Everything Ontario Buyers Want to Know About the 2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos is a compact SUV built for Ontario drivers who need versatility, modern technology, and a choice of powertrains. If you're shopping for a small SUV that fits city parking and weekend road trips equally well, the Seltos delivers. Here's what you need to know.

What Body Style Is the 2026 Kia Seltos?

The Seltos is a compact SUV with five doors and seating for five. It sits higher than a sedan, making it easier to get in and out, and the refined driving position gives you a better view of traffic. The design is practical - roof rails come standard for carrying bikes or cargo boxes, and the rear privacy glass keeps your gear out of sight.

What Trims Are Available?

The 2026 Seltos lineup includes seven configurations across five trim levels. Here's how they break down:

LX is the entry point, available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It includes heated front seats, an 8-inch display, and Kia's full suite of collision avoidance systems.

EX adds LED lighting, a power sunroof, Sofino leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. It's available in FWD or AWD.

EX Premium is AWD-only and upgrades to dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless phone charging, and heated rear seats. This is the trim for buyers who want the full tech package without stepping up to the turbo engine.

SX switches to the 1.6L turbo engine with 195 hp and an 8-speed automatic. It adds a Bose premium audio system, heads-up display, and Digital Key 2 Touch.

X-Line is the rugged variant of the SX. It features glossy black wheels, gun metal accents on the grille and skid plates, and bar-style black roof rails. Mechanically, it's identical to the SX.

What Engines Are Available?

The Seltos offers two engines, and your choice depends on the trim you select.

2.0L 4-Cylinder MPI (LX, EX, EX Premium): 

This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). It's tuned for smooth, efficient driving around town and on the highway. Fuel economy is 7.6 L/100 km combined in FWD models and 8.2 L/100 km combined in AWD models - competitive for a small AWD SUV.

1.6L 4-Cylinder Turbo GDI (SX, X-Line): 

The turbo engine delivers 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It's noticeably quicker off the line and more responsive when merging or passing. Fuel economy is 9.2 L/100 km combined - a reasonable trade-off for the extra power.

How Much Cargo Space Does It Have?

The Seltos offers 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded - enough for a full grocery run plus hockey bags, or a weekend's worth of camping gear. With the seats up, you still get 752 litres, which is more than enough for daily errands.

The dual-level cargo floor is a standout feature. You can lower the floor for taller items or raise it to create a flat load surface when the seats are folded. The power liftgate (available on EX Premium and above) opens automatically if you stand near the vehicle for three seconds with your Smart Key - helpful when your hands are full.

What Safety Features Come Standard?

Every Seltos includes Kia's full suite of collision avoidance systems:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead and can apply the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist uses radar to monitor your blind spots and can apply braking if you attempt to change lanes when another vehicle is alongside.
• Lane Follow Assist uses a front camera to keep you centred in your lane on the highway.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist watches for approaching traffic when you're backing out of a parking spot and can apply the brakes if needed.

EX Premium and higher trims add Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to reduce fatigue on long highway drives.

Additional safety features include Safe Exit Assist (alerts rear passengers if a vehicle is approaching when they open the door) and Rear Occupant Alert (reminds you to check the back seat before locking the vehicle).

What Technology Features Are Included?

Base LX models come with an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. Bluetooth hands-free calling and a 6-speaker audio system are standard.

EX Premium and higher trims upgrade to dual 10.25-inch displays - one for the infotainment system with integrated navigation, and one for the driver's instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging, HD radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio are included.

SX and X-Line trims add a Bose premium audio system, heads-up display (projects key driving information on a secondary screen above the steering wheel), and Digital Key 2 Touch (turns your smartphone into your car key and lets you share access with others).

Kia Connect is standard on the EX Premium trim and higher, providing remote start, vehicle status monitoring, and roadside assistance through your smartphone.

Is the Seltos Right for You?

The 2026 Kia Seltos is built for buyers who need a compact SUV that handles city parking, fits a family's gear, and offers modern safety and tech features. If you want the most efficient option, the LX or EX with the 2.0L engine and FWD delivers 7.6 L/100 km combined. If you want more power and standard AWD, the SX or X-Line with the 1.6L turbo is the choice.

To see the 2026 Kia Seltos up close and explore which trim fits your needs, visit Kia of Newmarket in Newmarket and book a test drive today.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca