Kia Seltos Review

Barring old models that were launched a lifetime ago — like the original Maruti 800 — the Kia Seltos is one of the most successful first models for a brand in the Indian market. Selling over five lakh units since its launch in 2019, the Seltos has maintained its popularity amongst Indian buyers, thanks to a foray of features on offer and a variety of engine and gearbox options. The Seltos single-handedly established the Kia brand in India, paving the way for the success of the Sonet and the Carens. 2023 saw the popular SUV get a much awaited facelift, which introduced many new features like a panoramic sunroof and level 2 ADAS. However, the facelift was more evolutionary than revolutionary, leaving some buyers wanting for more. With its increased price tag, is it still a good proposition? Let’s find out.

Kia Seltos Pros and Cons 

Kia Seltos Exterior Design 

You wouldn’t be wrong if you wished the Seltos facelift did more to change the design of the car. But while the design is evolutionary, subtle changes have given it a very mature, elegant, and upmarket look. The new and more prominent tiger nose grille, new LED headlights, and a distinctive connected LED light bar at the rear give the car an edgy and modern look. And Kia has done a lot to separate the variants from each other too, with each getting its own set of alloy wheels and other highlighting elements. Overall, the Seltos’ design is safe yet good, and won’t attract many haters.  

Kia Seltos Interiors 

The interior of the Seltos has also received a revamp making it appear more modern than before, thanks to the new curved dual-screen setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The dual 10.25-inch high resolution screens, take the cabin up several notches, making it one of the best in segment. The clean dashboard design, slimmer AC vents, and a plethora of features contribute to an overall premium cabin experience. In the GT Line variants, an all-black theme with white inserts and stitching also adds a sporty aesthetic. Shining light on all the updates is the sunlight entering through the new panoramic sunroof.

Kia Seltos Comfort 

Apart from the rear seat slightly lacking in space for taller passengers, there isn’t a thing to complain about the Seltos’ seating. The seats are well bolstered and cushioned, and cocoon you in comfort. The suspension, while tuned for dynamics, absorbs bumps well and is better than some sportier rivals. 

Kia Seltos Performance and handling

The biggest talking point on the performance front is the new engine that’s on offer. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol T-GDi engine is the same one that the new Verna is powered by, and it generates an exhilarating amount of performance, especially by compact SUV standards. With 158 bhp on tap, this is also the most powerful engine in the segment, and the performance is not just punchy, but also linear. Beautifully complementing the performance are the 7-speed DCT gearbox, and the ride and handling of the car, which is now more dynamic than before thanks to the 18-inch wheels available on select variants. You can also pair the engine with a manual transmission, but the gearbox on offer is a 6-speed iMT, meaning no clutch pedal, which will be a disappointment for enthusiasts.

Apart from the turbo petrol, the Seltos is also available with either a 1.5-litre diesel or a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Both engines make roughly 114 bhp, but it is the diesel that is more torquey. The diesel is also the most fuel economical unit of the three, making it an ideal choice for people who clock a lot of kilometres monthly.

Kia Seltos Key specifications 

Kia Seltos Safety Features

The biggest talking point about Seltos’ safety feature list is the newly added level 2 ADAS! This adds a host of new safety features, including collision avoidance for forward, rearward, and blindspot as well. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and many other ADAS features are on offer too, in order to prevent or reduce the intensity of crashes. From ADAS and six airbags to disc brakes, ESP, hill-hold assist, 360-degree camera, and TPMS, the Seltos packs it all. What it doesn’t have though is a good GNCAP crash test score. The pre-facelift model scored a rather mediocre 3-star rating from Global NCAP, and while the facelift does add some safety features, the original platform underneath remains the same.

Kia Seltos Technology and Infotainment

The facelifted Kia Seltos is several steps more modern than the previous iteration. Equipped with dual 10.25-inch screens, the interior of the Seltos makes you feel like you are in the future, with loads of features available via the infotainment, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it's the lower variants with an 8-inch touchscreen that get wireless smartphone connectivity, and on the 10.25-inch unit you will have to rely on a wired connection. Higher variants offer an extensive list of features, including a heads-up display, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, an air purifier, and a wireless phone charger. 

Is the Kia Seltos for you?

The Kia Seltos is offered in a wide range of variants, with three engine options that each get two gearbox options. The variants in themselves have differentiating visual cues too, and are on offer at a wide range of price points. If you are shopping anywhere in the price range of ₹12–25 lakhs, chances are that there is a Seltos variant perfectly suited for you. However, higher variants tend to get really pricey for what they offer, and if it is the full blown Seltos experience you are looking for with a turbocharged engine, panoramic sunroof, and ADAS, you will have to shell out a considerable amount by compact SUV standards.