2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic: Price, Features, Engine Options, and Real World Value

2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic front fascia with LED headlamps and DRLs

2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic

The Kia Seltos HTK Optional sits in a very interesting spot in the Seltos lineup. It is not the base model, not the top variant either. But it adds just enough features to give you a premium feel without pushing the price into top model territory.

If you want a variant that balances features, powertrain choices, and price, this is the one many buyers naturally look at.

Let’s break down what this variant actually offers.

Kia Seltos HTK Optional Price

The HTK Optional sits above the regular HTK variant.

Ex showroom price range:

  • Starts at ₹14.19 lakh

  • Goes up to ₹17.09 lakh

Compared to the standard HTK, you pay roughly ₹1.10 lakh extra. But this extra cost brings several important features, especially in the automatic versions.

Powertrain Options: Biggest Strength of This Variant

One of the main reasons this variant stands out is the wide choice of engine and gearbox combinations. Surprisingly, it offers more combinations than some higher variants.

Engine and gearbox options

EnginePowerTorqueGearbox Options
1.5L NA petrol115 PS144 NmManual, IVT
1.5L turbo petrol160 PS253 NmiMT, DCT
1.5L diesel116 PS250 NmManual, Automatic

If you want flexibility while choosing the engine and transmission, this variant gives you almost every option available in the Seltos range.

Engine bay of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic
Under the bonnet, the 1.5 litre diesel engine delivers a balance of performance and efficiency.

Exterior Design and Features

The design of the Seltos may look unusual at first glance, but it tends to grow on you with time. The HTK Optional keeps the overall muscular and modern look intact.

Key exterior highlights

  • LED headlamps with dual DRLs

  • Halogen turn indicators

  • Front parking sensors

  • 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels

  • 215/60 R17 tyre profile

  • Body cladding for SUV stance

  • Electrically adjustable and auto fold ORVMs with indicators

  • Motorised pop out door handles

  • Gloss black roof rails

  • Shark fin antenna and rear spoiler

  • Connected LED tail lamps

  • Rear camera with parking sensors

The front parking sensors are a useful addition in this variant, especially considering the size of the Seltos.

2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic front fascia with LED headlamps and DRLs
The front fascia of the 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional shows its LED headlamps, signature DRLs, and upright SUV stance.
Front profile of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic
The front profile highlights the tall bonnet, wide grille, and confident stance of the 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic.
Side profile of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic with roof rails
The side profile reveals the clean character lines, black cladding, and roof rails that enhance the SUV’s road presence.
17 inch diamond cut alloy wheel of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic
The 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels add a premium touch to the overall stance of the Seltos.
Three quarter profile of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic
The three quarter angle gives a complete view of the SUV’s proportions, combining the muscular side profile with the sleek rear design.
Rear profile of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic with connected LED tail lamps
The rear profile features connected LED tail lamps, a high mounted stop lamp, and a clean tailgate design.

Boot Space and Practicality

The Seltos offers a practical and easy to use boot.

Boot features

  • Parcel tray included

  • 60:40 split rear seats

  • Flat loading area with no lip

  • Boot light

  • 16 inch steel spare wheel

The loading area is wide and usable. No awkward shapes or high lips to deal with.

Kia Seltos boot space practicality
The spacious boot and 60:40 split rear seats make the Seltos practical for everyday luggage.

Interior and Dashboard

Once inside, the cabin feels premium for this price point. The layout is clean, and the design looks modern without being overdone.

Interior highlights

  • Leather wrapped steering wheel

  • Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment

  • Cruise control

  • Drive and traction modes in automatic

  • Paddle shifters in automatic variants

  • 8 way power adjustable driver seat in automatic

  • Ventilated front seats in automatic

Front interior of 2026 Kia Seltos HTK Optional Diesel Automatic with dashboard and infotainment
The front cabin combines a modern dashboard, large infotainment screen, digital cluster, and comfortable seats.
Kia Seltos centre console and dashboard controls
The centre console houses the gear selector, climate controls, infotainment interface, and neatly placed AC vents.
Kia Seltos multifunction steering wheel
The leather wrapped steering wheel comes with mounted controls for audio, calls, and cruise functions.

