The 2026 Kia Seltos brings together practical design and energetic performance in a compact SUV built for everyday adventures. Whether navigating downtown Newmarket streets or heading north for weekend getaways, this subcompact crossover offers the flexibility urban and suburban drivers need. With a turbocharged engine option, advanced safety features, and connectivity tools that keep you linked to what matters, the Seltos delivers a well-rounded driving experience.
For drivers in Ontario seeking a capable daily companion, the Seltos stands out with its combination of available all-wheel drive, generous cargo space, and technology that simplifies modern life. From heated seats for cold mornings to smartphone integration that keeps your music and navigation accessible, this model addresses real-world needs without unnecessary complexity.
Turbocharged Performance for Responsive Driving
The 2026 Seltos offers two engine choices to match different driving preferences. The LX and EX trims feature a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup delivers smooth, predictable power for daily commutes and city driving.
For drivers wanting more spirited acceleration, the SX and X-Line trims come equipped with a 1.6 L 4-cylinder Turbo GDI engine. This turbocharged option generates 195 hp and 195 lb-ft, working through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged setup provides quicker throttle response when merging onto Highway 404 or passing slower traffic on rural Ontario roads.
All-wheel drive comes standard on the SX and X-Line trims, while LX and EX buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and AWD configurations. The AWD system includes a locking differential for improved traction on slippery surfaces, making it a practical choice for Ontario's unpredictable weather conditions.
Technology That Connects and Simplifies
Inside the Seltos, technology features focus on keeping you connected and informed without overwhelming the cabin. The EX Premium, SX, and X-Line trims include a 10.25" multimedia interface with integrated navigation, eliminating the need to rely solely on smartphone directions. HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio expand your entertainment options beyond basic AM/FM stations.
Kia Connect brings remote functionality to the Seltos, allowing you to start the engine, check vehicle status, or locate your SUV through a smartphone app. This proves particularly useful on cold Newmarket mornings when you want to warm the cabin before heading out.
The SX trim adds a Heads-up display system that projects key driving information onto a secondary screen above the steering wheel. This lets you monitor speed and navigation prompts while keeping your eyes on the road ahead. A 10.25" TFT LCD Supervision instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, providing clear digital readouts of essential vehicle data.
Digital Key 2 Touch technology turns your smartphone into a vehicle key, letting you unlock doors and start the engine without carrying a physical key fob. You can also share secure digital keys with family members or friends who need to use the vehicle.
Key Technology Features:
- 10.25" touchscreen with navigation (EX Premium and above)
- Wireless phone charging (EX Premium and above)
- Digital Key 2 Touch (SX and X-Line)
- Bose premium audio system with 10 speakers (SX and X-Line)
Cargo Flexibility for Active Lifestyles
The Seltos provides 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, creating room for camping gear, sports equipment, or home improvement supplies. With rear seats in place, the cargo area offers 752 litres—enough for weekly grocery runs or luggage for a weekend trip.
A dual-level cargo floor lets you adjust the loading height based on what you're carrying. Lower the floor for taller items, or raise it to create a flat loading surface that aligns with the folded rear seatbacks. Integrated roof rails on all trims add the option to mount cargo carriers or roof boxes when you need to transport bulkier items.
The power liftgate, available on EX Premium and higher trims, opens automatically when you stand near the rear of the vehicle for three seconds with the Smart Key in your pocket or purse. This hands-free operation proves helpful when your arms are full of packages or equipment.
Safety Features That Support Confident Driving
The 2026 Seltos includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to help you avoid potential hazards. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors the road ahead and can apply brakes automatically if it detects an imminent collision. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Follow Assist work together to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane on highway drives.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, alerting you with visual and audible warnings if a vehicle enters your blind spot. When changing lanes, the system can apply braking power if it determines a collision risk exists.
Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance-Assist helps when backing out of parking spaces by detecting approaching vehicles and alerting you to their presence. The system can apply brakes if cross traffic gets too close. Safe Exit Assist prevents rear doors from opening when the system detects vehicles approaching from behind, protecting passengers exiting the vehicle.
The EX Premium trim adds Advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist, which provides steering and speed control support during highway driving. These features work alongside standard equipment like electronic stability control, hill-assist control, and downhill brake control to support confident vehicle operation in various conditions.
Comfort Features for Daily Use

Climate control in the Seltos ranges from standard air conditioning in the LX trim to automatic climate control in higher trims, letting you set a preferred temperature rather than manually adjusting fan speeds. Heated front seats come standard across all trims, while the EX Premium adds heated rear seats and air-cooled front seats for summer comfort.
The EX Premium, SX, and X-Line trims feature Sofino leather seating surfaces that resist wear and clean easily compared to cloth. Power-adjustable front seats with memory functions in the EX Premium allow you to save preferred seating positions, useful when multiple drivers share the vehicle.
Ambient mood lighting in the EX Premium and above creates a more refined cabin atmosphere during evening drives. The heated steering wheel, standard on EX and higher trims, makes cold-weather driving more comfortable without waiting for the cabin to warm up completely.
At a Glance: 2026 Kia Seltos
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Feature Category
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Key Details
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Engine Options
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2.0 L 4-cylinder (147 hp) or 1.6 L Turbo (195 hp)
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Transmission
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IVT or 8-speed automatic
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Drivetrain
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FWD or AWD with locking differential
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Cargo Space
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1,778 L (seats folded), 752 L (seats up)
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Fuel Tank
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50 L capacity
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Fuel Economy
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7.6 L/100 km combined (FWD base), 9.2 L/100 km combined (Turbo AWD)
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Safety Tech
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
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Infotainment
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8" or 10.25" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Seating
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Cloth or Sofino leather, heated front seats standard
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Explore the Seltos at Kia of Newmarket
The 2026 Kia Seltos offers Ontario drivers a practical blend of turbocharged performance, useful technology, and safety features that support confident driving. For those prioritizing the efficiency of the base engine or the spirited acceleration of the turbocharged option, the Seltos lineup provides trim levels to match different preferences and budgets.
From the value-focused LX to the tech-equipped X-Line, each Seltos variant brings standard features like heated seats, smartphone integration, and comprehensive safety systems. The available AWD system and generous cargo space make it a capable choice for drivers who need versatility without moving up to a larger SUV.
Learn more about the 2026 Kia Seltos at Kia of Newmarket in Newmarket. Our team can walk you through the trim levels, answer questions about features, and help you explore how the Seltos fits your driving needs.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca