In this variant-explained guide, you’ll find out which variant of the 2026 Kia Seltos you should buy based on ex-showroom prices, variant-wise features and value for money for a balanced ownership experience. Here we compare and objectively analyse the 2026 Seltos’s petrol and diesel variants and their features. Then we compare the engine specs, dimensions and mileage of the 2026 Kia Seltos with its key rivals and other crossovers/SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Astor and Honda Elevate.
Quick context: Kia has officially listed the 2026 Seltos with a starting ex-showroom price of ₹10.99 lakh and a top end around ₹19.99 lakh, depending on powertrain and variant.
2026 Kia Seltos Variant-Powertrain Combinations
The Kia Seltos is available with the following 6 powertrain options (as referenced in your draft structure):
-
1.5L normal petrol-manual (6MT)
-
1.5L normal petrol-automatic (CVT)
-
1.5L turbo petrol-auto-clutch manual (6ACMT)
-
1.5L turbo petrol-automatic (7DCT)
-
1.5L turbo diesel-manual (6MT)
-
1.5L turbo diesel-automatic (6AT / torque converter)
2026 KIA SELTOS — VARIANT-WISE POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Variant | 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | 1.5L Diesel-MT | 1.5L Diesel-AT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ |
| HTE (O) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HTK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HTK (O) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HTX | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HTX (A) | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
| GTX | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
| GTX (A) | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
| X Line | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
| X Line (A) | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
(This matches the powertrain-availability pattern you shared.)
2026 Kia Seltos Ex-Showroom Prices (Trim-wise)
Kia’s official trim comparison page lists the starting ex-showroom price for each trim as follows: Kia Australia
| Variant (Trim) | Ex-showroom Price (Starting) |
|---|---|
| HTE | ₹10,99,000 |
| HTE (O) | ₹12,09,000 |
| HTK | ₹13,09,000 |
| HTK (O) | ₹14,19,000 |
| HTX | ₹15,59,000 |
| HTX (A) | ₹16,69,000 |
| GTX | ₹18,39,000 |
| X Line | ₹18,39,000 |
| GTX (A) | ₹19,49,000 |
| X Line (A) | ₹19,49,000 |
Note: Actual pricing varies within the trim based on engine/gearbox combinations; the overall Seltos range goes up to ~₹19.99 lakh. The Times of India+1
Kia Seltos HTE — Base Model Standard Features
The base model of the Seltos is available with 1.5L normal petrol-manual and 1.5L turbo diesel-manual powertrain options.
2026 KIA SELTOS HTE — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ❌ |
HTE — Price
₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom, starting) Kia Australia
KIA SELTOS HTE — BASE MODEL STANDARD FEATURES
| Safety | Infotainment | Functional | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard safety suite (incl. ESC) | Large touchscreen (10.25″) | Digital MID / cluster | LED lighting package |
| TPMS | Wireless phone connectivity | Cruise control | Signature exterior elements |
| ISOFIX | Steering controls | Power windows, USB ports | Practical wheel setup |
(Your draft has a very exhaustive list; for print/web readability, grouping like this helps while keeping the structure consistent.)
Missing features (in plain buyer terms)
For the price, the HTE feels well-equipped but misses comfort essentials buyers notice quickly:
-
Automatic AC
-
Tilt & telescopic steering
-
Rear wiper/defogger
-
Rear armrest and a few convenience touches
HTE Value Verdict
Who should buy: first-time SUV buyers, safety-focused buyers, and those planning aftermarket accessories anyway.
Who should skip: anyone wanting “complete” family comfort out of the box.
Kia Seltos HTE vs HTE (O) Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
The HTE (O) variant is available with all powertrains except the turbo petrol-automatic (DCT).
