About Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is a popular compact SUV manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors. Launched in 2019, the SUV has quickly gained a strong foothold in the Indian market due to its impressive design, features, and reliable performance. Now, Kia has introduced the SUV's facelifted avatar in the country, with subtle changes to the exterior and interior design.

It is available with petrol and diesel engines, providing customers with plenty of options to suit their preferences. The engines in question are the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine. The SUV is also known for its spacious and comfortable interiors, advanced safety features, and sleek exterior design that will turn heads on the road. With its combination of style, performance, and practicality, the Kia Seltos is an SUV that has something to offer to everyone.

Kia Seltos Highlights

The following are the key highlights of the Kia Seltos.

Launch Date: The latest model of the Kia Seltos was launched in 2023.
Configurations: The Seltos has 9 broad variants, including HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, Gravity, HTX+, GTX, GTX+, and X-Line.

Kia Seltos: Quick Review

The following sections shed light on the exterior design, interior features, performance, and safety features of the Kia Seltos.

Exterior Design

The front fascia of the Kia Seltos facelift has been revamped. It now features a larger grille, redesigned headlights, extended LED DRLs, a new front bumper, and tweaked fog lamps. All these subtle changes result in a refreshing look. The new faux skid plate gives the rather handsome SUV a rugged look.

The side profile of the Kia Seltos facelift remains mostly the same as that of the previous SUV iteration. It features stylish alloy wheels and plastic body cladding. The overall silhouette and other design elements remain unchanged compared to the outgoing model.

The Kia Seltos' rear fascia features significant changes, including a connected LED light bar across the tailgate. Other highlights include vertical tail lights with sequential turn indicators, a new rear bumper, and a faux skid plate. Overall, the it remains an elegant SUV with subtle changes to the exterior design.

Please note that the Kia Seltos is available in three trim lines. The top-spec trim lines have a slightly different body kit than the entry-level trim line.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Kia Seltos looks neat and clutter-free, thanks to the new sleeker touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard gets a subtle update in the form of sleeker AC vents and revamped audio and AC controls. The interior also gets different themes, depending on the trim you choose. The SUV also gets a second screen for the instrument cluster with digital dials.

The rear seat offers a comfortable driving experience with ample headroom and knee room. The rear seat can also accommodate three adults without any difficulty. The rear occupants also get creature comfort features like rear AC vents, an updated air purifier, a type-C charging port, etc. The Kia Seltos’ boot space stands at 433 litres, which remains the same as the outgoing model.

The Seltos also has features like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats. However, some of these features may be limited to the top-spec variants of the SUV.

Check out: Kia Seltos Interior

Kia Seltos Engine and Transmission

Engine CC (Capacity)

The updated Kia Seltos offers three engine options with the following specifications: a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 115 bhp of power and 144 Nm of torque, available with a choice of a manual or a CVT transmission; a 1.5-litre diesel engine generating 116 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque, offered with either an iMT or a torque converter automatic transmission; and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 160 bhp of power and 253 Nm of torque.

Transmission

The updated Kia Seltos offers a variety of transmission options to match its three engine choices. These options include a 6-speed manual or a CVT for the 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) or a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.5-litre diesel engine. For the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, there's a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) and the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). These transmission choices cater to different driving preferences and enhance the versatility of its lineup.

Performance

Kia Seltos's performance shows that the company is dedicated to giving its customers an exciting and enjoyable driving experience. Whether the petrol or diesel engine option is chosen, the SUV has the right amount of power, fuel efficiency, and handling.

Top Speed

Given this compact SUV's engine options and specs, it is fair to conclude that the Seltos can easily reach a top speed of 167 km/h. This is truly impressive, making it a great choice for every auto enthusiast.

Mileage

With its many engine and gearbox choices, the Kia Seltos delivers good mileage. It offers 17 kilometres per litre (km/l) with the 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox and 17.7 km/l with the CVT. It returns 17.7 km/l with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and intelligent manual gearbox (iMT) and 17.9 km/l with the DCT. What if you want diesel? The 1.5-litre diesel with iMT delivers an amazing 20.7 km/l, and the automatic (AT) version offers 19.1 km/l. These numbers show how fuel-efficient the SUV is for various driving styles.

Check out: Kia Seltos Mileage

Ground Clearance

The Kia Seltos has a ground clearance of 190 millimetres, which means there is a lot of space between the bottom of the car and the road. This clearance can be helpful when driving on rough or uneven terrain, keeping the car from scraping or getting stuck.

