Kia Seltos

Different driving styles are prioritised with the Kia Seltos’s engines. Regardless, all the models use a front-wheel-drive (2WD) configuration.

1.5L Smartstream Naturally Aspirated Petrol

The entry petrol powertrain is a 1,497 cc 4-cylinder engine, available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). At idle, the motor is virtually silent, with zero vibrations filtering through the steering wheel or pedals.

1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Turbo Petrol

For drivers who want stronger acceleration, the 1,482 cc 4-cylinder direct-injection (GDi) turbo-petrol engine is available. Once the rev needle crosses 1,800 rpm in this engine, the turbo spools up rapidly, delivering strong mid-range acceleration.

1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel

Long-distance travellers and high-mileage drivers will appreciate the 1,493 cc 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine. The diesel engine is known for its tractable low-end pulling power. You do not need to downshift constantly in traffic.

City Driving Performance

In urban traffic, the Seltos is easy to manoeuvre despite its footprint. The electric power-assisted steering is light at parking speeds, letting you negotiate narrow lanes and tight U-turns effortlessly. The DCT automatic on the turbo-petrol is snappy, though it can show some mild hesitation.

Highway Performance & Ride Quality

On highways, the Seltos exhibits stable road manners. The suspension setup is slightly firm, though. While you will feel sharp road edges and deep potholes at low city speeds, it is highly compliant on open roads. The SUV stays planted at 100 kmph, and body roll is well-contained.

Which Powertrain Should You Choose?

• 1.5L Petrol (6MT / IVT): If driving is mostly within city limits and the buyer wants to keep purchase costs low.
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol (6iMT / 7DCT): For driving enthusiasts who frequently travel on highways.
• 1.5L Diesel (6MT / 6AT): Ideal for high-mileage users who frequently take inter-city road trips.

The HTE Line starts the Seltos variant range, but if you want more aggressive road presence and sporty styling, you can check out the higher GT Line (GTX trims) and the stealthy X-Line.

HTE & HTE (O)

The base HTE trim gets Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, Star Map LED DRLs, Star Map LED tail lamps, and 16-inch steel wheels with full covers. The HTE (O) trim adds convenience and styling upgrades, including Star Map LED connected tail lamps, gloss black roof rails, and semi-leatherette seats.

HTK & HTK (O)

The HTK variant introduces 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels (16-inch styled steel on 1.5L petrol MT), electric-folding mirrors, a hidden rear wiper, a rear defogger, a rear parcel shelf, and rear door sunshade curtains. But it is from the HTK (O) that you get the dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

HTX & HTX (A)

The HTX variant has a gloss black front grille with satin silver skid plates, LED front fog lamps, and 64-colour ambient mood lighting. On the other hand, the HTX (A) trim introduces the Trinity Panoramic Display. It also incorporates Level 2 ADAS.

GTX & GTX (A)

The GTX trim introduces the sporty GT Line body styling with body-coloured bumper inserts, dark gunmetal accents on the grille, and red/neon front brake callipers. Meanwhile, the GTX (A) trim builds on this foundation by adding advanced technology.

GTX (O)

Sitting near the top of the range is the GTX (O), which includes the Hi-Tech Pack. It brings a windshield-projected Head-Up Display (HUD), all-door one-touch auto up/down power windows, a digital key, and a smart dashcam with front and rear cameras that sync to a smartphone app.

X-Line Range: X-Line, X-Line (A) & X-Line (O)

The X-Line gets the most exclusive visual treatment in the lineup.

• X-Line: Shares its comfort and luxury features with the GTX.
• X-Line (A): Adds the 12.3-inch digital cluster, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS.

• X-Line (O): Packs the full Hi-Tech Pack, Head-Up Display, built-in dashcam, and Level 2+ ADAS.

   

Which Variant Should You Buy?

• HTE: For buyers on a tight budget who still want standard 6 airbags.
• HTK (O): The sweet spot for mid-range buyers who want the panoramic sunroof.
• HTX (A): The usual pick if you want the high-end dual 12.3-inch panoramic display.
• GTX / X-Line: If you want the sporty styling, powered driver's seat, and Bose audio.
• GTX (A) / X-Line (A): The sweet spot for tech lovers who want the extra Level 2 ADAS safety.
• GTX (O) / X-Line (O): Choose these if you want the absolute highest specification possible.

Official ARAI figures provide a standard reference of 17 kmpl or above, while real-world figures change according to mixed Indian traffic conditions. A 47-litre fuel tank supports the naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines, while the turbo-petrol models get a 50-litre alternative.

In everyday city driving, the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol returns between 10 and 13 kmpl. The 1.5L turbo-petrol delivers around 9 to 11 kmpl in congested traffic, but its fuel economy improves significantly on steady highway cruises, reaching up to 17 kmpl when driven smoothly. For buyers focused on low running costs, the 1.5L diesel engine remains the most economical, delivering 14 to 16 kmpl in city traffic and easily crossing 19 to 20 kmpl on open expressways.

The new Kia Seltos has an imposing, confident stance that makes it immediately recognisable on Indian roads. People especially like it for its bold, muscular body styling cues.

Front Profile

The front has the brand’s Digital Tiger Face grille, finished in gloss black on Tech Line trims and dark gunmetal on GT Line models. Large Ice Cube LED projection headlamps are also present in this area. Above them, the Star Map LED DRLs run across the width, featuring integrated turn signals. And the lower bumper houses LED fog lamps and robust skid plates.

Side Profile

From the side, the clean body lines give the Seltos a midsize SUV appearance. The side profile has black body cladding and body-coloured streamline door handles. Lower variants get 16-inch wheels, mid trims get 17-inch crystal-cut alloys, while the GTX and X-Line roll with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels.

Rear Profile

At the back, the Star Map connected LED tail lamps cover the entire tailgate. The rear bumper gets a chunky skid plate and an integrated rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp. There’s also a hidden rear wiper sitting neatly here, keeping the rear glass clean and uncluttered.

The cabin of the new Seltos feels thoughtfully laid out. It focuses on premium materials, soft touchpoints and intuitive digital controls the most.

Front Row

The front seats have good lateral support and cushioning. Higher variants get front seat ventilation, which is highly practical during summers. The driver gets an 8-way or 10-way power-adjustable seat with memory settings and lumbar adjustment on the top trims.

However, you get a plastic-heavy dashboard up front. The co-driver could have also benefited from an adjustable powered seat; the individual has to make do with basic manual sliding and recline controls.

Second Row

The rear bench can easily fit three adults thanks to the relatively low floor tunnel. Passengers get a 60:40 split rear seat with recline function, integrated window sunshades, dedicated rear AC vents, and dual USB Type-C charging ports. The centre armrest folds down with built-in cupholders.

Some users, though, have noted that the second row’s rear AC vents are not as effective as they should be during harsh summer days.

Tech and Usability

The dashboard gets the Trinity Panoramic Display panel on the top trims, which connects two 12.3-inch high-definition screens under a single sheet of curved glass.

• Infotainment: The 12.3-inch central touchscreen is responsive, offering Kia Connect 2.0 with over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation.
• Driver Cluster: The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displays clear driving data, ADAS warnings, and a high-resolution blind view monitor feed whenever you indicate.
• Sound System: A premium 8-speaker Bose audio setup offers music that travels across the entire cabin clearly.

• Climate Control: There’s also the dual-zone automatic temperature control, which allows the driver and front passenger to set separate temperatures.

   

Boot Space and Storage

The Kia Seltos is also quite convenient for practical luggage management. It offers 447 litres of boot space, easily handling three large suitcases and extra duffle bags for a family road trip. Cabin storage is well thought out as well, with large door bins, a cooled glovebox, a central storage box under the armrest and a smartphone wireless charging tray.

The new Seltos has bagged a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Buyer can be assured of the structural integrity of this vehicle, especially if they’re buying it for their families.

Passive Safety

This vehicle’s passive safety department has a unique name: the ‘Robust 24 Standard Safety Pack’. In it, you get:

• 6 Airbags (Front dual, side torso, and full-length curtain airbags)
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX rear anchors and 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all five seats

• Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines

   

Active Safety With Level 2 & Level 2+ ADAS

While Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Rollover Sensors are standard, the higher trims get Level 2 and Level 2+ ADAS assistance.

• Level 2 ADAS (21 Features): Includes Front Collision Warning (FCW), Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go on automatics.

• Level 2+ ADAS (28 Features): Adds Junction Crossing Avoidance (FCA-JC), Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-W/ESA), and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control.

   

Kia Seltos Safety Features: Variant-Wise

The entry-level trims pack a lot of safety tech, but Level 2 and Level 2+ ADAS have been reserved for the exclusive variants only.

The Kia Seltos honestly competes in the most contested corner of the Indian car market. It goes head-to-head against other nameplates like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Tata Curvv, and Honda Elevate.

Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta

The Seltos and Creta share the same underlying platform and engine choices. But the Creta has a relatively softer suspension setup that absorbs sharp bumps more gently at slow city speeds.

In contrast, the Seltos feels sharper to drive, with slightly firmer suspension that keeps it flatter in corners. It also offers a wider variety of trims.

Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara is a practical choice for buyers obsessed with fuel efficiency, thanks to its strong hybrid powertrain. But the car’s hybrid motor is relatively relaxed.

The Seltos feels noticeably more powerful than the Maruti, especially when comparing its turbo-petrol or diesel engines. It also has a more tech-laden cabin and a larger boot.

Kia Seltos vs Tata Curvv

The Tata Curvv offers a striking coupe-SUV roofline and a 5-star safety rating, so it’s as safe as the Seltos on the inside.

However, the Seltos provides more rear headroom for taller passengers and offers smoother automatic gearboxes, including the torque-converter automatic on its refined 1.5L diesel engine.

Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate

The Honda Elevate keeps things simple with a single 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine that focuses on reliability the most.

However, the Seltos easily outruns the Elevate when we discuss powertrain choices, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

Which One Should You Pick?

• Kia Seltos: The ideal pick if you want cutting-edge cabin tech, aggressive styling, Level 2+ ADAS, etc.
• Hyundai Creta: Best for buyers who prioritise a plush, softer city ride and brand familiarity.
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Ideal if low running costs and high city mileage are your top priorities.
• Tata Curvv: Pick this if you want a distinctive coupe silhouette and a second option rated 5 stars for safety.
• Honda Elevate: Best for those buyers who want a comfortable, spacious family car with a fuss-free petrol engine.

Even though the Kia Seltos is a fairly capable car for its segment, it still has a few niggles that you cannot ignore.

Still, if buyers do not care much for seven seats or on-road price ratios, they can easily go for the top trims under this car’s lineup.

Usually considered one of the most complete cars in the midsize SUV segment right now, the new Kia Seltos attempts to offer something for everyone. If you are on a budget, the lower HTE and HTK trims give you an expansive touchscreen and standard 6 airbags without asking you to pay a huge price premium.

And if you want luxury or highway endurance, the 1.5L diesel HTX (A) and 1.5L turbo-petrol GTX (O) stand in line with their effortless overtaking capabilities and their genuinely high-end cabin experience.

But its ride quality is set slightly on the firmer side compared to the Hyundai Creta; this stiffness helps out in high-speed stability on the open highway. And there’s no 7-seater option available, for which you’ll have to check out something like the Kia Carens. And if you’re especially on a budget, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will be a wiser choice for you, given its frugal nature.

Keeping such nuances aside, if you’re convinced by a generous 447-litre boot, 24 standard safety features, advanced Level 2+ ADAS, and striking road presence, the new Seltos easily justifies its price tag. It remains a recommendable vehicle for any buyer who want for a modern, reliable 5-seater SUV.