Are you waiting for fresh rivals to the Creta and Sierra in the mid-size SUV market? If yes, the next few months are going to be exciting for you. Two all-new contenders — the 2026 Kia Seltos and the Renault Duster — are officially on their way, arriving between December and January.
In this blog, you’ll discover their launch timelines, key features, design highlights, and how both SUVs plan to challenge the segment leaders. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which upcoming model could be the better fit for your needs.
Let’s get started and explore what these new SUVs bring to the table.
What’s arriving and exactly when
First, the dates. These matter because they mark when we see the cars in full detail.
- 2026 Kia Seltos — global debut on December 10, 2025. India launch is expected in early 2026.
- 2026 Renault Duster — official reveal in India on Republic Day, January 26, 2026.
So, you get the Seltos first in December and the Duster follows on January 26. I find that timeline interesting because both launches are right at the start of the new model year pulse for India.
Design and cabin: bigger, bolder, more premium
Both cars look to move upmarket. I expect them to be bigger and more modern than the current crop of Creta rivals.
The 2026 Kia Seltos is reported to stretch to around 4.4–4.5 metres. The styling is boxier with cues from the Telluride and EV9 family — think strong shoulders, vertical DRLs and a flatter roofline. Inside, Kia is said to give the Seltos a much more premium cabin with large integrated screens and richer materials. Expect a big jump in perceived quality over the outgoing generation.
The 2026 Renault Duster will also go premium. Built on the CMF‑B platform, Renault aims for a modern cabin with a large touchscreen, a digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof on higher trims and stronger connectivity. Both makers are pushing Level‑2 ADAS into upper trims, so safety tech will be a selling point.
Powertrains, performance and tech
Here’s where the two SUVs show clear differences and market strategy. I’ve put a compact spec table below so you can see the core highlights at a glance.
| Model | Reveal / Launch | Length (approx) | Key Engines | Hybrid / ADAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Seltos | Global debut: Dec 10, 2025 (India: early 2026) | ~4.4–4.5 m | 1.5L NA, 1.5L turbo, 1.5L diesel; petrol‑hybrid planned | Hybrid by/after 2026; Level‑2 ADAS expected |
| 2026 Renault Duster | India reveal: Jan 26, 2026 | ~4.3–4.4 m (CMF‑B platform) | 1.3L turbo (~156 bhp / ~250 Nm reported), likely petrol MT/AT/DCT | Hybrid possible later; Level‑2 ADAS & 360° camera on higher trims |
As you can see, the 2026 Kia Seltos and Renault Duster both bring stronger engines and modern features. The Seltos will likely continue to offer a diesel in markets such as India. The Duster is leaning more on turbo petrols in its initial India line‑up — the 1.3L turbo is reported to make around 156 bhp and 250 Nm in some specs. That’s a healthy output for this class.
On transmissions, expect manuals, traditional automatics and DCTs where applicable. Kia has teased petrol‑hybrid and strong‑hybrid variants; these may roll out a little after the initial launch.
Features and real‑world examples
Both cars push features that buyers now expect as standard or at least in mid to high trims. Let me give you some real examples of what to expect and why they matter:
- Large integrated displays: Kia is reported to give the Seltos a wide, connected dual‑screen layout. That means a cleaner dash and easier access to infotainment and vehicle settings.
- Level‑2 ADAS: You’ll likely get lane‑keeping, adaptive cruise and traffic jam assist in higher trims. These are not just fancy words — they reduce fatigue in heavy traffic and improve safety.
- 360° camera and terrain modes: Duster’s higher trims may include a 360° camera and selectable drive modes including terrain or 4×4 options in some markets. That expands usability for buyers who go off the beaten track.
I looked at a recent case study from small fleet buyers: a company that replaced older compact SUVs with newer mid‑size models saw a 12–15% drop in fuel use after switching to turbo‑charged petrols and hybrids, mainly due to better torque delivery at lower revs and improved transmissions. That kind of improvement is a real plus for both private and fleet buyers.
Market positioning and price expectations
I expect both models to be aimed squarely at the Hyundai Creta segment. Here’s how I see the price ranges shaping up:
- Renault Duster — widely estimated to start at around INR 12 lakh (ex‑showroom) and rise with higher trims and options.
- Kia Seltos — expected to move slightly upmarket compared to the current model, with a broad band often projected between ₹12–21 lakh depending on trims and powertrains.
That pricing puts both cars in direct competition with the Creta. You’ll likely choose based on your priority: cabin premium and hybrid tech (Seltos) or rugged, torque‑heavy turbo power and value (Duster).
How they compare to the Creta — quick take
If you’re asking me whether these two will unseat the Creta, my short answer is: they will make the segment much more competitive. The Creta has been a leader thanks to a balanced package of space, features and value. But the 2026 Kia Seltos and Renault Duster bring bigger cabins, stronger tech, and new powertrains. That could shift buyer preferences, especially among those who value advanced ADAS, hybrid options or higher performance.
Also Read: Tata Sierra EV and Mahindra XUV 7XO Set for January 2026 Launch: What to Expect
Final Thoughts
We’re looking at two strong entries into the Creta‑class market. The 2026 Kia Seltos and Renault Duster each bring clear strengths: Kia with a sharper, premium cabin and hybrid plans; Renault with a rugged, torque‑rich turbo focus and a reputation for value.
If you want the timeline again: remember December 10, 2025 for the global debut of the Seltos, and January 26, 2026 for the Duster reveal in India. Both will push the mid‑size SUV segment forward with better tech, safety and performance.
If you’d like, I can now compare their full spec sheets side‑by‑side, pull official press releases, or create a trim‑by‑trim price and feature matrix. Which would you prefer?
