Overview
The Kia Seltos is one of India's most successful mid-size SUVs, offering an excellent combination of premium styling, powerful engine options, advanced technology, and outstanding comfort. Since its launch in 2019, the Seltos has consistently been among the top-selling SUVs in its segment, competing with popular rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, and Škoda Kushaq.
The latest Kia Seltos facelift brings a refreshed exterior design, premium interiors, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and enhanced connectivity features. Buyers can choose from naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engines, along with multiple transmission options to suit different driving styles.
Whether used for city commuting, family outings, or long-distance highway travel, the Kia Seltos delivers a refined, feature-rich, and enjoyable driving experience.
Variants and Price Range
The Kia Seltos is available in multiple variants across different powertrain options.
Popular variants include:
HTE
HTK
HTK+
HTX
HTX+
GTX+
X-Line
Engine options:
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Turbo GDi Petrol
1.5-litre CRDi Diesel
Transmission options:
6-speed Manual
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
6-speed Automatic (Diesel)
7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (Turbo Petrol)
Approximate Ex-showroom Price Range:
₹11 lakh – ₹20.5 lakh
The wide range of variants allows buyers to select a configuration that best suits their needs and budget.
Kia Seltos On-Road Price
The on-road price includes registration charges, insurance, road tax, FASTag, and applicable state taxes.
Approximate on-road prices:
Base Variant: ₹12.8 lakh
Mid Variant: ₹17 lakh
Top Variant: ₹24 lakh
The final on-road cost depends on the city, insurance provider, and accessories selected.
Design and Exterior
The Kia Seltos features a bold and premium SUV design with a strong road presence.
Exterior highlights include:
Digital Tiger Nose grille
Crown Jewel LED headlamps
Star Map LED Daytime Running Lamps
Connected LED tail lamps
18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Roof rails
Shark-fin antenna
Front and rear skid plates
Electrically foldable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators
The facelifted design gives the Seltos a modern and premium appearance while maintaining its sporty character.
Engine and Performance
The Kia Seltos is available with three engine options.
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Capacity: 1497 cc
Power: 115 PS
Torque: 144 Nm
1.5-litre Turbo GDi Petrol
Engine Capacity: 1482 cc
Power: 160 PS
Torque: 253 Nm
1.5-litre CRDi Diesel
Engine Capacity: 1493 cc
Power: 116 PS
Torque: 250 Nm
The naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers refined everyday performance, the turbo-petrol offers exciting acceleration, and the diesel engine is ideal for long-distance driving with excellent fuel economy.
Dimensions
The Kia Seltos offers spacious dimensions suitable for families.
Length: 4365 mm
Width: 1800 mm
Height: 1645 mm
Wheelbase: 2610 mm
Ground Clearance: Approximately 190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
Its generous wheelbase contributes to comfortable rear-seat space and stable highway performance.
Transmission Options
The Kia Seltos offers several transmission choices.
Available options include:
6-speed Manual
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
6-speed iMT
6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (Diesel)
7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (Turbo Petrol)
The variety of transmissions allows buyers to choose the balance of performance and convenience that best suits their driving habits.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Approximate ARAI-certified mileage:
1.5 Petrol Manual: Up to 17.7 km/l
1.5 Petrol IVT: Up to 17.9 km/l
1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Up to 17.9 km/l
1.5 Diesel Manual: Up to 20.7 km/l
1.5 Diesel Automatic: Up to 19.1 km/l
Actual mileage depends on traffic conditions, driving style, and vehicle maintenance.
Real-World Mileage
Owners generally report:
Petrol City: 12–15 km/l
Petrol Highway: 16–18 km/l
Turbo Petrol City: 11–14 km/l
Turbo Petrol Highway: 16–18 km/l
Diesel City: 16–19 km/l
Diesel Highway: 20–22 km/l
The diesel variant is particularly efficient for buyers covering long annual distances.
Interior and Cabin Experience
The Kia Seltos offers one of the most premium interiors in the segment.
Interior highlights include:
Dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays
Premium leatherette upholstery
Soft-touch dashboard
Ambient lighting
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Ventilated front seats
Rear AC vents
Premium cabin materials
The cabin feels modern, spacious, and luxurious.
Seat Comfort and Seating Experience
The Kia Seltos comfortably accommodates five adults.
Comfort highlights include:
Ventilated front seats
Powered driver's seat
Height-adjustable front seats
Rear centre armrest
Adjustable rear headrests
Generous rear legroom
Comfortable seat cushioning
The supportive seats make long journeys comfortable for all occupants.
Infotainment and Technology
The Kia Seltos comes equipped with advanced infotainment and connectivity features.
Key highlights include:
Dual 10.25-inch displays
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (supported on compatible variants)
Kia Connect connected car technology
Bose premium 8-speaker audio system
Digital instrument cluster
Wireless phone charger
Voice assistant
Over-the-air updates for supported systems
USB Type-C charging ports
360-degree camera
The infotainment system offers a smooth and premium user experience.