Boot Space

The Kia Seltos has a roomy boot that holds 447 litres of cargo. Thanks to the spacious interior, groceries, luggage, and other items can be easily carried, making it a practical choice for everyday use and travel.

Dimensions

The Kia Seltos has the following dimensions and seating capacity:

Overall Length: 4365 mm
Overall Width: 1800 mm
Overall Height: 1645 mm

Kia Seltos has an impressive wheelbase of 2610 mm, and the vehicle features five doors for easy access.

Colours

The 11 available colours allow customers to express their individuality with the Kia Seltos. Here are the colour options.

Glacier White Pearl with Aurora Black Pearl
Imperial Blue
Sparkling Silver
Pewter Olive
Intense Red
Aurora Black Pearl
Clear White
Gravity Grey
Glacier White Pearl
Glacier White Pearl with Aurora Black Pearl
Xclusive Matte Graphite

Check out: Kia Seltos Colours

Variants

The Kia Seltos is available in nine different variants, giving you enough room to make your choices properly. These variants include:

HTE: This is the base variant of the Kia Seltos, and it offers a wide range of essential features to ensure a comfortable drive.
HTK: A slight upgrade from the base variant, the HTK variant comes with features like front and rear power windows.
HTK+: This variant offers all the features of HTK and adds additional features like alloy wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system.
HTX: The HTX variant has more advanced features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic climate control.
Gravity: This more premium variant offers features like a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
HTX+: This unique variant combines the features from the HTX and Gravity variants to deliver something new and different.
GTX: This unique variant includes adaptive cruise control, a heads-up display, and a 360-degree camera.
GTX+: This is among the top-end variants of the SUV and comes with many premium comfort features and advanced safety features.
X-Line: This is the top-end variant of the SUV, offering a more rugged look and appeal with unique aesthetic features.

As you can see, each of these nine variants offers something unique and has advantages and disadvantages. Hence, the decision boils down to evaluating your needs and preferences so you can choose accordingly. You must choose between practical and luxury features and make decisions accordingly.

But if you are still struggling with this decision, here is a comparison table of all variants of the Kia Seltos:

Features	HTE	HTK	HTK+	HTX	HTX+	GTX	GTX+	X-Line
Halogen Projector Headlamps	✓	✓	✓	-	-	-	-	-
Crown Jewel LED Headlamps with Star Map LED DRL	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ice-Cube LED Fog Lamps	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
R16 Steel Wheels with Full Covers	✓	✓	-	-	-	-	-	-
R16 Alloy Wheels	-	-	✓	-	-	-	-	-
R17 Alloy Wheels	-	-	-	✓	✓	-	-	-
R18 Crystal Cut Glossy Black Alloy Wheels	-	-	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓
Roof Rails	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Shark Fin Antenna	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Sporty All-Black Interior	-	-	-	-	-	✓	✓	-
X-Line Exclusive Interior	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	✓
Leatherette Seats	-	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓
Leather Wrapped D-cut Steering Wheel	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Automatic Climate Control	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Smart Pure Air Purifier	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ventilated Front Seats	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
20.32 cm (8.0") Touchscreen	-	✓	✓	-	-	-	-	-
26.03 cm (10.25") HD Touchscreen	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Bose Premium Sound System	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Dual Front Airbags	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
6 Airbags	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ABS with EBD	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ADAS Level 2	-	-	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓
360° Surround View Camera	-	-	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓
Smartstream G1.5	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	-	-	-
Smartstream G1.5 T-GDI	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
1.5 CRDi VGT	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
6MT	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	-	-	-
iMT	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	-
7DCT	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
6AT	-	-	-	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Note: This table provides a general overview; some features may differ by model year. Please refer to Kia Seltos’s official website and product brochure for accurate information.

Check out: Kia Seltos Variants

Which is the Most Value for Money Variant?

After evaluating all the nine variants in which the Kia Seltos is available, it is fair to conclude that the Gravity variant offers the best value for money. So, here are some reasons to justify this conclusion:

Features

With the Kia Seltos Gravity variant, you get all the features available in the HTX variant and below. You also get other added features, such as a glossy black rear spoiler, crystal-cut alloy wheels, a dash cam with dual cameras, and ventilated seats on the front, to name a few. This gives you access to many premium features and functionalities without breaking the bank.

Safety

The Gravity variant of the Kia Seltos also comes with a wide range of safety features, including ABS, BAS, airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist control, and VSM. These features give you a sense of safety and reliability you will not get with other lower variants.

Powertrain Options

With the Gravity variant of the Kia Seltos, you get three different powertrain options, allowing you to choose according to your needs. Engine options include the Smartstream G1.5 6MT, Smartstream G1.5 IVT, and the 1.5L CRDi VGT 6MT. With three different engine options, this variant gives you enough room to evaluate your needs and pick the perfect combination.

Price Point

The Gravity variant is available in three options. The first is the 1.5 Gravity manual transmission, which will cost you ₹19.18 lakhs (on-road price in Delhi). Then comes the 1.5 Gravity IVT variant, which will cost you ₹20.81 lakhs (on-road price in Delhi). The final contender in the list is the 1.5 Gravity diesel variant, which comes with an on-road price tag in Delhi of ₹21.43 lakhs.

Safety

The Kia Seltos facelift has a wide range of safety features to ensure your and your passengers' security and safety. This makes this vehicle one of the most reliable choices in terms of compact SUVs.

Key Safety Features:

Six airbags
ABS
Brake assist
Rear parking sensors
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Disc brakes on all four wheels
Hill-hold assist
Vehicle Stability Management
Electronic Stability Control

The top-spec variants get additional features like ADAS with 17 autonomous features, a 360-degree camera, an electric parking brake, etc.

Check out: Kia Seltos All Specifications

Kia Seltos vs Rivals

While the Kia Seltos is a truly performant car, it is not the only subcompact SUV in the Indian market. So, let’s compare this SUV with its rivals and see where they stand.

Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta

Let’s compare the Kia Seltos with the Hyundai Creta to help you make an informed choice:

Feature	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Creta
Airbags	6 airbags	6 airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	4365 x 1800 x 1645 mm	4330 x 1790 x 1635 mm
Wheelbase	2610 mm	2610 mm
Infotainment System	26.03 cm (10.25”) HD Touchscreen Navigation	26.03 cm (10.25") HD audio video navigation system
Smartphone Connectivity	Apple Car Play and Android Auto	Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital Cluster with 26.04 cm (10.25”) Color LCD MID	26.03 cm (10.25") Multi-display digital cluster
Drive Modes	Eco, Normal Sports	Eco, Sports, and Normal
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Suspension (Front)	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring	McPherson strut with coil spring
Suspension (Rear)	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring	Coupled torsion beam axle
Engine Options	Smartstream G1.5, Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi, and 1.5l CRDi VGT	1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol, 1.5-litre MPi petrol, and 1.5-litres U2 CRDi diesel
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Petrol and Diesel
Transmission Options	6MT, IVT, 6iMT, 7DCT, and 6AT	MT, AT, IVT, and DCT
Comfort Features	Electric parking brake with auto-hold and 360-degree camera	Panoramic sunroof and dual-zone automatic temperature control (DATC)
Connected Car Technology	Kia Connect with OTA Maps & System Update	Hyundai Bluelink
Special Features	Rain sensing wipers and Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection	Glovebox cooling and cruise control

Kia Seltos vs Skoda Kushaq

Let’s compare the Kia Seltos with the Skoda Kushaq and better understand their differences:

Feature	Kia Seltos	Skoda Kushaq
Airbags	6 airbags	6 airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	4365 x 1800 x 1645 mm	4225 x 1760 x 1612 mm
Wheelbase	2610 mm	2651 mm
Infotainment System	26.03 cm (10.25”) HD Touchscreen Navigation	25.4 cm Infotainment System with ŠKODA Play Apps
Smartphone Connectivity	Apple Car Play and Android Auto	Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital Cluster with 26.04 cm (10.25”) Color LCD MID	20.32cm ŠKODA Virtual Cockpit
Drive Modes	Eco, Normal Sports	—
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Suspension (Front)	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring	McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and stabiliser bar
Suspension (Rear)	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring	Twist beam axle
Engine Options	Smartstream G1.5, Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi, and 1.5l CRDi VGT	1.0 TSI Petrol, in-line, 4-Stroke Positive Ignition Direct Injection Engine and 1.5 TSI Petrol, in-line, 4-Stroke Positive Ignition Direct Injection Engine with Active Cylinder Technology
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Petrol
Transmission Options	6MT, IVT, 6iMT, 7DCT, and 6AT	6MT, AT, and 7DSG
Comfort Features	Electric parking brake with auto-hold and 360-degree camera	Height adjustment for driver seats and rear centre armrest
Connected Car Technology	Kia Connect with OTA Maps & System Update	MyŠKODA Connect- Inbuilt Connectivity
Special Features	Rain sensing wipers and Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection	Anti-theft alarm and paddle shifters

Kia Seltos vs Volkswagen Taigun GT

Let’s compare the Kia Seltos with the Volkswagen Taigun GT.

