When Kia first came to India, it did so with confidence and the reason for this was the Seltos. The mid-size SUV not only put the brand on the map; It shook up the segment and regularly went head-to-head with established favourites. Fast forward a few years, and the landscape has become far more crowded, with buyers’ choices and expectations greater than ever.
Now, the Seltos is back with a brand new look, aiming to remain relevant in the space it once helped redefine. This new second generation combines everyday practicality and family-friendly comfort with the appeal that made the original such a hit, raising the question of whether it can still stand out in one of India’s most fiercely contested SUV segments. Read the full review to know.Design and platformThe new Seltos is not safe in terms of design, and it will be obvious when you see it. Where the earlier car leaned towards a smooth, almost sporty look, this one is based entirely on muscle and presence. It’s longer, wider in stance, and far more assertive, clearly aimed at buyers who like their SUVs tough and attention-grabbing.
At the front, the design features several refreshed Kia cues, including the striking LED daytime running lights with intricate patterns, slim headlamp units tucked into square housings and the fog lamps positioned low on the bumper. From the side, the chunky cladding, flush door handles and large alloy wheels give it a modern, slightly futuristic feel. The roof line slopes gently rearward, creating the effect of a floating roof, while decorative roof rails add to the SUV look, even if they are more for show than function. In contrast, the rear looks cleaner and more restrained, with vertically placed tail lamps on the sides and a connecting light strip that adds a sense of width.
A neatly integrated spoiler rounds things off, hiding the rear wiper and housing the stop lamp, giving the Seltos a neat finish from the rear. The design is extremely bold and represents a new direction for Kia, even if it doesn’t aim to please everyone. It looks more harmonious in person than in pictures, its size helping to balance out some of the stronger design elements.
Part of this extra road presence comes from the Seltos’ increased size. The new model is much larger than before, with a longer body and a stretched wheelbase, giving it a more streamlined stance. It is wider than its predecessor, and ground clearance has increased by 200 mm, strengthening its SUV credentials.Under the skin, the second-generation Seltos shifts to Kia’s new K3 platform, moving over from the old architecture. This new base brings updated technology and is largely responsible for the increase in the dimensions of the SUV. However, mechanically, the engine and gearbox options are familiar from the previous generation.
Interior and FeaturesStep inside and it’s clear that Kia has redesigned the Seltos’ cabin almost from the ground up. The second generation model uses stronger, better quality plastics that give the interior a more solid, premium feel, complemented by soft-touch elements on the dashboard and door panels. Although scratches may appear on some textured surfaces and may be difficult to restore, the overall impression is of a well-crafted cabin with tight panel gaps and consistent fit and finish. It may not look overtly luxurious, but the quality of materials, familiar Kia switchgear and thoughtful details make it one of the more polished and premium interiors in its segment.
Kia has kept the everyday controls refreshingly simple, with large switches handling climate functions and clearly marked buttons for audio duties. A rotary volume knob sits within easy reach, ensuring that basic adjustments can be made quickly without taking your eyes off the road. The steering wheel has been redesigned and now looks much heavier. It gets tilt and telescopic adjustments as well as well-placed buttons and rotary controls, including neatly placed dials on the base for drive and traction modes, which are intuitive to use and easy to reach while driving.
The highlight of the cabin is the panoramic digital layout composed of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a dedicated 5.0-inch climate-control display. The infotainment system feels quick and responsive. Changes are fluid, menus load without any lag, and the overall experience feels better. The fully digital instrument cluster is sharp and easy to read, presenting only the most relevant information, while subtle layout changes reflect the selected driving mode without overwhelming the driver.
Features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat as well as memory settings for the ORVMs, rear sunshades, dual-tone leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, 64-color ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, OTA updates and connected-car Functions included. However, there are shortcomings in the feature list. There’s no head-up display, air purifier, or even puddle lamps, and the absence of a powered tailgate stands out when key rivals like the Sierra and Victorious offer one. Rear seat comfort also takes a hit, as there’s a slight lack of ventilated seats for second-row passengers, especially noticeable considering that Kia’s own smaller and more affordable Ciaz offers it.Safety kit features include Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts, tyre-pressure monitoring and a 360-degree camera. On the safety front, the new Seltos has not yet been evaluated under the Global NCAP or India NCAP crash-testing programmes.Interior space and comfortThe front seats are well-padded and supportive, providing a comfortable driving position that suits long hours behind the wheel. They’re shaped to keep you in place, which boosts confidence when moving, although those with a wider build may find them a touch firm around the edges. The uniquely designed headrests look different and also serve a practical purpose, providing stable support to the head without feeling intrusive.
