Khyati Sharma 2026-11-13
Kia cars India has achieved a major sales milestone as the Kia Seltos crossed 7 lakh cumulative sales in the domestic market. Since its launch in India in August 2019, the midsize SUV has recorded 7,04,829 units in domestic sales up to October 2026, making it one of the most successful models in the company's Indian portfolio.
The Seltos was Kia's first locally manufactured vehicle in India and played an important role in establishing the brand in the country's competitive passenger vehicle market. Its combination of distinctive styling, multiple engine options, modern features and SUV-inspired design helped it attract customers across different age groups.
The latest milestone also comes at a time when the second-generation Kia Seltos is contributing to stronger demand following its launch in January 2026.
Launched on August 22, 2019, the Kia Seltos quickly gained attention in India's midsize SUV cars segment. It entered the market with a feature-rich cabin, multiple variants and a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains.
According to reported sales data, the Seltos has achieved 7,04,829 domestic wholesale units between August 2019 and October 2026. The SUV accounts for a significant share of Kia India's cumulative domestic sales and remains the company's best-selling model in the country.
Apart from domestic demand, the Seltos has also been an important export product for Kia India, with more than 1.6 lakh units shipped to international markets.
The second-generation Kia Seltos was launched in India on January 2, 2026. The updated SUV brought changes to its design, dimensions, interior presentation, technology and overall equipment.
The new model has helped revive demand for the Seltos in the midsize SUV category. Between January and October 2026, the Seltos recorded 1,13,078 domestic wholesale units, compared with 60,526 units during the same period in 2025.
This represents year-on-year growth of approximately 87%.
The SUV also recorded 13,423 units in October 2026, making it one of Kia India's strongest-performing models during the month. October was also when its cumulative domestic sales crossed the 7 lakh mark.
The 2026 Kia Seltos is available with three 1.5-litre engine options in India. These include a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbo-petrol engine and a diesel engine.
The naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115hp, while the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine develops 160hp. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 116hp.
Transmission options vary according to the engine. Buyers can choose from manual and automatic gearbox options, including a CVT for the naturally aspirated petrol, a six-speed automatic for the diesel and a seven-speed DCT for the turbo-petrol version.
This variety allows the Seltos to appeal to customers looking for different combinations of performance, convenience and fuel efficiency.
The Kia Seltos is equipped with a range of comfort, convenience and technology features. Depending on the variant, the SUV offers a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital driver's display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting.
Other equipment includes connected car technology, wireless charging, a premium sound system and a 360-degree camera.
The SUV has also received a five-star Bharat NCAP crash-test rating, adding to its safety credentials in the Indian market.
The Seltos remains an important product for Kia India, even as the company expands its portfolio with models such as the Sonet, Carens Clavis, Syros and other upcoming vehicles.
The SUV's cumulative domestic sales of 7,04,829 units highlight its contribution to Kia's growth since entering India. Its strong performance in 2026 also reflects renewed demand following the arrival of the second-generation model.
With competition increasing in the midsize SUV segment, the Seltos will continue to face pressure from established rivals and newer products. However, its established customer base, multiple powertrain choices and updated feature package remain important parts of its market positioning.
The latest 7 lakh sales milestone marks an important achievement for Kia's first made-in-India SUV. The second-generation model has already contributed significantly to the company's 2026 sales performance, with more than 1.13 lakh units dispatched between January and October.
Kia is expected to continue focusing on the Seltos as one of its key products in India. Its future performance will depend on customer demand, competition, pricing and the company's ability to keep the SUV updated with changing buyer expectations.
For now, crossing 7 lakh domestic sales confirms the Seltos' importance in Kia India's journey and its position among the country's established midsize SUVs.