Feature	Kia Seltos	Volkswagen Taigun GT
Airbags	6 Airbags	6 Airbags
Dimension (L x W x H)	4365 x 1800 x 1645 mm	4221 x 1760 x 1612 mm
Wheelbase	2610 mm	2651 mm
Infotainment System	26.03 cm (10.25”) HD Touchscreen Navigation	25.65 cm VW Play Touchscreen Infotainment
Smartphone Connectivity	Apple Car Play and Android Auto	Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital Cluster with 26.04 cm (10.25”) Color LCD MID	20.32 cm Digital cockpit
Drive Modes	Eco, Normal Sports	Sports mode
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Suspension (Front)	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring	McPherson suspension and stabiliser bar
Suspension (Rear)	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring	Twist beam axle
Engine Options	Smartstream G1.5, Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi, and 1.5l CRDi VGT	1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI EVO with ACT
Fuel Type	Petrol and Diesel	Petrol
Transmission Options	6MT, IVT, 6iMT, 7DCT, and 6AT	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed DSG
Comfort Features	Electric parking brake with auto-hold and 360-degree camera	Electric sunroof and ventilated seats
Connected Car Technology	Kia Connect with OTA Maps & System Update	MyVolkswagen Connect
Special Features	Rain sensing wipers and Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection	Smart touch Climatronic AC and rain-sensing wipers

Kia Seltos: Old vs New

A more powerful 1.5L engine with 160 bhp (brake horsepower) and 250 Nm of torque is standard on the upgraded 2023 Kia Seltos. You can get this engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The power outputs of the 1.5L diesel and naturally aspirated petrol engines have not changed, and the 6-speed automatic gearbox and continuously variable gearbox are still available for those who prefer the tried-and-true driving methods. While the current options provide dependable performance and fuel economy, the new turbocharged option brings excitement to the Seltos lineup.

Exterior Styling

The exterior of the 2023 Kia Seltos is bolder and more modern than its predecessor's. The front fascia is dominated by a broader "Tiger Grille" with a honeycomb pattern, flanked by sleeker LED DRLs extending into the grille. The aggressive front-end makeover is completed by redesigned headlamps and a more sculpted bumper.

The side profile has remained unchanged, though higher-end variants now feature larger 18-inch wheels for a more commanding stance. The most significant change is to the rear end, which now features a new set of connected LED tail lamps that illuminate dramatically. On top-spec models, dual exhaust tips add to the sporty appeal. The 2023 Seltos maintains its familiar silhouette while incorporating modern design cues for a more dynamic and eye-catching look.

Cabin and Features

The cabin of the 2023 Kia Seltos has been significantly upgraded over the previous model, providing a more premium and technologically advanced experience. The sleek 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster has replaced the analogue dials with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest connectivity options, and UVO-connected car technology is taking centre stage.

Among the notable new features are an 8-way power driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The cabin's material quality has improved, with soft-touch surfaces and more premium finishes. The interior of the 2023 Seltos is significantly more upscale and feature-rich than its predecessor, aiming to elevate the driving experience.

Powertrain Options

The 2023 Kia Seltos packs a punch with significant powertrain improvements. The previous 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine is swapped for a more potent 1.5-litre unit generating 160 PS and 250 Nm of torque, mated to either a smooth 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual for enthusiast drivers. While the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines remain unchanged, they retain their reliable 6-speed AT and CVT options for those seeking comfortable cruising. This combination of new and familiar powertrain options offers a broader range of driving experiences, catering to thrill-seekers and those prioritising efficiency and comfort.

Pros and Cons of Kia Seltos

Pros

Updated exterior design
Premium interior with a clutter-free dashboard.
Several segment-first features.
Host of engine/gearbox options.
Advanced safety features as standard.

Cons

The top-spec variants are expensive.
Long waiting periods