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KIA Seltos

2026 Kia Seltos HTE Explained: A Buying Guide For SUV Lovers.

The 2026 Kia Seltos HTE is a great entry-level SUV that doesn’t feel basic at all. It looks modern, comes with useful features, and gives you a solid start in the Seltos lineup. Prices start at Rs 10.99 lakh for petrol and go up to Rs 12.59 lakh for diesel, making it a smart pick if you want value and style. In this guide, we will cover the price, variants, available colors, features, engine choices, and everything else you should know before making a decision.

What Makes the 2026 Kia Seltos HTE So Special?

Base variants usually mean missing out on features, but the 2026 Kia Seltos HTE is different. Kia has loaded this entry-level model with standout features you rarely see at this price, full LED lighting, a big 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six airbags, and a rear-view camera, all included as standard.

The new Seltos has also grown in size. It is 95mm longer at 4,460mm, 30mm wider at 1,830mm, and has an 80mm bigger wheelbase at 2,690mm compared to the previous model. That means more room inside for both passengers and luggage. Boot space stands at a generous 447 litres, which can be expanded further by folding the rear seats.

All Variants of the 2026 Kia Seltos

Variant Starting Price (Ex-Showroom) Key Highlights
HTE ₹10.99 Lakh LED headlamps, 10.25″ touchscreen, 6 airbags, rear camera, 16″ steel wheels
HTE (O) ₹12.59 Lakh Adds electric parking brake, drive modes (Eco/Normal/Sport), traction control modes, paddle shifters
HTK ₹13.39 Lakh Adds keyless entry, push-button start, upgraded 17″ alloy wheels
HTK (O) ₹14.49 Lakh Adds panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, cruise control
HTX ₹15.99 Lakh Adds leatherette seats, 12.3″ HD touchscreen, 64-colour mood lighting, Bose speakers
HTX (A) ₹17.49 Lakh Adds Trinity Panoramic Display, ADAS Level 2 (21 features), side parking sensors
GTX ₹18.39 Lakh Sporty GT-Line styling, 18″ crystal cut alloys, neon brake callipers, power driver seat
GTX (A) ₹19.49 Lakh Adds ventilated seats, memory function for seat and mirrors
X-Line ₹19.49 Lakh Exclusive matte styling, distinctive X-Line body kit
X-Line (A) ₹19.99 Lakh Top of the range, all features included

2026 Kia Seltos HTE Price

The official ex-showroom price of the all new Kia Seltos base model HTE starts at ₹10,99,000. For what you get, that is very competitive in the compact SUV segment. The base HTE variant is priced between ₹10.99 Lakh and ₹12.59 Lakh, depending on the engine and transmission option you choose.

The HTE is available with two powertrain options:

    1.5L MPi Petrol (6-speed Manual) the most affordable option to get into the Seltos family.

    1.5L CRDi Diesel (6-speed Manual) ideal if you want better fuel efficiency on longer drives

The 1.5L petrol engine produces 114 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine also produces 114 bhp but with a stronger 250 Nm of torque both paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Comparison Table

Model Starting Price Engine Gearbox Key strength
Kia Seltos HTE ₹10.99 Lakh 1.5 petrol 6 MT Best mix of design and tech
Hyundai Creta E ₹Rs 11 lakh 1.5 petrol Manual Strong brand and comfort
Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma ₹10.99 Lakh 1.5 petrol Manual Fuel friendly and practical
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder E ₹₹Rs 11 lakh 1.5 petrol Manual Hybrid style and smooth drive
Skoda Kushaq Active ₹₹Rs 11 lakh 1.0 turbo petrol Manual Fun drive feel
Kia Seltos Exterior
Kia Seltos

Exterior

Key highlights include Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs, Star Map LED tail lamps, a shark fin antenna, and front and rear skid plates in a silver finish. The base variant rides on 16-inch steel wheels with a cover. It also comes with an integrated rear spoiler and a dual-tone smoky black and grey interior theme.

Kia Seltos Interior
Kia Seltos Interior

Interior and Safety

Even the base Seltos HTE comes packed with features you’ll love a large 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 6-speaker sound system, and handy Type-C USB ports in both the front and rear. You also get cruise control, keyless entry, central locking, and electrically adjustable side mirrors, plus manual air conditioning and rear AC vents for comfort.

Kia really shines when it comes to safety. Every Seltos, including the HTE, gets 6 airbags and a strong 24-feature safety pack as standard. This includes tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, downhill brake control, a rollover sensor, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines so you and your family are well protected no matter which variant you choose.

2026 Kia Seltos HTE Available Colors

Glacier White Pearl
Gravity Gray
Imperial Blue
Aurora Black Pearl
Sparkling Silver
Pewter Olive
Intense Red

2026 Kia Seltos HTE — Full Specifications

Category Specification (Petrol / Diesel)
Vehicle Type Compact SUV
Fuel Options Petrol / Diesel
Engine Type 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol / 1.5L CRDi Diesel
Displacement 1497 cc / 1493 cc
Max Power 115 PS / 116 PS
Max Torque 144 Nm / 250 Nm
Transmission 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 Litres / 50 Litres
Claimed Mileage 16–17 km/l / 19–20 km/l
Length 4365 mm
Width 1800 mm
Height 1645 mm
Wheelbase 2610 mm
Boot Space 447 Litres
Wheel Size 16-inch Steel Wheels
Tyre Size 205/65 R16
Touchscreen Infotainment 10.25-inch
Airbags 6
Bharat NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Adult Occupant Protection 31.70 / 32
Child Occupant Protection 45 / 49

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price of the 2026 Kia Seltos HTE?
It starts at Rs 10.99 lakh for petrol and goes up to Rs 12.59 lakh for diesel, ex showroom.
Does the Kia Seltos HTE come with a sunroof?
No, the base HTE variant does not include a sunroof. The panoramic sunroof is introduced from the HTK (O) variant onwards.
How many colors are available for the 2026 Kia Seltos HTE?
The HTE variant is offered in multiple color options including Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Imperial Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Pewter Olive, and Intense Red.
Does the HTE get an automatic gearbox?
No, the HTE trim is manual only. Automatic options come on higher variants of the Seltos.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Kia Seltos HTE isn’t just the most affordable Seltos it’s a smart, well equipped compact SUV that covers all the basics: safety, comfort, tech, and style. With features like a reverse parking camera and great value for money, it’s worth a test drive if you’re looking for a new SUV. Visit your nearest Kia dealership and see if it’s the right fit for you!

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