Shopping for a compact SUV in Quebec? The 2026 Kia Seltos continues to offer a practical pairing of space, technology, and value.
What Body Style Is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a compact SUV. It sits higher than a sedan, giving you better visibility in traffic and easier entry and exit. The refined seating position is especially helpful in winter when navigating snowy parking lots or merging onto busy highways.
Despite its compact footprint, the Seltos offers generous interior space and cargo flexibility. It's sized for city driving but capable enough for highway trips and light off-road use.
What Trims Are Available for the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Seltos lineup includes six configurations: LX FWD, LX AWD, EX FWD, EX AWD, EX PREMIUM, SX, and X-Line. Each trim is designed for a different type of buyer.
LX FWD and LX AWD are built for budget-conscious buyers who want the essentials. You get 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of collision avoidance systems. The LX AWD adds all-wheel drive for better traction in winter.
EX FWD and EX AWD are the sweet spot for most buyers. They upgrade to LED lighting, a power sunroof, Sofino leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. If you want comfort and convenience without stepping up to the premium trims, these are your trims. The EX FWD offers front-wheel drive for better fuel economy, while the EX AWD provides all-wheel drive for enhanced winter traction.
EX PREMIUM adds the tech-focused features. You get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, smart cruise control, a power liftgate, and heated rear seats. Highway Driving Assist and Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist are also included. This trim comes standard with all-wheel drive.
SX is for buyers who want a sportier feel. It comes with a 1.6L turbo engine producing 195 hp, an 8-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, a Bose premium audio system, a heads-up display, and a sport steering wheel. The SX is all-wheel drive only.
X-Line shares the same powertrain as the SX but adds rugged styling cues and off-road-inspired design elements.
What Engine Options Are Available?
The 2026 Seltos offers two engines, depending on the trim.
LX and EX trims come with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and runs on regular unleaded fuel. This engine is tuned for smooth, efficient daily driving.
SX and X-Line trims upgrade to a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and also runs on regular unleaded. The turbo engine delivers quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, especially on highway merges and passing maneuvers.
What Are the Drivetrain Options?
The LX and EX are both available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). If you mostly drive in the city and want to save on fuel, the FWD versions are solid choices. If you need better traction for winter driving or occasional gravel roads, the AWD versions are the better options.
The EX PREMIUM, SX, and X-Line trims all come standard with all-wheel drive. This gives you added confidence in snow, rain, and slippery conditions.
How Much Cargo Space Does the Seltos Offer?
The 2026 Seltos offers 752 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats (with the rear cargo floor lowered). That's enough for a full grocery run plus hockey bags or a stroller and diaper bag.
Fold the rear seats down and you unlock 1,778 litres of cargo space. That's enough for a weekend camping trip, a trip to IKEA, or hauling sports equipment for the whole family. The dual-level cargo floor lets you adjust the height to fit taller items or create a flat loading surface.
The power liftgate (available on EX PREMIUM, SX, and X-Line) opens automatically if you stand next to the vehicle for three seconds with your Smart Key in your pocket. It's a small feature that makes a big difference when your hands are full.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Can I Expect?
Fuel economy varies by trim and drivetrain.
LX FWD and EX FWD return an estimated 8.3 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, and 7.6 L/100 km combined. That's competitive for a compact SUV and translates to fewer stops at the pump.
LX AWD, EX AWD, and EX PREMIUM (all with AWD and the 2.0L engine) return an estimated 8.8 L/100 km city, 7.5 L/100 km highway, and 8.2 L/100 km combined. The slight increase is expected with all-wheel drive.
SX and X-Line (with the 1.6L turbo and AWD) return an estimated 9.7 L/100 km city, 8.6 L/100 km highway, and 9.2 L/100 km combined. The turbo engine trades a bit of efficiency for more power.
Is the 2026 Kia Seltos Eligible for EV Incentives?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a gasoline-powered vehicle and does not qualify for the federal EVAP (Electric Vehicle Affordability Program) incentives, which are reserved for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, the Seltos remains an affordable option with strong value for buyers who prefer a traditional powertrain.
Trim Comparison at a Glance
|
Trim
|
Engine
|
Drivetrain
|
|
LX FWD
|
2.0L (147 hp)
|
FWD
|
|
LX AWD
|
2.0L (147 hp)
|
AWD
|
|
EX FWD
|
2.0L (147 hp)
|
FWD
|
|
EX AWD
|
2.0L (147 hp)
|
AWD
|
|
EX PREMIUM
|
2.0L (147 hp)
|
AWD
|
|
SX
|
1.6L Turbo (195 hp)
|
AWD
|
|
X-Line
|
1.6L Turbo (195 hp)
|
AWD
|
Ready to Explore the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos offers a trim for every type of buyer. If you're looking for an affordable compact SUV with strong safety features and flexible cargo space, the Seltos delivers.
Our team at Lallier Kia Vimont is here to help you compare trims, answer questions, and schedule a test drive.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca
