Kia Seltos Diesel vs Petrol: Best Choice for a Pre-Owned Purchase?

When we talk about mid-size SUVs in India, the Kia Seltos is a name that’s hard to miss. It was an instant family favourite with its premium features, aggressive design and an assortment of powertrain options. If we speak in numbers, in just 6 years, Seltos has seen more than 5.6 lakh happy customers in India. Naturally, this popularity has carried over into the used market, where demand for the Seltos continues to skyrocket in 2025. But for buyers today, the real question is simple: used Kia Seltos diesel vs petrol, which one makes more sense?

On paper, it appears to be a question of mileage figures. The truth of the matter is, it has a lot to do with how much you drive, the type of roads you are willing to handle, and the ownership expenses you are willing to incur. Keep reading as this used Kia Seltos comparison takes a closer look at both sides, covering efficiency, upkeep, resale, and which type of owner each version suits best.

Kia Seltos Model Timeline & Powertrains 

Since its debut in 2019, the Kia Seltos has been available in a variety of petrol and diesel choices, with a major facelift in 2023 that has updated engines, features and safety.

Aug 2019 – Mid 2023 (Pre-Facelift)

• Petrol 1.5 NA (115 PS/144 Nm): Offered with a 6-speed manual or IVT (CVT). This was the mainstream choice for city buyers.
• Turbo-Petrol 1.4 T-GDi (140 PS/242 Nm): Paired with either a 6-MT or a quick 7-DCT, this variant catered to enthusiasts looking for extra punch.
• Diesel 1.5 CRDi VGT (115 PS/250 Nm): Available with a 6-MT or a 6-AT torque converter, the diesel quickly became the pick for long-distance drivers.

Mid-2023 Facelift Onward

• Petrol 1.5 NA continues: Still offered with manual and IVT options, remaining the most common variant in the used market.
• Turbo-Petrol 1.5 T-GDi (160 PS/253 Nm): Replaced the older 1.4 turbo, paired with iMT or 7-DCT, offering stronger performance for buyers who want excitement.
• Diesel 1.5 CRDi: Retained with iMT and 6-AT options. Post-RDE (BS6.2) updates saw most trims drop the true manual in favour of iMT.

Dimensions, Boot and Ground Clearance 

Note: Before the update, Seltos' length was slightly shorter and it came with dual airbags with 6 airbags only being available in select top trims. Six airbags became standard across the range after the facelift, while higher trims introduced ADAS features, a larger infotainment screen, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Kia Seltos Petrol in the Used Market

The petrol-powered Seltos makes up to around 58% of all the Seltos units sold in India, which means buyers have more variety to choose from in terms of trims, mileage, and price bands. The most common engine you’ll find is the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a smooth IVT (CVT) gearbox. For those who crave performance, the earlier 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (replaced by the 1.5 turbo in 2023) offers more punch and usually commands a higher price in the resale market.

The areas where the petrol version shone is in its refinement and hassle free ownership. Families who mostly drive in the city will like the fact that it is smooth, quiet and has lower maintenance costs in comparison to the diesel. The 1.5 NA petrol has a real-world efficiency of 11–14 km/l in the city and up to 17–18 km/l on highways, which is adequate for daily travel. The turbo-petrol can be more fun to drive but is slightly thirstier and more expensive to maintain, particularly the DCT gearbox.

However, the trade-off is that petrol Seltos models don’t hold mileage advantages, especially for buyers who drive long distances regularly. On the upside, their lower upfront prices in the used market and the absence of DPF-related worries make them a safer, simpler pick for city-based owners.

Used Petrol Seltos Price Range (2025): Older petrol Seltos start from around ₹6.8–7.5 lakh, with newer facelifted versions going up to ₹16–18 lakh depending on variant and mileage.

Kia Seltos Diesel in the Used Market

For buyers who spend a lot of time on highways or clock heavy yearly mileage, the diesel-powered Seltos continues to stand out as a practical and cost-efficient choice in 2025. Diving deeper into the used Kia Seltos comparison, the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine that delivers 115 PS and 250 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual, iMT, or a smooth 6-speed automatic.

In real-world usage, this engine is where the Seltos diesel shines. Owners report 15–17 km/l in the city and upwards of 18–22 km/l on highways, giving it a clear advantage over its petrol counterparts. The torquey nature of the motor also makes long-distance drives with a full family load effortless, something urban families planning frequent road trips will appreciate. Combined with the SUV’s strong boot capacity and ground clearance, the diesel variant becomes a favourite for touring and family travel.