̨
2026 KIA SELTOS HTE (O) — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ✔ |
HTE (O) — Price
₹12.09 lakh (ex-showroom, starting) Kia Australia
KIA SELTOS HTE (O) — FEATURES OVER HTE
| Safety & Style | Functional |
|---|---|
| Enhanced exterior elements / lighting signatures | Added seat flexibility (split rear seat) |
| Improved cabin trim and upholstery feel | More convenience features (some AT-linked) |
What you still miss
Even after paying the premium, key comfort items can still be missing depending on your expectation:
-
Auto AC (still a big miss at this point)
-
Some cabin convenience and parking assistance features that many buyers now expect
HTE (O) Value Verdict
Best for: buyers who want automatic + sensible upgrades without jumping to HTK/HTK(O).
Not ideal for: buyers who consider Auto AC non-negotiable.
Kia Seltos HTE (O) vs HTK Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
HTK keeps the same powertrain availability pattern as HTE (O).
2026 KIA SELTOS HTK — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ✔ |
HTK — Price
₹13.09 lakh (ex-showroom, starting) Kia Australia
KIA SELTOS HTK — FEATURES OVER HTE (O)
| Safety & Style | Functional |
|---|---|
| Better wheel/stance package | Keyless entry / push-button start |
| Rear visibility improvements (wiper/defogger) | Tilt & telescopic steering |
| Added convenience for monsoons/night | Power-fold ORVMs (big daily-use upgrade) |
| Sunshades & practical bits | Overall cabin usability improves |
What you still miss
-
Auto AC (again!)
HTK Value Verdict
HTK is the “usability” trim. If you’re spending ~₹13 lakh+, the added daily conveniences make it feel like a more complete SUV. The only irritation is that Auto AC isn’t standard yet.
Kia Seltos HTK vs HTK (O) Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
The HTK (O) variant is the only variant in the lineup to get all powertrain options.
2026 KIA SELTOS HTK (O) — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ✔ |
HTK (O) — Price
₹14.19 lakh (ex-showroom, starting) Kia Australia
KIA SELTOS HTK (O) — FEATURES OVER HTK
| Safety & Functional | Style / Comfort |
|---|---|
| Better parking assistance | Panoramic sunroof (major upgrade) |
| Added cabin convenience | Leather-feel cabin elements |
| Improved seating features | Ventilated seats (availability varies by gearbox in many lineups) |
What you may still miss
-
If your expectation is “premium”, you may still miss Auto AC unless you move further up (HTX is where the premium cabin experience truly begins).
HTK (O) Value Verdict
This is one of the most important variants in the range because it’s the powertrain king: you can choose any engine/gearbox combination and still get “wow” features like the panoramic sunroof. For many buyers, HTK(O) is the best “stretch” variant.
Kia Seltos HTK (O) vs HTX Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
HTX drops the turbo petrol-ACMT but keeps the rest.
2026 KIA SELTOS HTX — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ✔ |
HTX — Price
₹15.59 lakh (ex-showroom, starting) Kia Australia
KIA SELTOS HTX — FEATURES OVER HTK (O)
| Infotainment | Functional | Style / Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Larger display & premium audio feel | Dual-zone Auto AC | Softer, more premium cabin theme |
| Connected features / OTA ecosystem | Better HVAC interface | Ambient lighting & richer materials |
HTX Value Verdict (Why it’s the “sweet spot”)
HTX is where the Seltos starts feeling like a premium SUV rather than a well-equipped compact SUV. The biggest upgrade is not one feature — it’s the overall cabin experience (auto climate control, better infotainment, richer materials).
If you want one answer: for most urban buyers, HTX is the best variant to buy.
Kia Seltos HTX vs HTX (A) Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
HTX (A) adds ADAS + safety tech and drops diesel-MT.
2026 KIA SELTOS HTX (A) — POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| Powertrain | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-MT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Normal Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-ACMT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol-AT | ✔ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-MT | ❌ |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel-AT | ✔ |
HTX (A) — Price
₹16.69 lakh (ex-showroom, starting)
KIA SELTOS HTX (A) — FEATURES OVER HTX
| ADAS, Safety & Parking | Driver Display |
|---|---|
| 360-degree camera, extra parking sensors | Bigger full-digital cluster |
| Lane / collision assistance suite | Stronger “tech SUV” feel |
| Blind-spot aids & highway assist features | Better info density for long drives |
HTX (A) Value Verdict
If you do frequent highway runs or want maximum safety tech without going to top trims, HTX (A) is one of the most rational “upgrade” choices in the Seltos range.
