Design and Exterior
Before comparing the older and new Kia Seltos, it is worth mentioning that the newer version is just a facelift, which means these cars share multiple similarities in exterior and design. However, we will discuss some notable changes as we proceed further into this section.
Kia Seltos (2019)
The 2019 Kia Seltos had a distinctive tiger-face design that set it apart on the road. The car's front features LED lighting in the headlamps, fog lamps, and turn signals. However, the most striking feature of the Kia Seltos (2019) was its unique daytime running lights (DRLs) extending from the edge of the headlamps to the centre of its grille. The wraparound tail lamps also give the car a more elegant and athletic look.
Kia Seltos (2023)
Most changes on the design and exterior of Kia Seltos (2023) are evolutionary tweaks compared to the older version. While these updates and enhancements are subtle, they give the vehicle a more contemporary look. The Kia Seltos (2023) has a glossy black radiator grille with chrome trims, new Crown Jewel LED headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs, and a Star Map Sweeping LED light guide. You also get distinctive Star Map LED-connected tail lamps in the Kia Seltos (2023).
Comparison of Old and New Design and Exterior
The most noteworthy difference between the two vehicles is the larger front grille, revamped headlamps, and new LED DRLs. Besides that, the new Kia Seltos (2023) has a four-block pattern for fog lamps instead of three in the former version.
The vehicle's rear end has a connected lightbar instead of a vertical chrome strip. The bumpers of the 2023 Kia Seltos are slightly different, and the newer version can even accommodate the reversing light at the rear. The 2023 Kia Seltos also comes in a new paint shade called Pewter Olive.
Read More: Kia Seltos Dimensions
Interior and Comfort
There have been some noteworthy enhancements to the interior and comfort of the Kia Seltos facelift version. This section will look at some of these enhancements to give you a better idea. So, let's get started.
Kia Seltos (2019)
Kia Seltos (2019) left no stone unturned to provide a premium interior like its impressive exterior. The Mercedes Benz E class inspired the upper rectangular section with the instrumentation and infotainment. The air-con vents give it a modern and elegant-looking dashboard. Kia Seltos (2019) also aced the ranks regarding Abbott's boot space, which is 433 litres.
Kia Seltos (2023)
The exquisitely built interior of the 2023 Kia Seltos, with its unmatched comfort and user-friendly technology, enriches every drive. For starters, you get comfortable front ventilated seats with an 8-way power driver’s seat.
With its dual-pane panoramic sunroof, the roomy cabin lets in plenty of natural light and creates a light and airy atmosphere. You can stay connected and in control with a 10.25" HD touchscreen navigation, a full digital cluster, and a 26.04 cm colour LCD MID.
While the sophisticated dual-zone automatic climate control provides individualised comfort for the driver and passengers, the user-friendly interface keeps you informed and engaged. Discover a new degree of comfort and luxury in the elegant cabin of the 2024 Kia Seltos.
Comparing Old and New Interior and Comfort
The interior of the Kia Seltos continues to excite thanks to its impressive design. The 2023 Seltos improves on the premium feel that the 2019 model gave.
Both have lots of cargo room, but the 2023 goes above and beyond in terms of comfort. Picture yourself lounging in the natural light streaming through the dual-pane panoramic sunroof while seated on a power-adjustable seat with ventilated cushions.
An integrated 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster keep you connected, and the advanced temperature control system accommodates personal preferences. The 2023 Seltos is a magnificent sanctuary for every driver, not just a vehicle.
Check Out: Kia Seltos Interior
As with other aspects of the vehicle, the Kia Seltos (2023) facelift comes with some tweaks and enhancements under the hood. This section will examine the latest changes related to the performance and handling of the Kia Seltos (2023).
Kia Seltos (2019)
Kia Seltos (2019) quickly made its mark in the market with its powerful engine, becoming a fan favourite. The Kia Seltos (2019) had two engine options: the 1.5-litre petrol or diesel engine and the 1.4-litre turbo petrol.
This turbocharged engine was great in handling and performance, ensuring an unmatched driving experience. The car offered great pull even at low speeds, making it the ideal choice for having fun or going steady, depending on your mood.
Kia Seltos (2023)
Meanwhile, Kia Seltos (2023) still offers 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Replacing the old turbocharged engine is a larger 1.5-litre unit engine, mostly used in the Hyundai Verna, Kia Karen, and the Hyundai Alcazar. The Kia Seltos (2023) engine delivers unmatched power with a torque of 253 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (Turbo Petrol), 144 Nm @ 4500 rpm (NA Petrol) and 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm (Diesel). Based on your chosen engine, the maximum power is 157.81 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 113.42 bhp @ 6300 rpm, and 114.41 bhp @ 4000 rpm.
There are a few differences in performance between the Kia Seltos (2019) and the Kia Seltos (2023). Regarding fuel consumption, one of the engine variants remains more or less unchanged.
