2026 Kia Seltos Coming With New Gearbox and Premium Cabin, Creta Faces Tough Competition

Auto News: The 2026 Kia Seltos is getting ready for launch with major updates. The new model may arrive around December 2025. Kia wants to make the Seltos more premium and modern. The goal is to compete strongly against Hyundai Creta. The upcoming version will include better technology and more useful features. This time, the diesel variant will get a special new gearbox. The update is expected to improve driving feel and performance.

Why Is The New Gearbox Special?

The current Seltos diesel comes with a 1.5-litre engine. It is available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. But the new version will offer a 7-speed automatic gearbox. This will make Seltos one of the few diesel SUVs in the segment with this feature. The gearbox may reduce engine noise and vibration. It may also improve acceleration in the mid-range. Drivers may feel smoother gear shifts during daily and highway driving.

What Will Change Inside The Cabin?

Kia is planning a big change for the interior. The 2026 Seltos may feature a Trinity Panoramic Display setup. This includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. There may also be a small 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. This will make the dashboard look modern and easy to use. The cabin may also get new materials and better finish. The focus is on making the car feel more premium from the inside.

Will The Exterior Design Look Different?

The new Seltos may follow Kia’s “Opposites United” design theme. There may be a redesigned front grille. The fog lamps may get a new shape. Vertical DRLs could make the car look sharper. New alloy wheels may be added for a fresh appearance. The backside may have connected tail lamps. Overall, the SUV may look more bold and stylish.

How Much Bigger Will It Be?

In some global markets, the 2026 Seltos will be slightly bigger. The length may increase by around 100 mm. This makes it longer than Jeep Compass in those markets. However, the final India-spec size is not confirmed. It may or may not get the same larger size. If the size grows, cabin space will also improve. More legroom and boot space could make travel more comfortable.

What Performance Can Users Expect?

The engine is likely to remain the 1.5-litre diesel. But the new gearbox may improve overall performance. The car may feel smoother during long drives. Noise inside the cabin may reduce. Fuel efficiency may improve slightly in highway conditions. The driving experience could become more refined. This makes the SUV good for both city and long-distance travel.

Will This Increase Creta’s Challenges?

Hyundai Creta is currently one of the best-selling SUVs. But Seltos has always been a strong competitor. With new features and a premium cabin, Seltos may attract more buyers again. People who want a stylish and powerful diesel SUV may choose Seltos. The competition between both brands will become stronger. Buyers will get more choices and better features. This launch could heat up the SUV market again.