The one fixed in life is change, until you’re speaking concerning the Kia Seltos.
Be aware: That is an up to date model of a assessment first printed in October 2024. Avoid wasting minor worth modifications, there haven’t been any specification modifications since publication.
We’ve up to date key particulars, such because the pricing, with probably the most up-to-date info obtainable.
To learn the unique model of this assessment, click on right here.
WATCH: Paul’s video assessment of the 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line 1.6T AWD
Carried into the 2025 mannequin yr unaltered, the Seltos remains to be a extremely useful and satisfying small SUV, though the shine has began to put on off for consumers.
A complete of 7777 examples have been bought throughout 2024, a 25.7 per cent drop on gross sales in comparison with the yr prior.
Maybe that’s as a result of emergence of recent opponents within the small SUV area, or possibly it’s the entry worth that makes much less sense than the $25,000 drive-away sticker for which you would snap up a base Seltos again in 2019.
Regardless, the Seltos has misplaced some followers.
If you happen to’re beginning to doubt the relevance of the Seltos in 2025, don’t click on off this web page simply but. The entry-level Seltos S nonetheless affords loads of worth at $32,340 drive-away, and a charmingly easy expertise behind the wheel.
How does the Kia Seltos evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Kia Seltos towards equally sized autos.
Kia
Seltos
How a lot does the Kia Seltos value?
Kia Australia has bumped up Seltos costs marginally for the 2025 mannequin yr.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Seltos S 2.0 FWD | $30,050 | $32,340 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos Sport 2.0 FWD | $33,250 | $37,040 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos Sport+ 2.0 FWD | $36,350 | $39,140 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos Sport+ 1.6T AWD | $39,870 | $42,640 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos GT-Line 2.0 FWD | $42,050 | $45,240 |
| 2025 Kia Seltos GT-Line 1.6T AWD | $45,470 | $48,340 |
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s the Kia Seltos like on the within?
There’s no hiding that this can be a bottom-spec mainstream SUV, however many consumers on this section will fortunately take perform over kind.
The truth is, the one actual try that Kia has made at daring design on this inside in the end falls flat. Sure, I’m speaking about these speaker surrounds.
I get that Kia’s present design language is all about straight strains and sharp edges, but it surely doesn’t work right here. As a substitute, the black plastic covers seem like they’ve been formed by a sledgehammer. No thanks.
Past that, the inside of the Seltos S is a plain mixture of onerous, darkish plastic surfaces, other than the light-coloured headliner.
The frequent contact factors don’t get any particular therapy – the steering wheel is trimmed in agency urethane, and there’s a definite lack of padding for elbows.
On the intense aspect, the inside will probably final the check of time higher than automobiles filled with much less resilient supplies.
The Seltos is trustworthy, when it comes to each its finances intent and age. To fireside up the two.0-litre engine you flip a key, and shifting the transmission includes pulling an old-school gear selector and dropping a bodily handbrake lever.
That’s to not point out the rotary air-conditioning controls.
Consistent with the theme, this bare-bones S options cloth-trimmed seats with handbook adjustment. The bottom cushion is a bit agency for my liking, however sculpted aspect bolsters do a superb job of holding you regular by corners.
Whereas the cabin of the entry-level Seltos could be very yesterday in some ways, the inside tech is way extra 2024.
The S will get an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, each integrated into the identical wraparound panel.
Neither will win design awards, however the benefits of simplicity shine by right here. The infotainment system is responsive to the touch inputs (if a bit onerous tough to achieve), fast to load, and simple to navigate with few extra options, whereas the instrument show presents the important info (velocity, rpm, lane place) in a transparent method.
Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is normal throughout the vary, and there are three connection factors (USB-A, USB-C and 12V) positioned below the centre stack.
Storage choices embrace slim door bins, twin centre cellphone trays, a stock-standard glovebox, and a centre armrest cubby. General, there are many storage compartments for a automotive of this dimension.
The sensible second row is a spotlight of this inexpensive household SUV. Tall adults will wrestle for leg room, however in any other case each outboard seats boast loads of head room and toe room.
You sit fairly upright, which is an commentary greater than a criticism.
Ingress and egress is made simpler by the wide-opening rear doorways, which afford extra room to load kids and gadgets into the again. Two ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors and a trio of top-tether factors increase the family-friendly credentials of the Seltos.
Older rear occupants will admire the pair of USB-C retailers under the air vents, of which there are two.
There’s additionally a small storage tray, though the Seltos lacks map pockets or a rear centre armrest. Drink bottle holders are built-in into the doorways.
Kia quotes a best-in-class boot capability of 468L – a large drawcard for household consumers. Not solely is the boot large, but it surely’s simply accessible through a big sq. aperture, with no pronounced loading lip.
If you happen to ever want more room, the rear bench folds nearly flat with a slight incline, unlocking further capability. An area-saver spare wheel may be discovered below the boot ground.
| Dimensions | Kia Seltos S |
|---|---|
| Size | 4385mm |
| Width | 1800mm |
| Peak | 1630mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630mm |
| Cargo capability | 468L |
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s below the bonnet?
The Seltos nonetheless affords the selection of two petrol engines. On check right here is the two.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, paired with a CVT auto and front-wheel drive.
| Specs | Kia Seltos S |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol |
| Energy | 110kW |
| Torque | 180Nm |
| Transmission | CVT (Repeatedly Variable Transmission) |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 6.9L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 8.0L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 50L |
| Gas requirement | 91 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1100kg |
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Kia Seltos drive?
The Seltos is a really confident SUV on the highway, with constant driving dynamics and a user-friendly powertrain.