The larger engine that generates more torque replaced the Turbo engine. The suspension setup also underwent changes that offered better handling than the previous version in the Kia Seltos (2023) facelift.
Parameters | Old Kia Seltos (2019) | Facelift Kia Seltos (2023) |
|---|
Engine Alternatives | 1.4-litre turbo petrol
1.5-litre diesel and turbo petrol engine. | 1.5-litre diesel and petrol turbo engine
1.5-litre petrol engine |
Claimed Mileage | 16.1 kmpl to 21 kmpl. | 17 kmpl to 20.7 kmpl |
Transmission Alternatives | 6-speed manual, 6-speed AT, 7-speed DCT | 6-speed AT. 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed MT, IVT |
Safety and Technology
While the standard safety and technology features in Kia Seltos (2023) and Kia Seltos (2019) remain mostly unchanged, some areas are still worth discussing. This section will explore the differences and similarities between the Kia Seltos facelift and the older version.
Kia Seltos (2019)
The Kia Seltos (2019) variant scored three stars in the GNCAP safety rating. The car also had standard safety features such as ABS, ESC, traction control, hill-hold assist, rear sensors, and cameras. One interesting thing about the Kia Seltos (2019) variant is that it also came with hill descent control.
The Kia Seltos (2019) had a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a Bose sound system, and a digital-analogue instrument cluster. It also had a single-pane sunroof and adjustable electric seats, enhancing the driving experience. The car also offered other standard features such as ventilated seats, climate control, adjustable steering, and multiple driving modes, making it a great experience to drive this beast around. You can even turn these features off based on your driving needs and preferences.
Kia Seltos (2023)
The Kia Seltos (2023) shares many safety features with its predecessor, but some new additions stand out. Of course, the full ADAS level 2 system is the point of discussion here since it has many new features that will enhance the vehicle's safety.
These safety features include all-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, Blind Spot Collision Warning, smart cruise control with Stop and Go, and front collision warning and avoidance assist.
The infotainment system on the 2023 Kia Seltos has a sleek touchscreen that lets you leverage wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This advanced system can comprehend voice commands in Hindi and English and even offers OTA updates.
Comparing New and Old Safety and Technology
There is no denying that the ADAS system is one of the most noteworthy safety features in the facelift Kia Seltos (2023). This system equips the vehicle with 17 advanced safety features that help make driving more convenient and safe.
Besides that, both vehicles share many similar safety features, such as airbags, ABS, traction control, and ESC. The only catch is that the Kia Seltos (2023) still needs the hill descent feature as its predecessor. Apart from safety, both vehicles share a more or less similar infotainment system, with Bose sound systems offering superior quality.
The only new feature is the infotainment system in Kia Seltos (2023), which can easily comprehend and respond to commands in Hinglish. Other standard features, such as split screen and OTA updates, remain mostly unchanged.
Also Read: Kia Seltos All Specifications
Price and Value
Let's move on to the most important aspect with a better understanding of all the other factors related to comparing the Kia Seltos (2023) with its older self. This section will take a deep dive into the prices and values of both vehicles to help you make an informed choice.
Kia Seltos (2019)
The Kia Seltos (2019) was priced from ₹ 9.50 lakh to ₹ 9.90 lakh for the base model, while the top-end variant could reach ₹ 18.99 lakh to ₹ 19.50 lakh. In 2019, this price range was much better than anyone could ask for a vehicle offering such advanced features and driving performances. The Kia Seltos (2019) was available in many trims, including HTX, HTX Plus, GTX, GTX Plus, HTK, and HTK Plus.
Kia Seltos (2023)
The Kia Seltos (2023) starts at ₹ 12.64 lakh for the base variant and reaches almost ₹ 24.00 lakh for the top-end variant. There are eight broad variants of the Kia Seltos (2023), including HTE, HTX, HTX Plus, HTK, HTK Plus, HTE Plus, GTX Plus, and X-Line. These variants are classified based on the engine type, features, and transmission types that work in tandem to decipher the vehicle's price.
Check out: Kia Seltos Variants
Comparing New and Old Price and Value
There is no denying that the Kia Seltos (2019) was relatively more affordable than the facelift version's price. However, it is also important to acknowledge that the newer version offers many new enhancements that make it worth the price.
Even now, with the Kia Seltos (2023), the price difference between the base and the top-end model is almost ₹12.00 lakh, which is quite considerable. Therefore, ensure you are mindful before getting the new Kia Seltos (2023).
In Conclusion
The entry of Kia as a carmaker in the Indian market can now be termed a successful experiment, and Kia Seltos is a primary catalyst in this success story. With its launch in 2019, the vehicle has won over the hearts of many, and this newer, updated version is no exception.
This comprehensive evaluation allows us to conclude that the Kia Seltos (2023) facelift variant is safer than its predecessor. Besides that, the vehicle leaves no stone unturned in terms of performance with the new 1.5-litre replacement of the former 1.4-litre turbo engine. So make sure you consider these aspects when buying your next car and make an informed choice regarding your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
