spanning almost the entire width of the fascia. Flanking the grille are new squarish headlamps, which continue the vertical theme with the LED DRL signatures. 

The lower section of the bumper features contrasting black claddings along with rectangular, body-coloured accents around the fog-lamp housings. In profile, the new Seltos sports sharper character lines, thicker cladding over the wheel arches and door sills and new flush-fitting door handles. At the rear, the tailgate features a cleaner layout thanks to the number plate being repositioned to the bumper. 

The most notable update is the set of inverted L-shaped LED taillamps, which share a resemblance with those on the Carens Clavis. The design is further complemented by a prominent roof spoiler and new 18-inch alloy wheels with geometric patterns.

New-gen Kia Seltos vs Old Seltos: Dimensions

The biggest topic of discussion was the size of the new Seltos which has grown significantly over the older model. Built on Kia’s K3 platform, the new Seltos is positioned as the longest model in its segment, measuring 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. The wheelbase has also been extended by 80 mm, now reaching 2,690 mm.

New-gen Kia Seltos vs Old Seltos: Interiors & Features

Similar to the exterior, interiors of the Kia Seltos have undergone a comprehensive redesign, though it retains some familiar elements from other Kia models. The panoramic display — comprising a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 5.0-inch HVAC display — is shared with Syros. The arrangement of the physical controls on the centre console also mirrors that of Syros. However, the Seltos features a new three-spoke steering wheel equipped with revised drive and traction mode buttons.

As for features, the equipment of the new Seltos remains largely similar to its predecessor consisting of dual-zone climate control, ventilated seats, a wireless charger, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heads-up display (HUD), powered driver seats, memory function ORVM, eight-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, rear reclining seats, etc. Also, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has now been added from the base variant itself.

The new Kia Seltos comes equipped with 24 standard safety features including six airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a rollover sensor, and a rear occupant alert, among others. The Level 2 ADAS suite offers 21 advanced driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. These are further supported by a Blind View Monitor, a 360-degree surround camera, and side parking sensors.

New-gen Kia Seltos vs Old Seltos: Powertrain

Surprisingly, the powertrain options for the new Kia Seltos remain unchanged. There’s no petrol strong hybrid powertrain on offer. Engine options include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual, 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT), CVT, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Also READ: 2026 Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: How They Compare