Kia Seltos HTX vs GTX Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
GTX is automatic-only.
GTX — Price
₹18.39 lakh (ex-showroom, starting)
KIA SELTOS GTX — FEATURES OVER HTX
| Safety & Functional | Style |
|---|---|
| More premium seat & mirror functions | Sportier exterior accents |
| Convenience upgrades for daily luxury | Larger alloys / stronger road presence |
GTX Value Verdict
GTX is for buyers who want the Seltos to feel more premium and sport-styled than value-optimised. If you’re feature-driven, HTX/HTX(A) usually make more sense; if you’re image + experience driven, GTX is the step up.
Kia Seltos GTX vs X Line Variant — Price, Feature Comparison
X Line is the style-first flagship identity.
X Line — Price
₹18.39 lakh (ex-showroom, starting)
KIA SELTOS X LINE — FEATURES OVER GTX
| Style |
|---|
| Exclusive colour/theme treatment |
| Darker, more aggressive exterior package |
| Distinct interior theme & trim |
X Line Value Verdict
Pick X Line only if you want the signature look. Feature-for-money is not its goal — identity is.
Kia Seltos GTX & X Line vs GTX (A) / X Line (A) — Price, Feature Comparison
GTX (A) / X Line (A) — Price
₹19.49 lakh (ex-showroom, starting)
GTX (A) & X LINE (A) — FEATURES OVER GTX / X LINE
These add the full ADAS + tech safety suite (similar to HTX(A) positioning), giving you top-trim style + top-trim safety in one package.
(A) Variants Value Verdict
If you’re already spending ~₹19–20 lakh and want all the tech + flagship look, then GTX(A)/X Line(A) are the “no compromises” choices. Otherwise, HTX(A) remains the smarter buy.
Buyer Recommendation Section: Which 2026 Kia Seltos Variant Should You Buy?
Best Variant for Most Buyers (VFM Winner)
✅ HTX
Why: premium cabin + Auto AC + overall completeness at a rational price.
Best Variant for Highway Users / Safety Tech
✅ HTX (A)
Why: ADAS + 360 camera + strong highway comfort without paying for full flagship styling.
Best Budget Buy (Safety + Basics Done Right)
✅ HTE Petrol MT / HTE Diesel MT
Why: strong fundamentals, and you can add accessories later.
Best “Stretch” Variant (Sunroof + Choice of Powertrain)
✅ HTK (O)
Why: panoramic roof + ventilated seats + (most importantly) all 6 powertrains.
Best for Style-Seekers
✅ X Line / X Line (A)
Why: unique look. Buy for identity, not value.
Tata Sierra Included: Newly Launched Rival (December 2025)
The Tata Sierra was launched in India last month (December 2025) with prices starting at ₹11.49 lakh.
Tata Sierra Price Range
₹11.49 lakh to ₹21.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
Tata Sierra Key Dimensions (Official)
Tata’s official specifications list: 4340×1841×1715 mm (L×W×H), wheelbase 2730 mm, ground clearance 205 mm, and a 622L boot (2nd row up).
Tata Sierra Engine Overview (Verified Sources)
-
Tata’s official spec page lists a 1.5L Revotron producing 106 PS and 145 Nm.
-
Other Sierra powertrain outputs (turbo petrol/diesel) are also documented by major auto sources such as CarWale and Team-BHP (e.g., turbo petrol around 158 bhp/255 Nm, diesel around 116 bhp with higher torque figures depending on transmission).
