Kia says the Seltos has crossed 6 lakh cumulative sales since the SUV first went on sale in 2019. That is a big number for a single nameplate in a crowded mid-size SUV space, and it also explains why Kia keeps using the Seltos as its reference point for technology, safety and feature positioning.
The company also says 29 percent of Seltos buyers have chosen the top variants. That top-trim share matters because it tells you the Seltos is not being bought only on entry price. A sizeable chunk of customers are stretching for the versions with more safety tech and the full feature list.
6 lakh sales, and what it says about the Seltos formula
The Seltos got early traction by offering choice where buyers care most. It gave petrol and diesel options, and it made sure automatic gearboxes were available across fuel types. That combination widened the addressable audience, from city commuters who want convenience to highway users who prioritise range and torque.
It also leaned hard into cabin experience. Large screens, connected features, ventilated seats and a generally premium feel became part of its identity early on, and updates have kept that theme alive. The 29 percent top-variant number fits this pattern. It suggests a meaningful set of buyers see value in paying extra for the latest infotainment, convenience features and driver assistance systems.
But it is not only about the feature sheet. Over time, owner feedback and road tests have also pointed to the Seltos being a solid long-distance car when set up right, with a planted highway stance and predictable handling. That matters in a segment where many cars are bought for family use but spend plenty of time on fast highways.
The new Seltos is already here, and it is visibly bigger
The important update now is that the latest Seltos has already been launched, and it is larger than before by roughly 95 to 100 mm in overall length. Kia claims the new model measures 4,460 mm long and 1,830 mm wide, with a 2,690 mm wheelbase. The headline takeaway is simple: more road presence and more usable cabin space.
This size bump is not just cosmetic. In real use, the extra length and wheelbase usually show up as better rear-seat comfort, improved knee room, and a boot that is easier to live with on airport runs and weekend travel. That is exactly the kind of practical advantage that helps a family SUV keep its sales momentum.
Kia is also continuing to push ADAS as a higher-variants hook, and that aligns with the 29 percent top-trim share. Buyers who were earlier picking top trims mainly for screens, sunroofs and audio systems are now also shopping for safety tech that reduces fatigue in daily traffic and highway cruising.
Powertrains for two kinds of buyers: efficiency and performance
Another reason the Seltos has sustained demand is that it has not tried to force a one-engine-fits-all approach. The line-up continues to offer a more relaxed, efficiency-focused petrol for everyday driving, along with stronger turbo options for buyers who want quicker responses and better overtaking performance. Diesel remains part of the mix too, which still matters for high-usage customers.
Recent drives of the updated Seltos have also pointed to improvements in ride comfort, especially at low speeds over broken patches, while keeping handling confidence intact at highway speeds. That balance is important. Many SUVs in this segment can feel either too soft and floaty, or too stiff and busy. A more absorbent suspension without losing composure is the kind of improvement owners notice within the first week.
Strong hybrid next, possibly from next year
The next big step for the Seltos is expected to be a strong hybrid powertrain. Kia has indicated a Seltos hybrid is on the roadmap, with timing being discussed around late 2026 to early 2027. If that schedule holds, the hybrid could realistically land around next year.
A strong hybrid makes strategic sense for this SUV. It can offer the easy, smooth city drive many automatic buyers want, while delivering a meaningful efficiency gain in traffic, without asking customers to change driving or charging habits. If priced right, it could become the next reason for buyers to pick the Seltos over rivals that are still reliant only on pure petrol and diesel engines.
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