By Ashraf Shaikh On 24-03-2026 at 7:23 am
New Kia Seltos vs Old Kia Seltos Full Guide & Comparison
New Kia Seltos vs Old Kia Seltos Exterior Changes Explained for Indian Buyers
If you were expecting a minor facelift, the New Kia Seltos might actually surprise you. It does not just tweak design, it stretches the entire presence. Moving to the K3 platform, the SUV grows longer and slightly more confident on road.
| Specification | Old Kia Seltos | New Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Approx 4365 mm | 4460 mm |
| Wheelbase | Approx 2610 mm | 2690 mm |
| Platform | Previous Gen | K3 Platform |
That extra 95mm length and 80mm wheelbase subtly improve stance. The new front design gets a vertically styled grille, split LED DRLs and squared headlamps. It feels sharper but not overly aggressive.

Side profile adds flush door handles, new 18-inch alloys and even green brake calipers. Rear design is cleaner with split tail lamps and hidden wiper. Not everyone may love the non-connected light bar, but it does stand out.
New color options like Magma Red, Frost Blue and Ivory Silver bring freshness. X Line still keeps its matte graphite finish.
Interior and Features Upgrade in New Kia Seltos Compared to Old Model
Inside, the New Kia Seltos feels more evolved than revolutionary. That extra wheelbase gives rear passengers slightly better knee room, though it is not a huge jump.
The dashboard now gets dual 12.3-inch screens along with a 5-inch AC display. Physical buttons are still present, which honestly makes daily usability easier.

Key feature additions include:
- Front ventilated seats
- Powered driver seat with memory
- Bose sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Type-C charging ports
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Level 2 ADAS features
The new steering wheel borrowed from EV6 adds a premium touch. One experimental detail is the mesh-style headrests. They look different, but long-term comfort still needs real-world testing.
Engine Options in New vs Old Kia Seltos Remain Unchanged
Under the hood, Kia has played it safe. The New vs Old Kia Seltos comparison here shows no mechanical changes.
| Engine Type | Power | Torque | Gearbox Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 NA Petrol | 113 bhp | 144 Nm | Manual / CVT |
| 1.5 Turbo Petrol | 158 bhp | 253 Nm | iMT / DCT |
| 1.5 Diesel | 114 bhp | 250 Nm | Manual / AT |
There were expectations of a hybrid, but for now, Kia has not introduced it. If you were hoping for better efficiency upgrades, this might feel slightly underwhelming.
New Kia Seltos Price and Variant Details in India 2026

The kia seltos price currently ranges between Rs. 12.29 lakh to Rs. 22.56 lakh. The New Kia Seltos will continue with HTE, HTK, HTX and GTX variants.
Bookings are already open, and the official price reveal is scheduled for 2 January. If pricing stays competitive, it could still dominate its segment.
Should You Buy New Kia Seltos or Consider Used Kia Seltos?
This is where things get interesting. The New Kia Seltos clearly improves design and features, but the core driving experience remains the same.
If you want:
- Latest tech and design → New Kia Seltos makes sense
- Better value and savings → Used Kia Seltos is still a smart option
The update feels more lifestyle-focused rather than performance-driven.
Kia Seltos Rivals in India 2026 Segment Comparison
The New Kia Seltos continues to compete with:
- Hyundai Creta
- Honda Elevate
- Skoda Kushaq
- Maruti Suzuki Victoris
- MG Astor
- Toyota Hyryder
- Tata Sierra
With added features and refreshed styling, it stays relevant but not dramatically ahead.
FAQs About New Kia Seltos vs Old Kia Seltos
1. What is the biggest change in New Kia Seltos?
The shift to the K3 platform and increased dimensions make the biggest difference in stance and space.
2. Is there any engine upgrade in New Kia Seltos?
No, all engine options remain the same as the old Kia Seltos.
3. What new features are added in New Kia Seltos?
It now includes panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, Bose audio and ambient lighting.
4. What is the kia seltos price in India?
The price ranges from Rs. 12.29 lakh to Rs. 22.56 lakh depending on the variant.
5. Is used kia seltos still worth buying?
Yes, if budget is a concern, a used Kia Seltos still offers strong value with similar engine performance.
6. When will New Kia Seltos price be announced?
The official price announcement is scheduled for 2 January.
Author
Ashraf Shaikh
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