The Kia Seltos has emerged as a popular choice in the compact SUV category, thanks to its bold design, advanced features, and reliable performance. Since its debut in the Indian market in 2019, the Seltos has set new standards for style, safety, and innovation. This article explores the key highlights of the Kia Seltos, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and automobile enthusiasts.
Eye-Catching Design with a Premium Appeal
The Kia Seltos stands out with its modern and aggressive styling. The signature “Tiger Nose” grille, LED headlamps, and sleek DRLs give it a commanding road presence. Its muscular body lines, sharp contours, and chrome detailing contribute to a premium and sporty look, appealing to both urban drivers and highway cruisers.
The GT Line and X-Line variants further enhance its aesthetic with exclusive styling elements such as sporty red accents or matte graphite finish, respectively. These design choices position the Seltos as one of the most stylish compact SUVs in its segment.
Spacious and Tech-Loaded Interior
Step inside the Kia Seltos, and it offers a refined cabin experience with a blend of comfort and cutting-edge technology. The dual-tone interiors, ventilated front seats, and leatherette upholstery enhance the luxurious feel.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Kia’s UVO Connect. This system allows users to access navigation, music, calls, and vehicle telematics with ease.
The instrument cluster and infotainment screen are seamlessly connected, giving the dashboard a futuristic layout. Additionally, features like ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, wireless charging, and a sunroof enhance the driving experience.
Powerful Engine Options and Smooth Ride
The Kia Seltos offers multiple engine options to suit different driving preferences:
- 1.5L Smartstream Petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm)
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm)
- 1.5L Turbo GDI Petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm)
These engines are paired with different transmission options including 6-speed manual, iMT (intelligent manual transmission), IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). This flexibility allows buyers to choose based on their performance needs and fuel efficiency expectations.
According to ARAI data, the fuel efficiency figures range between 16.1 km/l (petrol) to 20.7 km/l (diesel) depending on the variant and transmission.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is a key focus area for the Kia Seltos. The SUV is equipped with a comprehensive set of active and passive safety features that ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Key Safety Features Include:
- 6 Airbags (available in higher variants)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Moreover, the 2023 update introduced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) Level 2 in higher trims, which includes features such as lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Excellent Driving Dynamics
The Seltos provides a well-balanced driving experience with responsive steering and confident handling. Whether navigating city traffic or cruising on highways, the suspension system ensures stability and comfort. The diesel engine, in particular, delivers impressive torque for long-distance travel, while the turbo-petrol variant caters to performance-focused drivers.
Noise insulation is effective, and cabin noise remains minimal even at higher speeds, enhancing the overall driving comfort.
Variants and Pricing
As of 2025, the Kia Seltos is offered in several trims including HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and X-Line. This wide range allows customers to choose the variant that best suits their budget and feature requirements.
Approximate Ex-showroom Pricing (Delhi):
- Base Petrol Variant (HTE): ₹10.90 lakh
- Top Diesel Variant (X-Line AT): ₹20.35 lakh
For the latest on-road prices and offers, buyers should refer to their nearest Kia dealership or visit the official website.
Comparison with Competitors
The Kia Seltos competes with other compact SUVs such as:
- Hyundai Creta
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
What sets the Seltos apart is its blend of styling, variant diversity, connected features, and now, the addition of ADAS safety tech, which is still not available in some rivals.
After-Sales Service and Ownership Experience
Kia has steadily expanded its service network across India, ensuring easy accessibility for maintenance and support. The brand also offers a 3-year/unlimited km warranty as standard, extendable up to 5 years, along with RSA (Roadside Assistance) packages.
Customer satisfaction reports indicate a high level of trust and appreciation for Kia’s service quality, spare parts availability, and ownership cost transparency.
Environmental Considerations
While the Kia Seltos is a petrol and diesel-only SUV, Kia has hinted at exploring hybrid and electric alternatives in the near future. The current models comply with BS6 Phase II emission norms, ensuring lower tailpipe emissions and improved fuel economy.
Buyers looking for more eco-friendly options may consider future releases or the Kia EV6, although that is positioned in a different segment and price bracket.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos is a standout performer in India’s compact SUV market. With its stylish design, feature-packed cabin, advanced safety systems, and multiple engine-transmission options, it offers something for every kind of driver. Whether for city commutes or long highway journeys, the Seltos delivers a premium experience at a competitive price.
It is especially recommended for buyers who prioritize technology, aesthetics, and flexibility in their driving choices. With consistent updates and customer-centric improvements, the Kia Seltos continues to be a benchmark in its category.