Engine Specs Comparison: Seltos vs Rivals (Including Tata Sierra)
Note: Rivals have multiple trims/engines. This table focuses on the mainstream engine families buyers cross-shop.
| SUV | Engine Options (Core) | Power (approx range) | Torque (approx range) | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos (2026) | 1.5 NA petrol / 1.5 turbo petrol / 1.5 diesel | ~115–160 PS | ~144–253 Nm | Kia/launch coverage |
| Tata Sierra (2025/26) | 1.5 petrol / 1.5 turbo petrol / 1.5 diesel | ~106–158 bhp | ~145–280 Nm | Tata/CarWale/Team-BHP |
| Hyundai Creta | petrol + diesel family | — | — | Creta spec overview |
| Honda Elevate | 1.5 petrol (MT/CVT) | — | — | Honda mileage + general spec sources |
| MG Astor | 1.5 petrol (MT/CVT) | — | — | Astor spec overview |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 1.5 petrol + strong hybrid | — | — | Mileage sources |
(For exact power/torque per specific variant, you can add a second table by exact trims—tell me your preferred “comparison set”: base-vs-base or top-vs-top.)
Mileage Comparison (ARAI / Claimed) — Seltos vs Rivals
| SUV | Mileage (ARAI/Claimed Range) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos (2026) | ~17.0 to 20.7 kmpl | ACKO Drive+1 |
| Hyundai Creta | ~17.4 to 21.8 kmpl | CarDekho |
| Honda Elevate | 15.31 (MT) to 16.92 (CVT) km/l | Honda Car India+1 |
| MG Astor | ~14.82 to 15.43 kmpl | CarDekho |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 20.16–21.11 kmpl (petrol), 27.97 kmpl (hybrid) | CarWale |
| Tata Sierra | Mileage figures vary by variant; major listings show claimed/quoted figures (check variant-wise) | CarWale+1 |
Practical tip for buyers: If running cost is a top priority, Grand Vitara Hybrid is usually the benchmark; if you want diesel highway efficiency, Seltos/Creta diesel variants tend to be the common shortlist.
Dimensions Comparison — Seltos vs Creta vs Sierra vs Others
| SUV | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Boot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos (2026) | 4460 mm | 1830 mm | 1635 mm | 2690 mm | — |
| Hyundai Creta | 4330 mm | 1790 mm | — | 2610 mm | — |
| Tata Sierra | 4340 mm | 1841 mm | 1715 mm | 2730 mm | 622 L |
| Honda Elevate | 4312 mm | 1790 mm | 1650 mm | 2650 mm | 458 L |
| MG Astor | 4323 mm | 1809 mm | — | 2585 mm | — |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 4345 mm | 1795 mm | 1645 mm | 2600 mm | 373 L |
Helpful Extra Section: Seltos vs Tata Sierra — Which One Should You Buy?
Choose 2026 Kia Seltos if:
-
You want the widest powertrain spread and a clear ladder of variants.
-
You value a proven ownership ecosystem and a familiar segment benchmark.
-
You want the HTX / HTX(A) sweet-spot strategy (premium without flagship pricing).
Choose Tata Sierra if:
-
Cabin space/stance is a priority: Sierra’s wheelbase (2730 mm) and 622L boot are big talking points.
-
You want Tata’s design language + “big SUV” road presence in this price band.
-
Your shortlist prioritises a more “SUV-like” package over the Seltos’s polished all-rounder feel.
FAQ (SEO-Friendly)
Which is the best value for money 2026 Kia Seltos variant?
For most buyers, the HTX is the best value because it delivers the premium cabin experience (including auto climate control) without pushing into flagship pricing.
Which 2026 Seltos variant should I buy for ADAS?
If you want ADAS without going top-trim, pick HTX (A). If you want ADAS plus flagship styling, choose GTX (A) / X Line (A).
What is the starting ex-showroom price of the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The starting ex-showroom price is ₹10.99 lakh.
What is the price range of the Tata Sierra launched last month?
Tata Sierra’s ex-showroom price range is ₹11.49 lakh to ₹21.29 lakh.
Final Recommendation Summary
If you want one best pick, buy the 2026 Kia Seltos HTX. If your budget allows and you want maximum safety tech, buy the HTX (A). If you want the best mix of wow-features and powertrain flexibility, the HTK (O) is the sweet “stretch” trim. And if you’re cross-shopping the newest rival, the Tata Sierra stands out on space (wheelbase + boot) and a broad variant spread in the same price band.
