The 2026 Kia Seltos is designed with a clear emphasis on mechanical precision and functional capability. Its build reflects a focus on consistent power delivery, structural efficiency, and balanced performance across a range of driving environments. The model lineup includes the LX, S, EX, and SX trims. Each trim remains aligned in its dimensional standards yet varies in powertrain and equipment to meet different operational needs. The information presented here reflects only the verified specifications provided for the model and is organized to highlight all essential technical features in a direct and neutral manner.

Engine Design and Power Output

The 2026 Kia Seltos offers two primary engine systems. The LX, S, and EX trims include a 2.0-liter multi-port injection Atkinson engine with aluminum block and head construction that supports reduced mass and steady thermal management. This engine delivers 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm along with 132 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. The bore and stroke measurement is 81.0 millimeters by 97.0 millimeters, and the compression ratio is 12.5 to 1. The fuel system uses Multi Point Injection and the lubrication system functions through an oil pump. Cooling is handled with a water pump system. Engine oil capacity is stated as 5.0 liters from the plant or 4.8 liters for after-service filling.

The SX trim features a 1.6-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection engine with a displacement of 1598 cubic centimeters and a bore and stroke of 75.6 millimeters by 89.0 millimeters. Its compression ratio is 10.0 to 1. This engine provides 190 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 pounds of torque beginning at 1700 rpm and extending to 4500 rpm. The valve system is identified as a 16-valve swing arm type. It uses Gasoline Direct Injection for improved fuel delivery precision. Cooling is again managed through a water pump system with the same oil capacity specifications as the 2.0-liter configuration. Both engines operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher and share the same emission control system identified as WCC plus UCC.

Transmission Systems and Drivetrain Structure

The 2.0-liter engine pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission that supports a wide ratio range. This system is available for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Ratio values span from 2.680 to 1 at the low end to 0.385 to 1 at the higher range. Reverse gear operates within a ratio range of 2.822 to 1 down to 1.822 to 1. The final gear ratio for these models is 6.052 to 1. Lubricant capacity for the transmission is 6.7 liters for front-wheel drive or 6.9 liters for all-wheel drive.

The SX trim uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. Gear ratios begin at 4.717 to 1 in first gear and progress to 0.635 to 1 in eighth gear. Reverse functions at 3.239 to 1, and the final drive ratio is 3.510 to 1. Lubricant capacity for this system is 6.5 liters.

Performance figures show clear distinctions between powertrain combinations. Front-wheel-drive models with the 2.0 engine reach 100 kilometers per hour in 9.3 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive versions of the same engine complete the same measure in 10.1 seconds. The SX all-wheel drive with the 1.6-liter turbo engine reaches 100 kilometers per hour in 8.4 seconds. Maximum speed ratings are 190 kilometers per hour for the 2.0-liter engine models and 210 kilometers per hour for the turbocharged SX. Braking distance from 60 miles per hour to zero is listed at 13 feet across all trims.

Dimensions and Exterior Measurements

All trims of the 2026 Kia Seltos share a consistent structural footprint. Wheelbase is 103.5 inches, and overall length is 172.6 inches. Width is measured at 70.9 inches. Height without roof rails is 63.6 inches, and height with roof rails is 64.2 inches. Minimum ground clearance is 7.3 inches. The approach angle is 28.0 degrees, and the departure angle is 26.8 degrees. These values apply to all versions of the model.

Front and rear tread measurements differ slightly based on drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive models register 61.6 inches at the front and between 61.9 and 62.0 inches at the rear depending on trim. All-wheel-drive models record 61.5 inches at the front and 61.9 inches at the rear for LX through EX, while the SX records 61.3 inches at the front and 61.8 inches at the rear. The front and rear overhangs measure 34.0 inches and 35.0 inches, respectively.