Things get even better at the rear, where the longer wheelbase makes a noticeable difference. Legroom is ample even for tall people, and the rear bench offers excellent cushioning with spot-on thigh support that helps reduce fatigue on long trips. Headroom is ample for most people, and the cabin is wide enough for three adults to sit comfortably without any discomfort. The backrest angle can be adjusted to suit different preferences, increasing overall comfort. The addition of a boss mode could have been more convenient; Rear passengers get AC vents, sun blinds, Type C charging port and an armrest with cupholders.engine optionsMechanically, the second generation Seltos remains the same as the first. It will continue to be offered with three engine options – a 115hp/144Nm 1.5-litre NA petrol offered with a 6-speed MT or CVT gearbox, and a 160hp/253Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol offered with an IMT or a 7-speed DCT. The second engine is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel producing 116 hp/250 Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic. For this drive, we sampled the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.DisplayThe TGDI petrol retains a familiar character, with the engine making its presence felt without sounding harsh or unrefined. It delivers its performance in a clean, progressive manner, coming alive from around 2,000rpm and pulling strongly and smoothly through the rev range. It doesn’t feel pinched at the top end, allowing spirited drivers to make the most of the power on offer. The engine roars when pushed, but it never sounds harsh, maintaining a deliberate level of refinement.
The dual-clutch gearbox shifts quickly in most circumstances, although, as is typical of this type of transmission, it can feel a little hesitant during very low-speed manoeuvres. On the highway, the Seltos drives comfortably. Acceleration is brisk, and the SUV reaches cruising speed quickly without feeling strained. The strong mid-range makes overtaking on the highway stress-free, while the engine remains comfortably undisturbed at triple-digit speeds.The gearbox complements this character well, providing smooth shifts and quick response to throttle inputs. Kickdowns are quick enough to return the engine to its original position, and for drivers who want more involvement, paddle shifters add a layer of control. Switching to Sport mode sharpens overall response, has quicker throttle response and makes the transmission hold gears longer.Suspension and HandlingThe biggest improvement in the new Seltos is its ride style. Kia has clearly reworked the suspension tuning, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Where earlier cars seemed more rugged, this generation leans more towards comfort. Broken roads, sharp edges and uneven patches are dealt with very quietly, with the suspension absorbing imperfections cleanly and not sending harsh jolts into the cabin. This is easily the most extraordinary change in the way the car drives and will be appreciated every day.Commendably, this soft setup doesn’t make the Seltos feel loose or floating. Even when driving at high speed, body movements are well controlled, and the SUV feels composed. Stability at highway speeds is also reassuring, with the car maintaining a steady line over undulations and rough stretches of tarmac.
On the other hand, braking performance is confidence-inspiring. The all-disc setup provides smooth, predictable stopping power that’s more than enough for everyday use, including sudden deceleration when needed. Steering weight varies slightly depending on the selected drive mode, increasing from a comfortable height to somewhat firmer, although the difference is not dramatic.decisionThe second-generation Kia Seltos feels like a carefully thought-out evolution rather than a radical makeover, and this works in its favour. Kia has clearly listened to the feedback and has focused on making the SUV more comfortable and more useful in real-world conditions. The revised suspension setup stands out as the main attraction, providing a fairly smooth ride while keeping the car stable and well controlled, especially at highway speeds.
The turbo-petrol engine paired with the dual-clutch gearbox remains a strong suit, providing smooth performance and a comfortable ride. Inside, the cabin feels solid and well-assembled, with superior materials, sensible ergonomics and the welcome presence of physical controls. Rear seat comfort has also taken a step forward, making the Seltos a better companion for families and long trips.There are some compromises, including some missing features and a steering setup that prioritizes ease over engagement. Bold design can also divide opinions. Still, taken as a whole, the Seltos comes across as a mature, well-rounded package that stays true to what made it successful in the first place. For buyers seeking a refined, comfortable and capable mid-size SUV, this new generation reinforces why the Seltos remains a benchmark in the segment.
