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2026 Kia Seltos Engine Options & Efficiency

Choose Your Power: Engine & Transmission Options on the 2026 Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos offers two distinct powertrains to suit divergent driving priorities. Its base 2.0 L four-cylinder mated to an Intelligent Variable Transmission delivers 147 hp, 132 lb-ft of torque and as low as 7.6 L/100 km combined in front-wheel drive (8.2 L/100 km with AWD). An available 1.6 L Turbo GDI engine produces 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, pairs exclusively with an eight-speed automatic and AWD, and returns 9.2 L/100 km combined. Both engines run on regular unleaded fuel and integrate Drive Mode Select—Eco, Normal and Sport—to tailor throttle response and shift patterns for city streets, highways or spirited drives.

Fuel-sipping efficiency and turbocharged performance share one compact crossover without premium-grade requirements. Both transmissions smooth power delivery: the IVT offers seamless acceleration, while the eight-speed auto holds the turbo engine in its optimal power band. Cargo capacity (752 L behind the rear seats, 1 778 L folded) and cabin appointments remain identical regardless of drivetrain choice, ensuring your space and comfort needs are always met.

Compare the base 2.0 L MPI and 1.6 L Turbo GDI engines for your typical driving demands.
Test both powertrains in a mixed-route drive to evaluate throttle response, acceleration and fuel use.
Select Eco, Normal or Sport mode to experience how Drive Mode Select alters engine mapping and shift logic.
Inspect AWD performance on slippery or uneven surfaces versus front-wheel drive efficiency.
Confirm identical cargo and passenger room by checking the 752 L/1 778 L load configurations in each model.

By offering fuel-efficient and turbocharged powertrains with matching interiors and cargo flexibility, the Seltos lets drivers prioritise economy or performance without sacrificing space, comfort or all-season capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific engine and transmission combinations available on the 2026 Seltos, and how do they differ in performance and efficiency?

The 2026 Seltos comes standard with a 2.0 L MPI four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp at 6 200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4 500 rpm, linked to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This pairing focuses on smooth, continuous acceleration and achieves a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.6 L/100 km in FWD or 8.2 L/100 km in AWD. The optional 1.6 L Turbo GDI, reserved for SX and X-Line trims, delivers 195 hp at 6 000 rpm and 195 lb-ft at 4 500 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. Despite its higher output, this turbocharged setup returns a respectable 9.2 L/100 km combined, offering brisker acceleration for highway merging and hill climbs without premium fuel requirements.

How does the Intelligent Variable Transmission in the base 2.0 L engine optimise fuel economy?

The IVT replaces fixed gears with a belt-and-pulley system that adjusts ratios seamlessly, maintaining the engine within its most efficient rpm range. Under light throttle, it keeps revs low to conserve fuel; during acceleration, it continuously alters the ratio for smooth power delivery without the noticeable shift points of a conventional automatic. Paired with Eco drive mode—which softens throttle response and alters IVT behaviour—the system minimises consumption during stop-and-go city traffic, making the 2.0 L Seltos one of the most economical choices in its class.

What driving scenarios benefit most from the 1.6 L Turbo GDI engine and its eight-speed automatic transmission?

Drivers who frequently merge onto highways, navigate hilly terrain or carry heavier loads will appreciate the 1.6 L Turbo GDI’s instant torque and wider power band. The eight-speed automatic transmission offers multiple closely spaced ratios, ensuring the engine remains in its optimal output zone, whether accelerating from a standstill or passing slower traffic. Sport drive mode sharpens throttle mapping and accelerates shift points for a more engaging feel, while the standard AWD system channels power to all four wheels, maximising traction on wet, snowy or gravel surfaces.

Does choosing one engine over the other affect the Seltos’s cargo space or interior features?

No. Both the 2.0 L and 1.6 L Turbo GDI variants share the same cabin dimensions, cargo volume and feature availability. You retain 752 L of cargo room behind the rear seats and 1 778 L with them folded, along with identical storage compartments, seating configurations and multimedia options. Trims equipped with the turbo engine may add premium appurtenances—such as larger alloy wheels or unique interior accents—but the core passenger and cargo footprint remains unchanged.

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