Infotainment and Tech

Main tech features

  • 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

  • 12 inch digital instrument cluster with 4.2 inch MID

  • Front and rear parking sensors

  • Reverse camera with adaptive guidelines

  • Four speakers and two tweeters

  • Manual AC with premium looking layout

  • Three Type C charging ports

  • Wireless charger

  • Push button start stop

  • Electronic parking brake in automatic

The system is responsive, and the display clarity is good. The camera quality also feels better than many rivals.

Kia Seltos digital instrument cluster
The digital instrument cluster displays speed, trip data, mileage, and vehicle information clearly.
Kia Seltos infotainment touchscreen
The large touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for easy connectivity.

Panoramic Sunroof

The HTK Optional is one of the more affordable Seltos variants to offer a panoramic sunroof. It opens quickly and adds a strong premium feel to the cabin.

Kia Seltos panoramic sunroof
The panoramic sunroof brings in more light and enhances the premium feel of the cabin.

Rear Seat Comfort

The second row is one of the strong points of the Seltos.

Rear seat highlights

  • Three adjustable headrests

  • Full leatherette upholstery in HTK Optional

  • Good knee room and headroom for tall passengers

  • Reclining seatback

  • Rear AC vents

  • Type C charging ports

  • Centre armrest with cup holders

The width is decent, and three adults can sit without major discomfort. Seat cushioning is soft and comfortable for long drives.

Kia Seltos front seats comfort
The front seats offer good cushioning, ventilation in automatic variants, and a comfortable driving position.
Kia Seltos second row seating space
The second row provides generous legroom, adjustable headrests, and rear AC vents for passenger comfort.

Safety Features

Safety equipment remains solid for this variant.

Key safety features

  • Six airbags

  • ABS with EBD

  • Traction control

  • Vehicle stability control

  • Hill descent control

There are no major safety compromises here.

Ride and Build Feel

The updated suspension setup feels more comfortable than the earlier Seltos. It handles bumps better and feels more settled on rough roads.

Build quality also feels improved. The bonnet and doors give a more solid feel while opening and closing.

Should You Buy the HTK Optional Variant

If you just want a big SUV with basic features, the base Seltos itself does the job.

But if you want:

  • Premium interior feel

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Better tech features

  • Multiple engine and gearbox choices

  • Strong value without going to the top model

Then the HTK Optional makes a lot of sense.

It delivers most of the luxury feel of the top variant without the full top variant price. For many buyers, this becomes the sweet spot in the Seltos lineup.

If you want the segment experience without overspending, this is the variant worth shortlisting.

Kia Seltos HTK Optional FAQs

What is the price of the Kia Seltos HTK Optional?

The Kia Seltos HTK Optional starts at around ₹14.19 lakh and goes up to about ₹17.09 lakh ex showroom. It costs roughly ₹1.10 lakh more than the regular HTK variant, but it adds several premium features, especially in the automatic version.

What engine options are available in the HTK Optional variant?

This variant offers all major powertrain options. There is a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol with 115 PS, a 1.5 litre turbo petrol with 160 PS, and a 1.5 litre diesel with 116 PS. Gearbox choices include manual, IVT, iMT, DCT, and automatic depending on the engine.

Does the HTK Optional come with a panoramic sunroof?

Yes, the HTK Optional variant offers a panoramic sunroof. It opens quickly and adds a strong premium feel to the cabin, which is one of the main reasons buyers consider this variant.

What are the key exterior features of this variant?

The HTK Optional gets LED headlamps, dual DRLs, front parking sensors, connected LED tail lamps, 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels, auto fold ORVMs, motorised door handles, roof rails, and a rear camera with sensors.

What interior features does the HTK Optional automatic offer?

The automatic version adds several comfort features. These include an 8 way power adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, wireless charger, push button start, electronic parking brake, and drive modes.

How is the rear seat comfort in the Seltos HTK Optional?

The rear seat offers good knee room, headroom, and width. Three adults can sit without much trouble. It also gets reclining seatbacks, rear AC vents, adjustable headrests, and Type C charging ports.

What infotainment system does this variant get?

The HTK Optional comes with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets a 12 inch digital instrument cluster, four speakers, two tweeters, and front and rear parking sensors with camera.

What safety features are included in the HTK Optional?

Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, vehicle stability control, and hill descent control. There are no major safety compromises in this variant.

Is the Kia Seltos HTK Optional worth buying?

If you want a premium feel without paying for the top model, the HTK Optional makes a lot of sense. It offers a panoramic sunroof, strong tech features, multiple engine choices, and a more luxurious cabin compared to the base variants.

Related articles