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Sport+ proven
It could be the bottom engine, however the 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder doesn’t really feel prefer it’s missing in any manner, with sufficient poke to carry its personal in common driving.
Within the metropolis the Seltos is aware of throttle inputs, pulling away cleanly with out making a racket. Engine noise may be a problem in cheaper, much less insulated autos, however that’s not the case right here.
Even the bottom Seltos S is quiet and clean, with an efficient CVT transmission that feels far nearer to a standard computerized than different examples that slur and jerk.
Properly-weighted and correct steering enhances the predictable powertrain – you level the steering wheel, and that’s the place the automotive goes. No vagueness or bushy moments the place you flip the wheel and nothing occurs.
This bundle will likely be notably interesting to earlier Kia house owners, as the weather are all acquainted. This being my first drive of a Seltos, I liken it to a Cerato on stilts, which is an effective factor.
Within the metropolis, Kia’s second smallest SUV feels simply that, compact and manoeuvrable. Visibility is sweet, back and front, and also you’ll comfortably match down any tight laneway.
If you happen to handle to get your self into an actual pickle, the Seltos additionally has a decent turning circle.
All of the above parts contribute to the Seltos’ glorious parking manners – it matches in tight areas, and has a high-resolution reversing digicam with strains to indicate your trajectory.
None of those advantages come on the expense of cabin area, because the Seltos will transport 4 adults in consolation.
It rides nicely, too, with a compliant suspension tune that smooths out common lumps and bumps within the highway with ease. Deep potholes and velocity humps do trigger the automotive to bounce a bit, however the Seltos rides impressively for its dimension.
It’s not all good, nonetheless. Kia nonetheless has loads of work to do on the Seltos’ lively security techniques, which spoil the driving expertise to a level.
The velocity restrict warning system is straight up infuriating. Each time you exceed the posted restrict by the barest margin, there’s a beep to tug you again into line. Rinse and repeat, time and again, every single day.
What’s extra, the Seltos is well confused by non permanent velocity limits, ordering you to drive in school drop-off velocity (40km/h) exterior the designated hours. This isn’t a Kia-specific subject, however there’s no level having site visitors signal recognition techniques if they’ll’t learn the indicators accurately.
Driver help expertise can be the main focus of my Seltos criticisms on the freeway.
The bottom Seltos S isn’t outfitted with adaptive cruise management, a function that’s shortly turning into a must have. In consequence, congested freeway runs require you to brake when cruising behind a slower travelling automotive, interrupting the relief and reminding you of less complicated days.
Overtaking requires some effort too, because the 110kW/180Nm engine begins to expire of puff at triple-figure speeds.
When the site visitors finally thins out, the Seltos is a nice long-distance tourer, even in base specification. Though adaptive cruise is absent, steering is taken care of by intuitive lane centring.
Highway and wind noise are saved to a minimal, and the engine is muted as soon as settled.
By way of effectivity, the Seltos S managed 8.0L/100km in blended driving circumstances, which is hardly class-leading however down on Kia’s declare.
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The Seltos is out there in 4 completely different trim ranges, and right here on check we now have the bottom grade.
2025 Kia Seltos S highlights:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Spare-saver spare wheel
- Automated halogen headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Halogen daytime working lights
- Rear fog gentle
- Matte black grille mesh
- Physique-coloured door handles
- Physique-coloured, power-folding aspect mirrors
- Roof rails
- Rear spoiler
- Shark fin antenna
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 6-speaker sound system
- 12V energy outlet in entrance console
- USB-A and USB-C outlet in entrance console
- Two USB-C retailers behind centre console
- Handbook air-conditioning
- Second-row air vents
- Handbook handbrake
- Folding key
- Material upholstery
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Kia Seltos secure?
The Kia Seltos wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on 2019 assessments.
| Class | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent (32.3 out of 38) |
| Little one occupant safety | 83 per cent (40.67 out of 49) |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 61 per cent (32.94 out of 54) |
| Security help | 70 per cent (11.2 out of 16) |
Commonplace security tools contains:
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Car detection
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure Exit Warning
- Clever Velocity Restrict Help
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Following Help (lane centring)
- Driver Consideration Alert
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Rear-view digicam
- Tyre-pressure monitoring system
Sport+ and GT-Line fashions obtain AEB with bicycle owner avoidance and junction turning help, in addition to adaptive cruise management and lead-vehicle departure alert.
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Kia Seltos value to run?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with seven years of capped-price servicing and as much as eight years of roadside help when you service the automotive at an authorised Kia supplier.
| Working prices | Kia Seltos S |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | As much as 8 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Complete capped-price service value | $3061 |
To see how the Seltos strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Seltos
Need a easy, sensible and inexpensive SUV with no frills? You would do quite a bit worse than a Kia Seltos S.
It’s simple to drive, has heaps of area, and comes with the good thing about a well-known badge.
However don’t count on an overload of showroom attraction, tech gimmicks or funky inside supplies. The truth is, don’t count on many luxuries in any respect, actually.
If it’s a contemporary small SUV expertise you’re after, the brand new Chery Tiggo 4 is filled with premium options at a a lot lower cost level. Nevertheless, we will’t but attest to how nicely that automotive drives.
Likewise, the Haval Jolion Lux guarantees extra on paper, however the Kia has much better highway manners.
We’d suggest the Seltos S over the GWM, and equally priced rivals from established manufacturers such because the Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi ASX.
That stated, we strongly advocate for potential consumers to stretch their finances to the Seltos Sport, which provides heaps of helpful package, together with upgraded inside tech, improved supplies and local weather management for a $4700 premium.
Thinking about shopping for a Kia Seltos? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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