What powertrain options are available in the Kia Seltos 2026?

The 2026 Seltos is expected to offer three powertrain options: a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbo-petrol engine, and a diesel engine. Transmission options may include manual, iMT, CVT, and a dual-clutch automatic depending on the variant.

Which Kia Seltos 2026 engine is best for daily city driving?

The naturally aspirated petrol engine is ideal for smooth city driving, offering refined performance, low maintenance, and good fuel efficiency for everyday use.

Is the turbo-petrol engine worth it in the 2026 Seltos?

Yes, the turbo-petrol engine is worth it if you want strong acceleration, highway performance, and a more engaging driving experience. It’s the best choice for enthusiasts.

Should I choose the diesel engine in the 2026 Seltos?

The diesel engine is worth considering if you frequently drive long distances or want maximum fuel efficiency. It delivers strong torque and better mileage.

Which variant offers the best value for money?

Typically, mid-level variants that include essential comfort, safety, and technology features offer the best value. They balance price with performance and equipment.

Which powertrain offers the best fuel efficiency?

The diesel powertrain generally delivers the highest fuel efficiency, especially for highway and mixed usage.

Is the automatic transmission better than the manual in the 2026 Seltos?

Automatic transmissions provide smoother, more convenient driving, especially in traffic. However, manual and iMT options may offer better control and lower costs.

Is the Kia Seltos 2026 suitable for long road trips?

Yes. All powertrains are capable of highway drives, but the turbo-petrol and diesel variants provide stronger performance and better stability on long journeys.

Does the 2026 Seltos offer good resale value?

Kia vehicles generally maintain good resale value, and popular variants—especially turbo-petrol and diesel trims—tend to perform better in the used market.

Which powertrain is recommended for first-time SUV buyers?

The petrol engine (non-turbo) is the most beginner-friendly, offering smooth performance, lower running costs, and easy maintenance.

Kia Seltos 2026 Powertrain Breakdown : Which Variant Is Truly Worth It?

Gaurav Jha

11 Dec 2025, 07:11 AM IST

SUV & Crossover Reviews Hub

Explore Kia Seltos 2026 variant-wise powertrain options, real-world performance, petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, plus insider tips on which trim fits your driving style best

✨

Kia Seltos 2026: Powertrain Options Detailed

खबर का सार AI ने दिया · News Team ने रिव्यु किया

The 2026 Kia Seltos has arrived, offering new insights into its features.
It presents diverse powertrain options across various trims and transmissions.
Engine choices include a 1.5L Smartstream for daily drives and a peppy 1.4L Turbo Petrol.

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.

ये भी पढ़ें

POLL ✦

Seltos 2026: Manual or IVT Automatic?