Boot Space and Practicality
The Kia Seltos offers 433 litres of boot space.
Additional practicality features include:
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Flat luggage floor
Large glovebox
Spacious door pockets
Multiple storage compartments
The luggage space is suitable for family vacations and daily utility.
Safety Features
The Kia Seltos comes equipped with an extensive range of safety technologies.
Key safety features include:
Six airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill Start Assist Control
Front and rear parking sensors
360-degree surround-view camera
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
ISOFIX child-seat anchors
All-disc brakes
Level 2 ADAS features, including:
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Following Assist
Blind Spot Collision Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control
Driver Attention Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
High Beam Assist
These systems enhance safety for both city and highway driving.
Platform
The Kia Seltos is built on the K2 platform, which is shared with the Hyundai Creta. The platform provides:
High structural rigidity
Improved crash protection
Comfortable ride quality
Stable highway handling
Compatibility with advanced driver assistance technologies
The platform contributes significantly to the SUV's balanced performance and refinement.
Safety Concerns
The Kia Seltos offers a strong safety package, but buyers should keep a few practical considerations in mind:
Turbo-petrol variants have a higher purchase price.
DCT-equipped variants perform best with smooth inputs in heavy traffic.
Fuel efficiency of the turbo-petrol may decrease with enthusiastic driving.
It is primarily designed for on-road driving rather than serious off-roading.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Kia Seltos provides a comfortable and confident driving experience.
Advantages include:
Comfortable suspension setup
Stable highway performance
Responsive steering
Strong braking performance
Low cabin noise
Predictable handling
Comfortable ride over uneven roads
The suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling.
City Driving Advantages
The Kia Seltos performs well in urban environments.
Benefits include:
High driving position
Light steering
Smooth automatic transmission options
Parking sensors and 360-degree camera
Good visibility
Comfortable seating
Easy maneuverability
These features make city driving convenient and stress-free.
Color Options
The Kia Seltos is available in several premium colour options, including:
Glacier White Pearl
Aurora Black Pearl
Gravity Grey
Imperial Blue
Pewter Olive
Intense Red
Sparkling Silver
X-Line Matte Graphite
Dual-tone colour options (selected variants)
Colour availability may vary based on the selected variant.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
The Kia Seltos offers competitive maintenance costs within the mid-size SUV segment.
Advantages include:
Wide Kia dealership network
Easily available spare parts
Affordable periodic servicing
Good resale value
Reliable petrol and diesel engines
Comprehensive warranty support
Following the recommended service schedule helps ensure long-term reliability.
Reliability
The Kia Seltos has established a reputation for dependable long-term ownership.
It is suitable for:
Daily commuting
Family travel
Highway driving
Weekend road trips
Business use
Its refined powertrains and quality construction contribute to a hassle-free ownership experience.
Target Audience
The Kia Seltos is ideal for:
Families
Young professionals
First-time SUV buyers
Highway travellers
Technology enthusiasts
Buyers seeking premium interiors
Customers wanting multiple engine options
Similar Cars and Competitors
The Kia Seltos competes with several mid-size SUVs in India, including:
Hyundai Creta
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Honda Elevate
Volkswagen Taigun
Škoda Kushaq
MG Astor
Each competitor offers a unique combination of technology, comfort, performance, and pricing.
Market Position in India
The Kia Seltos remains one of the benchmark models in India's mid-size SUV segment. Its premium styling, multiple engine options, extensive feature list, advanced Level 2 ADAS, and comfortable cabin continue to attract a wide range of buyers. With strong brand recognition and Kia's expanding service network, the Seltos maintains a competitive position in one of the country's most popular automotive categories.
Who Should Buy?
The Kia Seltos is an excellent choice for buyers who want:
A premium mid-size SUV
Petrol, turbo-petrol, or diesel engine options
Advanced safety technologies
Premium interiors
Connected car features
Comfortable long-distance travel
Strong resale value
Who May Prefer Alternatives?
Other SUVs may be more suitable for buyers who prioritize:
Strong hybrid technology
Hardcore off-road capability
Seven-seat practicality
Lower entry price
Fully electric mobility
Depending on individual needs, hybrid SUVs or larger family SUVs may offer additional advantages.
Final Verdict
The Kia Seltos continues to be one of the most complete and feature-rich mid-size SUVs available in India. It combines bold styling, refined engine options, premium interiors, advanced technology, and strong safety features into a well-rounded package. The availability of naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engines, along with multiple transmission choices and Level 2 ADAS, makes it suitable for a wide variety of buyers.
Whether you are looking for a comfortable family SUV, a premium daily commuter, or a highway-friendly vehicle with modern features, the Kia Seltos delivers excellent value. Its blend of comfort, performance, technology, practicality, and reliability makes it one of the strongest contenders in India's highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
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