The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency ratings across every engine and gearbox variant of the newly launched 2026 Kia Seltos.
It also covers the SUV's expanding global footprint and the confirmed arrival of a Seltos Hybrid for India, expected in 2027.
A New Generation That Arrives with Slightly Revised Efficiency Numbers
The second-generation Kia Seltos made its market debut in January 2026, and it has now received its official ARAI-certified fuel efficiency ratings. These figures have been keenly awaited, given that mileage remains one of the most decisive purchasing factors for buyers in the Indian market, particularly in the competitive C-segment SUV space.
The new Seltos is heavier than the model it replaces, and that added mass has had a modest but noticeable effect on the numbers. Across all variants, the official ARAI figures are fractionally lower than those of the outgoing generation. That said, the ratings remain competitive within the segment, and the diesel variants in particular continue to make a strong case for themselves.
Diesel Variants Retain the Efficiency Crown with Up to 19.4 km/l
Diesel remains the clear standout performer in the Seltos lineup when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Diesel Manual Transmission variant is ARAI-rated at 19.4 km/l, which places it among the more frugal options in its segment.
The Diesel Automatic Transmission variant returns 17.8 km/l, a figure that still compares favourably to many rivals. Notably, the Seltos is one of the very few C-segment SUVs in India to continue offering a diesel engine, which gives it a distinct advantage for long-distance and highway-oriented buyers.
Petrol Options Cover Three Engine Configurations and Multiple Gearboxes
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine accounts for the bulk of Seltos sales and is available with two gearbox choices, the Manual Transmission and the iVT (CVT). Both options deliver an identical ARAI-rated figure of 16.5 km/l, which makes the gearbox decision purely one of driving preference rather than efficiency.
The third engine in the lineup is a 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol unit, offered with two gearbox options, the iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) and the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). Interestingly, the DCT proves to be the more efficient of the two, rated at 17.5 km/l. The iMT, despite being the simpler automated manual option, returns a lower figure of 15.6 km/l.
The Seltos Goes Global and a Hybrid Variant Is on Its Way
Beyond fuel figures, the second-generation Seltos has taken on a far bigger global role than its predecessor. The SUV is now sold in India, South Korea and the United States, with a European launch also in the pipeline.
At the recent New York Auto Show, Kia showcased the Seltos Hybrid, which is confirmed for the Indian market as well, with an expected arrival sometime in 2027.
Key Features That Define the 2026 Model
The 2026 Seltos rides on Kia's Global K3 platform, which brings with it a longer wheelbase and refined exterior proportions. Inside, the cabin is dominated by a 30-inch Trinity Display that brings together a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate control panel.
The layout also retains physical buttons, a detail that will be welcomed by those who find touchscreen cabins a touch frustrating fully. Kia Connect telematics with sophisticated over-the-air update capability rounds off a well-thought-out technology package.
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