Interior Capacity and Cabin Space

Passenger dimensions remain consistent throughout the lineup. Front headroom is 40.0 inches for models without a sunroof and 38.5 inches for the EX and SX trims equipped with sunroofs. Rear is 38.4 inches across all configurations. Front legroom is 41.4 inches,, and rear legroom is 38.0 inches. Shoulder room measures 55.5 inches in the front and 54.9 inches in the rear. Front hip room is 53.0 inches, and rear hip room is 48.8 inches.

Cargo space follows the same pattern for all trims. Space behind the first row reaches 62.8 cubic feet with the dual-level cargo floor in its lower position. Space behind the second row provides 26.6 cubic feet of capacity. Passenger volume in the first row is 53.2 cubic feet, and in the second row it is 46.4 cubic feet.

Suspension and Handling Components

The front suspension of every trim uses a MacPherson® strut configuration. Rear suspension systems vary depending on drivetrain and trim. Front-wheel-drive models in the LX, S, and EX trims use a coupled torsion beam axle, while all-wheel-drive versions of those trims use a multi-link setup. The SX trim utilizes a multi-system as standard. Shock absorbers differ slightly. Front-wheel-drive trims use advanced valve shocks, while all-wheel-drive trims use conventional valve shocks. The SX trim uses conventional valve shocks for its multi-link system.

Steering uses a motor-driven, power-assisted rack-and-pinion system across all trims. The steering ratio is 12.8 to 1 with 2.5 turns lock to lock. Minimum turning circle radius is 5.3 meters.

Braking systems include ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. Front disc sizes are 11 inches for front-wheel drive and 12 inches for all-wheel drive. Rear discs measure 10 inches for front-wheel-drive models and 11 inches for all-wheel-drive models, including the SX. The brake booster size is 10.5 inches with a booster ratio of 10.0 to 1.

Wheels, Tires, and Weight Specifications

Front-wheel-drive trims use 17-inch alloy wheels sized at 7.0J by 17 inches and equipped with P215 55R17 tires. All-wheel-drive versions of the LX through EX trims use the same wheel and tire dimensions. The SX all-wheel drive uses 18-inch alloy wheels sized at 7.5J by 18 inches and fitted with P235 45R18 tires. All trims include a temporary spare tire sized T125 80D16.

Curb weight for front-wheel-drive models ranges from 2937 to 2970 pounds. All-wheel-drive models in the LX through EX trims range from 3109 to 3186 pounds. The SX ranges from 3248 to 3363 pounds. Roof load capacity is 221 pounds for all trims. Gross vehicle weight ratings for front-wheel-drive trims are 3969 pounds. All-wheel-drive trims range from 4212 to 4256 pounds.

Electrical Systems and Supporting Components

All engines use an AGM battery system. The LX, S, and EX trims include a 70 amp hour battery, and the SX trim includes a 60 amp hour battery. Alternators operate at 13.5 volts with output levels of 150 amps for the 2.0-liter engine models and 130 amps for the SX turbo model. Starters for the 2.0-liter engine operate at 12 volts and 1.4 kilowatts. The turbocharged SX operates with a 12-volt 0.9-kilowatt starter.

Package Availability

The EX trim offers a sunroof package that includes a power sunroof and 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The SX trim offers a sunroof package that includes a digital key along with a power sunroof and ventilated front seats.

Schedule a Test Ride at Plaza Kia

Drivers who want firsthand insight into the engineering of the 2026 Kia Seltos can schedule a test drive to evaluate its engines, transmissions, and structural capabilities in person. Experiencing the model on the road offers a clear sense of the power delivery from either engine along with the operation of the Intelligent Variable Transmission or the 8-speed automatic system. A test drive also provides direct familiarity with the steering response, suspension behavior, and cabin measurements. Those interested in these features can arrange a visit to review the vehicle in detail. Our team at Plaza Kia near Staten Island, NY, welcomes drivers who want to explore the technical strengths of the model and discuss which configuration aligns best with their needs.

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field