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Kia Seltos New Upcoming Variant - How Is It Different From the Old One

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16 Apr 2026 4 min read 0 views
Kia Seltos New Upcoming Variant - How Is It Different From the Old One

Ever since it was launched, Kia Seltos has been a popular option in the range of compact SUVs. However, the 2026 version has many notable and significant upgrades all across design, tech and features.

While you must note that the formula remains similar, the new model will most-likely aim to give a futuristic and premium feel.

Here’s a detailed look at how the new Seltos differs from the outgoing model

Exterior Design: Bolder and More SUV-Like

In this section, let's understand what the new Kia Seltos has to offer in terms of its exterior design.

What’s New?

  • Wider and more upright grille

  • Sharper LED DRLs and revised headlamp internals

  • Chunkier bumper with stronger SUV stance

  • Connected LED tail lamps at the rear

  • New alloy wheels + flush door handles

  • Increased length and wheelbase

What Stays Similar

  • Overall silhouette remains familiar

  • Roof rails and cladding retained

Overall, the new Kia Seltos looks a lot more muscular and modern in comparison to the older sleeker model.

Dimensions & Road Presence

Taking the attention to dimension and road presence, the new Seltos is slightly longer with 100mm increase, larger wheelbase and then obviously a much better cabin space.

The older version of Kia Seltos has more compact proportions which makes the new one better with road presence and rear seat comfort.

Interior: A Major Upgrade in Cabin Experience

Moving onto the upgrades in the interior, the new model features:

  • Dual 12.3-inch screens (infotainment + cluster)

  • New dashboard layout

  • EV6-inspired steering wheel

  • Premium cabin themes and materials

When compared to the older model, the screen is 10.25 inches and the dashboard layout is conventional. With the transition, the cabin has moved from premium to near-luxury feel.

Features & Technology: Big Step Forward

Let's talk about how the new model has been placed in terms of features and technology upgrades along with premium feel.

New Additions

  • Dual-screen setup

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • 10-way powered driver seat with memory

  • 64-colour ambient lighting

  • Enhanced ADAS features

  • Carried Over Features

  • Bose sound system

  • Ventilated seats

  • Wireless charging

  • Connected car tech

Safety: More Advanced but Familiar Base

In terms of safety, both models (old and new) have had:

  • 6 airbags

  • ESC, ABS, TPMS

Newer improvements include:

  • Enhanced Level-2 ADAS

  • Additional parking sensors

It seems like safety now aligns with new buyer's expectations.

Powertrain: No Major Changes

There are no major changes in the Powertrain and it seems like Kia has put its focus more on the design and tech upgrades rather than differentiating in terms of mechanics. Both models have:

  • Engine Options (Same as Before)

  • 1.5L NA petrol

  • 1.5L turbo petrol

  • 1.5L diesel

  • Manual + automatic options

Platform & Build (Key Hidden Change)

Stressing on the new model on its platform and build, the new model is built on an updated k3 platform. The old model has older architecture updates only.

For the buyers, the key improvement is in safety, ride quality and structural strength of the vehicle.

Price & Positioning

Getting back to the most integral part - price and positioning, the New Seltos is priced in the range of

₹10.99 lakh – ₹19.99 lakh (intro range)

As per the price, the subsequent rivals are Hyundai Creta, TATA Curvv and Honda Elevate. The positioning gets quite easy to understand which is the premium compact SUV range.

What’s Actually Different? (Quick Summary)

Very quickly, let's take a quick recap of everything that stands out in the newer version in comparison to the older one. The biggest changes include:

  • New design language

  • Larger size

  • Tech-loaded interior

  • More premium feel

  • What Remains the Same

  • Engine options

  • Core SUV positioning

What Does It Means for Buyers?

Finally, as a buyer when thinking about the new Kia Seltos in terms of upgrading, it's worth the tech and design improvements.

When thinking of buying a new car, it is one of the most feature-rich SUV segments.

If budget is still a factor, the older model may seem to offer a better value deal.

Conclusion

You almost know everything about the new Kia Seltos in comparison to the older version. Conclusively, the new model is better in terms of modern designing, premium feel and technology loading.

However, it does retain its core strength from the older version.

Overall, the latest Seltos doesn’t change the formula, it refines it to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive SUV market.


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