Kia Seltos 2026 Variant-Wise Powertrain Options Explained

Kia has finally revealed the all-new Seltos 2026 with a larger body, a new cabin, and its signature three-engine lineup intact. While these engines have remained the same, how they have been doled out is extremely crucial to understand.

So, here's a simplified breakdown.

Kia Seltos 2026: Engine Line-Up

Kia keeps things very familiar yet flexible with the Seltos 2026, offering three engines to suit the varied buyers. First, there is the 1.5-litre petrol, which keeps things smooth and city-friendly with its 115 PS and 144 Nm. It also gets a 6-speed manual or iVT as well.

While performance sees a serious uptick with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol developing 160 PS and 253 Nm, it gets either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT paired with it.

Diesel users have the trusted 1.5-litre engine to go with 116 PS and 250 Nm as a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, while all versions are front-wheel drive to ensure options for commuters, highway users, and enthusiasts spread far and wide. You can also checkout more details about the Seltos here.

Kia Seltos 2026: Variant-Wise Powertrain Availability

Now that you have an idea about the options available in terms of engines and transmissions with the 2026 Seltos, let's head towards its variant lineup:

Kia Seltos 2026 HTE

The base HTE offers the most significant trims but the least amount of powertrain options. It gets the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with a 6-speed manual and the 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual.

There is no automatic option on offer, nor is there any turbo-petrol availability at this level.

Kia Seltos 2026 HTE (O)

The HTE (O) adds considerably to the lineup. It brings in the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol in both MT and iVT, and the 1.5 turbo-petrol with iMT.

The diesel buyers get to see both MT and AT, making this the first variant in the lineup where the diesel-automatic becomes available.

Kia Seltos 2026 HTK

The HTK variant is as wide as the HTE(O). It is carried forward with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol MT and iVT, 1.5 turbo-petrol iMT, and diesel MT and AT.

This positions the HTK as a core mid-variant, with good coverage for most users.

Kia Seltos 2026 HTK (O)

The HTK (O) is the first derivative to offer all engine-gearbox combinations: MT and iVT with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, iMT and DCT with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and MT and AT with the 1.5-litre diesel.

This trim provides a buyer the maximum flexibility among all those looking at the vehicle with varied options.

Kia Seltos 2026 HTX

HTX retains the lesser availability to position itself as a more premium feature-led variant. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol is available with MT and iVT, though the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is only available with DCT.

Diesel buyers still get both MT and AT to keep the long-distance users in the fold.

Kia Seltos 2026 HTX (A)

The HTX (A) carries the same powertrain options as the HTX: the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol gets MT and iVT; the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is DCT-only; and the diesel remains available with MT and AT. Want to know the variant-wise feature lineup of the Seltos? Check out this story.

This HTX (A) is more about technology upgrades than offering more drivetrain options.

Kia Seltos 2026 GTX*

The GTX marks the start of performance-oriented GT-Line. It does away with the naturally aspirated petrol completely, offering only the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with DCT, and the diesel AT. There is no diesel MT and no turbo-petrol iMT in this trim. You can also see how the GT-line and X-line looks in these images.

* Same options are available on the X-Line trim

Kia Seltos 2026 GTX (A)#

The GTX (A) also retains the tech-forward GT-Line package. It comes with the same options as X-Line, iVT on the naturally aspirated petrol, DCT on the turbo petrol, and automatic on the diesel. No manual options here. 

# Same powertrain options are available on the X-Line (A) trim

ZigSays…

The new variant structure of the Seltos spreads out each of these engines where it will make most sense: 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol across mainstream trims, diesel across value and premium variants, and turbo-petrol at the top.

In effect, this makes it easier to understand and compare powertrain options and then shortlist according to usage. 

Which of these powertrains do you think would be a sensible match, considering your budget and driving pattern? Let us know in the comments.