Two Seltos, one badge
The Kia Seltos is currently living a split existence. In India — its largest market — the all-new second generation launched in January 2026, visibly larger and more sophisticated than the car it replaced. In America, dealers continue selling the first-generation 2026 model, refreshed and repriced but fundamentally the six-year-old design.
For US buyers, that creates the classic transition-year question: take the proven, discounted old car, or wait for the redesign?
What America sells today
The 2026 Seltos in US showrooms starts at $23,790 for the LX FWD — notably, about $1,000 less than the equivalent 2025 after Kia repositioned the range. Two engines continue: a 147-hp 2.0-litre on volume trims and a 190-hp 1.6-litre turbo on the SX AWD. Equipment runs generous for the money — dual 10.25-inch displays are available, and FWD/AWD choice now extends through most of the range.
It remains one of the better value subcompact SUVs on sale: honest space, strong warranty, unpretentious to run.
What's reported about the new one
Industry reporting indicates the redesigned Seltos reaches the US market during 2026, with coverage pointing to a summer arrival window and pricing expected to climb from the current car's floor — estimates in trade coverage have spanned roughly $25,000 to $38,000 across the eventual range. Kia America has not, at this writing, published final US specifications, trim structure or on-sale date, so treat the details as reported rather than confirmed.
What the Indian-market car demonstrates is the direction: a larger footprint, a substantially more premium cabin, and a technology step that moves the Seltos from budget-value positioning toward the segment's upper tier.
The honest assessment
The current car's $1,000 price cut is the tell — Kia is keeping the outgoing generation attractive while the transition plays out, and dealers will deal further as the new car nears. If you need a subcompact SUV now, the discounted first-gen Seltos is a rational buy with a fully proven record; it just won't feel current for long.
If you can wait, the new generation is a genuine step forward rather than a reskin — but budget for the near-certainty that it starts thousands above today's $23,790, eroding exactly the value case that made the Seltos matter.
The questions buyers actually ask
Should I wait for the new Seltos? Wait if cabin quality and tech lead your list and your timeline is flexible. Buy now if price is the point — the outgoing car at a discount is the cheaper proposition by a wide margin.
Will the turbo survive the redesign? India's new range restructured its engines; the US line-up is unconfirmed. Turbo loyalists should watch the official announcement.
Is the old car outdated? Aged, not outdated — its equipment-per-dollar still embarrasses newer rivals. The redesign wins on refinement, not necessity.
- The all-new Seltos is on sale in India; the US still sells the first generation from $23,790
- The current US car is $1,000 cheaper than last year — a deliberate run-out incentive
- Reports point to a 2026 US arrival for the new generation; Kia hasn't confirmed final details
- Expect the redesign to cost meaningfully more than today's entry price
- Need one now: buy the discount. Value the redesign: the wait is months, not years
Key takeaways
- The all-new Seltos is on sale in India; the US still sells the first generation from $23,790
- The current US car is $1,000 cheaper than last year — a deliberate run-out incentive
- Reports point to a 2026 US arrival for the new generation; Kia hasn't confirmed final details
- Expect the redesign to cost meaningfully more than today's entry price
- Need one now: buy the discount. Value the redesign: the wait is months, not years
Sources & further reading
- Kia America 2026 Seltos pricing announcements
- Indian-market launch coverage of the new generation
- US trade reporting on arrival timing (Carscoops and segment coverage), 2025–2026
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