That said, prospective buyers need to be mindful of BS6 diesel traits like DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration, which can be troublesome if the car has been used solely for short city trips. Maintenance is also marginally higher than petrol, though resale trends show that the diesel typically retains its value better, especially in tier-2 cities and highway-driven markets. The only exception is Delhi-NCR, where the 10-year cap on diesel cars can dent long-term ownership plans.

Used Diesel Seltos Price Range (2025): Older diesel Seltos examples start at around ₹7.5–8 lakh, while newer facelifted models with low mileage can go up to ₹18–20 lakh.

Used Kia Seltos Diesel vs Petrol: Which One Should You Buy?

When it comes to the used Kia Seltos diesel vs petrol question, the right choice depends less on features and more on how you plan to use the SUV. Both versions deliver on Kia’s reputation for design and equipment, but their strengths diverge when you look at efficiency, ownership costs, and long-term suitability.

Fuel-Running Cost: 1,200 km/month Comparison

Let’s crunch the current numbers for this used Kia Seltos comparison using a standard fare. Based on Delhi pump rates:

• Petrol: ₹94.77/l
• Diesel: ₹87.67/l

What This Means:

• Diesel still leads the savings game as even at ₹87.67/l, it’s noticeably cheaper per litre than petrol. Over a month, you save over ₹1,600 versus the petrol manual, and around ₹1,272 compared to turbo-petrol.
• Over five years, that adds up to a saving of nearly ₹96,000 vs. petrol, and ₹76,000 vs. turbo-petrol.
• These updated numbers bring real clarity for high-mileage users weighing variant options.

Maintenance & Reliability

Petrol Seltos variants are simpler to maintain with fewer emission-related concerns, making them stress-free for city owners. The diesel requires more attention, especially to DPF health, but when well-maintained, it remains reliable.

Variant-Wise Deep Dive: (Up to 100,000 km / 10 years)

• Normal Petrol:
  • 5-year: ₹19,529 (~₹325/month)
  • 10-year: ₹46,603 (~₹388/month)
• Turbo Petrol:
  • 5-year: ₹18,978 (~₹316/month)
  • 10-year: ₹45,612 (~₹380/month)
• Turbo Diesel:
  • 5-year: ₹21,699 (~₹361/month)
  • 10-year: ₹50,081 (~₹417/month) 

Do note that these numbers are indicative estimates and do not cover additional part costs. 

Other Real-World Insights

Pre-paid maintenance packages had also been offered on both petrol and diesel models; the cost of the package for diesel (5 years) is reported to be somewhere around ₹30,000, which gives a ballpark for budgeting. 

TOI reports that Seltos petrol variants cost 17 % lower than the segment average on maintenance and diesel variants have among the lowest maintenance costs in their class.

Driving Experience

The petrol engines provide a smooth refinement and the easiest in daily traffic is the 1.5 NA petrol + IVT. The diesel, though, has more powerful torque, so it is the more suitable option when it comes to long trips, as well as fully loaded driving. The older 1.4 turbo-petrol + DCT might still be pursued by enthusiasts, but it has a little higher maintenance.

Resale Value

Diesel Seltos models would be better valued in the used market, especially in areas where highway transportation is the main mode of transport. The petrol variants are easier to sell in NCR and other cities where the 10-year diesel cap has been applied.

Quick Take:

• Choose petrol if your running is low, you’re city-based, or want the lowest upkeep.
• Choose diesel if you’re a frequent highway traveller or cover high annual mileage.
• For performance, the turbo-petrol may appeal, but only if you’re ready for higher maintenance costs.

Summary

The used Kia Seltos diesel vs petrol choice eventually comes down to how you use your car. If your driving is mostly within the city and stays under 12,000 km a year, the used Kia Seltos petrol is the easier pick with smoother performance and lower upkeep. Petrol is even suitable in places like Delhi NCR where diesel restrictions are a factor.

For families who hit the highways often, a used Kia Seltos diesel stands out with stronger torque, excellent fuel economy, and better resale value in many regions. In short, petrol is for the stress-free urban user, while diesel is the go-to for long-distance travellers looking to save more in the long run.