Is It Worth Buying a Pre-Owned Kia Seltos GTX Variant in 2025?

The Kia Seltos was the model that announced Kia’s arrival in India in 2019, and the response was extraordinary. Within months, it became one of the best-selling SUVs in the country and helped Kia break into the list of India’s top five carmakers. Today, the Seltos is still among the most popular compact SUVs, taking on rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq and Maruti Grand Vitara.

In the used market, one trim that often grabs attention is the used Kia Seltos GTX. Launched as part of the GT Line in 2019, the GTX brought in a turbocharged petrol engine, premium safety, and a sportier design package. But here’s the catch: after the 2023 facelift, Kia reshuffled the line-up, dropped the GTX badge, and kept the GTX+ as the main GT Line offering. So in 2025, if you’re eyeing a pre owned Kia Seltos GTX, what exactly should you expect and is it worth it compared to newer GTX+ models?

GTX in the Pre-Facelift Seltos (2019–2022)

At its initial release, the GTX was placed above the Tech Line trims (HTX, HTX+) and directly below the GTX+. It targeted customers who desired performance and features without having to spend top-end money.

Engines and Transmissions (Pre-Facelift):

• Petrol GTX: 1.4L Turbo GDi (140 PS, 242 Nm), offered with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.
• Diesel GTX: 1.5L CRDi (115 PS, 250 Nm), available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Key Features in GTX:

• Six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).
• 10.25-inch touchscreen with connected car tech.
• Ventilated seats, premium upholstery, sporty GT Line accents.

A used Kia Seltos GTX from this era gives you strong value: turbo-petrol fun or diesel efficiency with safety and comfort features that are still competitive in 2025.

GTX Discontinued: The 2022–2023 Reshuffle

In 2022, Kia revised the Seltos and restructured its variants. The  GTX trim was replaced by the GTX(O) trim, which itself was axed out during the arrival of the 2023 facelift. 

• GTX(O) offered much of what GTX had, but with limited powertrain choices and automatic-only options.
• By mid-2023, the facelifted line-up made GTX history. Buyers looking at new cars only had the GTX+ variant in the GT Line.

This is why in 2025, when you look at the used market, you will find that GTX is primarily in older 2019–2022 models, with newer cars of 2023 and up being nearly all GTX+.

GTX+ in the Facelifted Seltos (2023–Present)

Since 2023, the flagship GT Line variant has been the GTX+. If you are cross-shopping in the used market, it looks like this:

Engines and Transmissions (Facelift):

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: 160 PS, 253 Nm, paired with 7DCT.
• 1.5L Diesel: 115 PS, 250 Nm, paired with 6AT.

Feature Additions in GTX+:

• Level 2 ADAS with 19 autonomous safety features.
• Panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, 360-degree camera.
• Premium Bose audio with sound mood lighting.
• Dual-zone climate control and electronic parking brake.

In the used space, a pre owned Kia Seltos GTX+ offers a more modern, tech-heavy SUV than the older GTX, but at a higher cost.

Why Buyers Still Look for the GTX in 2025?

Although the GTX trim has been discontinued, there are still obvious reasons why customers search for it in the pre-owned market. 

1. Lower Entry Price

Older GTX models (2019–2022) are priced lower than GTX+ cars. For budget-conscious buyers, a used Kia Seltos GTX gives access to turbo engines and premium features without the premium price of ADAS and extra luxury features.

2. Balanced Features

The GTX had ventilated seats, connected technology, six airbags, and sporty styling even without GTX+ luxuries.

3. Performance Options

Both petrol turbo and diesel GTX models were engaging and remain relevant for enthusiasts or highway commuters. 

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Besides the advantages, there are also some potential expenses that customers should be prepared for when purchasing a used Kia Seltos GTX.

• Petrol DCT Issues: Reports of overheating and jerky shifts in the 1.4L Turbo GTX. Repairing a DCT can cost even over ₹1 lakh.
• Diesel Clutch Wear: Manual diesels often show premature clutch wear around 30,000 km. Replacement can cost ₹30,000+.
• DPF Clogging: BS6 diesels, if driven mainly in cities, may face Diesel Particulate Filter warnings. Cleaning or replacement can be expensive.
• Insurance Premiums: GTX trims cost more to insure than lower Tech Line variants, especially if you opt for zero-depreciation policies.

Quick Checklist for Buyers

Before you finalise your purchase, here are a few checks that can help you pick the right GTX or GTX+ with confidence.

• Confirm whether the car is pre-facelift GTX (1.4L turbo / 1.5L diesel) or facelift GTX+ (1.5L turbo / 1.5L diesel).
• Test the DCT gearbox in traffic conditions.
• Inspect clutch health in diesel manuals.
• Look for DPF warnings in BS6 diesel models.
• Compare the asking price against GTX+ to avoid overpaying.

Summary

The used Kia Seltos GTX is no longer in production, but in the used market it still makes a strong case. Older GTX trims deliver turbocharged performance, safety, and premium features at a more affordable entry point. If you want every modern feature, ADAS, and extra luxury, a pre owned Kia Seltos GTX+ is the better choice, though it commands a higher resale value.

In 2025, the decision comes down to budget and needs:

• Pick the GTX if you want performance and essentials at a lower price.
• Pick the GTX+ if you want the latest features and tech in your used SUV.

Either way, the Seltos GT Line trims remain some of the most attractive buys in India’s compact SUV space.