The Kia Seltos 2026 is finally here and people are talking. If you have been waiting to see what this SUV offers then you are in for some insight. Engines, trims, real driving experience all that matters. I have spent years watching the Indian market and the Seltos has always been interesting. This one is no different.
Kia Seltos 2026 Variant-Wise Powertrain Options Table
To make things easier, here’s a simple table summarizing the Kia Seltos 2026 powertrain options, trims, and transmission choices
| Variant / Trim | Engine | Power (bhp) | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Petrol | 1.5L Smartstream | 115 | 6-speed Manual | City-friendly, reliable, smooth for daily drives |
| Mid Petrol | 1.5L Smartstream | 115 | IVT Automatic | Good for stop-go traffic, smooth ride, not sporty |
| Top Petrol GTX+ | 1.4L Turbo Petrol T-GDi | 140 | DCT Automatic | Peppy, turbo lag exists, fun for highway overtakes |
| Base Diesel | 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Diesel | 115 | 6-speed Manual | Comfortable for city, reliable, low quirks |
| Mid Diesel | 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 120 | 6-speed Manual / IVT | Good power, minor vibrations at higher speed, efficient |
| Top Diesel GTX+ | 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 120 | DCT Automatic | Powerful, small quirks in city, long-range capable |
This table gives a clear glance at what engine and transmission you get with each Kia Seltos 2026 variant. Helps you pick based on your driving needs rather than just numbers.
Petrol Basics 1.5L Smartstream
The base and mid trims of the Kia Seltos 2026 get the 1.5L Smartstream petrol engine Nothing crazy just reliable. Company says 115 bhp but my past drives tell me city driving is fine but highway overtakes need patience Seedhi truth it is not a rocket but works for daily life.
I remember a visit to a dealer last year. A guy asked will this engine handle city traffic I said yes but do not expect speed demons He laughed but he understood. The Kia Seltos 2026 petrol handles traffic well.
Turbo-Petrol Fun 1.4L T-GDi
Now the top trims get the 1.4L turbo petrol. Company claims 140 bhp and the turbo gives some punch City overtakes are easier But turbo lag still happens Sometimes you press and it delays a bit That’s real driving. I have been in one and almost spilled coffee laughing when the turbo kicked late.
Diesel Options 1.5L and Turbo
Diesel fans are not left out. Base diesel trims have 1.5L naturally aspirated engine Comfortable for daily runs. Mid and top trims get 1.5L turbo diesel More power but small quirks exist My test drive had a small vibration at 80 kmh Nothing serious but shows every engine has its moment The Kia Seltos 2026 diesel is good but expect small surprises.
Fuel range company claims over 650 km Full tank but real life maybe 600 km depends on speed and AC usage Seen this pattern before with older Seltos.Transmission Manual or Automatic.
Kia Seltos 2026 has 6-speed manual in base trims and IVT or DCT in higher trims IVT is smooth in stop and go traffic DCT can be twitchy sudden acceleration in city. I remember a friend complaining about DCT once City exposes the weakness.
Which Variant Should You Pick
If you are mostly in city with occasional highway trips the 1.5L petrol or diesel manual trims are fine Want a little fun go for top GTX plus turbo trims But minor quirks exist Pick based on how you drive daily not just numbers The Kia Seltos 2026 is about balance not hype.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Seltos 2026 does not reinvent the wheel Just a polished recipe Engines familiar powertrains predictable minor tweaks fuel efficiency better Early turbo petrol trims give around 12 to 13 km per litre city diesel 15 to 16 km per litre Not shocking but steady. Software glitches fixed mostly but watch updates The Kia Seltos 2026 is comfortable reliable with small quirks You notice only when you drive a lot.
Real talk the Kia Seltos 2026 is practical fun and consistent Not marketing slogans Real world impressions matter.

