New Kia Seltos India vs Global Spec - Features, Size, Engine Differences

More powerful engine options, AWD, premium features and a larger boot are among the missing items on India-spec Seltos, as compared to the global model
Kia has unveiled the all-new Seltos with comprehensive updates across exteriors and interiors. Prices will be announced on 2nd January. After the India launch, the new Seltos will be introduced in other markets such as Korea, Europe, North America and China.
Global-spec new Seltos differs from the Indian version in various aspects, apparently to suit the specific needs and preferences of the targeted market. Let’s check out the differences to understand areas where the global model fares better than the India-spec 2nd-gen Seltos and where it seems to need an upgrade.
Global-Spec new Seltos vs India Seltos – Key differences
Global-spec 2nd-gen Seltos is offered with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.6-litre unit is offered in two states of tune – 180 PS / 265 Nm and 193 PS / 265 Nm. The 2.0-litre petrol engine generates 149 PS and 179 Nm. Transmission choices vary based on the variant and include 6-speed manual, 6-speed & 7-speed dual clutch auto, CVT (auto), and an 8-speed automatic.
India-spec 2nd-gen Seltos has three engine options – a 115 PS 1.5-litre NA petrol, a 160 PS 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 116 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission choices across variants include 6MT, IVT, 6iMT, 6AT and 7DCT. Clearly, the global-spec new 2026 Seltos has more powerful engine options. The Indian version also misses out on the smoother 8-speed automatic transmission. However, India-spec Seltos has a diesel engine option, which is not available with the global-spec model.
Kia has also announced that the global-spec new Seltos will be getting a hybrid variant in 2026. India-spec Seltos will also be getting the hybrid variant, but at a later date. It could be launched by late 2026 or the first half of 2027. The hybrid powertrain will be first introduced with another Kia car before being offered with the new Seltos. Kia is targeting a high level of localization for the hybrid variant to achieve a competitive price point.
Features and Creature Comforts
On the outside, one can notice that Global-spec version gets a slightly different alloy wheel design. Also, Global-spec version measures 4,430 mm in length, 30 mm shorter than India-spec version.
On the inside, some variants of Global-spec version get extra cupholders on centre console as gear selector is mounted on its steering wheel. This steering wheel is heated with some variants of Global-spec and not for India. Speaking of heating and ventilation, few variants of Global-spec version gets heated and cooled seats, while India-spec version misses out on this.
No AWD for India
All variants of the Kia Seltos in India are available in 2WD format. In comparison, the global-spec 2nd-gen Seltos has both 2WD and AWD options. 2WD limits the possibilities, especially for folks who want a better overall performance and are looking to explore diverse terrains.
Active Safety (Indian version leads)
India-spec 2nd-gen Seltos has better safety, especially with the higher number of ADAS features. While the global-spec new Seltos has 7 ADAS features, the Indian version has 21 autonomous ADAS Level 2 features. India-spec 2nd-gen Seltos also has a robust safety kit with 24 features offered as standard across all variants.
Apart from the above, there aren’t any major differences between the global-spec and the India-spec 2nd-gen Kia Seltos. Dimensions and equipment list are largely the same for both models. Only some minor differences can be there such as exterior colour options, finish of accents, alloy wheel design, choice of upholstery, interior theme, ambient colour, etc. These vary based on the market, subject to local needs and preferences.