Kia Seltos 2025: The Kia Seltos continues to be one of India’s most popular compact SUVs, and the 2025 model year brings significant updates that reinforce its position in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. With over five lakh units sold since its 2019 launch, the Seltos has established itself as a benchmark in the compact SUV category.
Kia Seltos Updates and New Features
The 2025 Kia Seltos has received substantial updates that make it more compelling than ever. Kia has introduced eight new variants for 2025, bringing the total number of available trims to an impressive 24 options across petrol and diesel engines. This extensive lineup ensures there’s a Seltos variant for virtually every budget and requirement.
New Variant Structure
The 2025 model year introduces three new trim categories:
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HTE (O) – The new entry-level variant starting at ₹11.13 lakh
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HTK (O) – Mid-level trim with enhanced features
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HTK+ (O) – Premium mid-tier option with advanced amenities
These new variants replace the previous HTE base model and offer better value propositions with improved feature sets. The HTE (O) variant commands a premium of ₹23,000 over the outgoing HTE trim but includes significantly more features, making it excellent value for money.
Kia Seltos Design and Exterior Styling
The Seltos maintains its aggressive and confident design language that has made it so popular among Indian buyers. The SUV features a dominant stance with sharp, chiseled lines and a formidable road presence that showcases what Kia calls its “badass traits.”
Exterior Highlights
Front Design: The signature Tiger Nose grille has been refined with a matte graphite finish on higher variants, creating a more premium appearance. The front fascia features sequential LED headlamps with Crown Jewel LED technology and Star Map LED DRLs that create a distinctive lighting signature.
Lighting Technology: One of the standout features is the connected LED tail lamp system inspired by star maps. The sequential animation of the LED lighting setup looks particularly impressive at night, giving the Seltos a modern and premium appearance.
Wheels and Alloys: Depending on the variant, the Seltos rides on different wheel configurations:
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Base variants: 16-inch steel wheels with covers
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Mid variants: 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels
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Top variants: 18-inch (46.20 cm) crystal-cut glossy black alloy wheels
The X-Line variant gets exclusive design elements including dual sports exhausts and unique styling cues that differentiate it from the regular lineup.
Kia Seltos Interior Features and Technology
The cabin of the 2025 Seltos represents a significant leap forward in terms of technology and premium feel. The interior has been completely redesigned around a new dual-screen setup that creates a modern, tech-forward environment.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The centerpiece of the interior is the dual 10.25-inch panoramic display system. This setup includes:
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10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system
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10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
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Seamless integration between both screens
The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. Higher variants also feature a Bose premium audio system for enhanced sound quality.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Seating: The Seltos offers comfortable seating for five passengers with:
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8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
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Ventilated front seats (in higher variants)
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Premium leatherette upholstery
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60:40 split-folding rear seats
Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for front passengers, while rear AC vents provide comfort for rear passengers.
Storage: The Seltos offers practical storage solutions throughout the cabin, with a boot space of 433 liters that can accommodate luggage for long trips.
Panoramic Sunroof
One of the most sought-after features is the dual-pane panoramic sunroof available on higher variants. This feature creates an open, airy feeling in the cabin and enhances the overall premium experience.
Engine Options and Performance
The 2025 Kia Seltos offers three distinct engine options, providing flexibility for different driving preferences and requirements:
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine
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Power: 115 hp
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Torque: 144 Nm
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Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT automatic
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Fuel Efficiency
: 17-17.9 kmpl (ARAI claimed)
This engine is adequate for city driving and offers good fuel efficiency, making it ideal for daily commuting.
1.5L Turbo-Diesel Engine
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Power: 116 hp
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Torque: 250 Nm
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Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
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Fuel Efficiency
: 19.1-20.7 kmpl (ARAI claimed)
The diesel engine provides excellent torque for highway driving and offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup.
1.5L Turbo-Petrol Engine
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Power: 160 hp (195 hp in some markets)
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Torque: 253 Nm
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Transmission: 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or 7-speed DCT
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Fuel Efficiency
: Approximately 17 kmpl
This is the most powerful engine option, providing excellent performance and sporty driving dynamics. The iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) offers a unique clutch-less manual experience.
Kia Seltos Safety Features and ADAS
Safety is a major highlight of the 2025 Seltos, with Kia incorporating comprehensive safety systems across the range.
Standard Safety Equipment
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6 airbags (standard across all variants)
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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Hill Start Assist (HSA)
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Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with disc brakes all around
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
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Reverse parking camera and sensors
ADAS Level 2 Features
Higher variants come equipped with 19 autonomous ADAS Level 2 features, including:
Collision Avoidance Systems:
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Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist (covers cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junction turning)
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Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
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Blind Spot Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist
Driver Assistance:
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Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
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Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Following Assist
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High Beam Assist
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Driver Attention Warning
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Safe Exit Warning
Additional Safety Features:
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360-degree camera system with Blind View Monitor
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Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
It’s worth noting that while the previous generation scored 3 stars in Global NCAP crash tests, the updated safety features in the 2025 model are expected to improve this rating.
Kia Seltos Pricing and Variants
The 2025 Kia Seltos is positioned competitively in the compact SUV segment with prices ranging from ₹11.13 lakh to ₹20.56 lakh (ex-showroom). This wide price range ensures accessibility across different budget segments.
Pricing Structure (Ex-showroom)
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Base variants: Starting from ₹11.13 lakh
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Mid-level variants: ₹13-17 lakh range
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Top variants: Up to ₹20.56 lakh
The extensive variant lineup includes options for every type of buyer, from those seeking basic transportation to those wanting a fully-loaded premium SUV experience.
Kia Seltos Color Options
The 2025 Seltos is available in an attractive range of colors:
Monotone Options:
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Pewter Olive
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Clear White
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Sparkling Silver
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Gravity Grey
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Aurora Black
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Glacier White Pearl
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Intense Red
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Imperial Blue
Dual-tone Options:
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Glacier White Pearl with black roof
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Intense Red with black roof
Special Edition:
- X-Line exclusive Matte Graphite shade
Kia Seltos Dimensions and Practicality
The Seltos offers excellent space utilization despite its compact footprint:
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Length: 4,365 mm
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Width: 1,800 mm
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Height: 1,645 mm
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Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
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Ground Clearance: 190 mm
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Boot Space: 433 liters
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Fuel Tank Capacity
: 50 liters
The long wheelbase contributes to excellent rear-seat legroom, while the high ground clearance ensures capability on Indian roads.
Kia Seltos Market Position and Competition
The Seltos competes in the highly competitive compact SUV segment against established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and others. What sets the Seltos apart is its combination of:
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Aggressive and distinctive styling
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Comprehensive feature list
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Multiple engine and transmission options
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Strong build quality and fit-finish
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Excellent after-sales service network
Kia Seltos Future Developments
Looking ahead, Kia has confirmed that a hybrid version of the Seltos is in development and expected to launch in the second half of 2025. This aligns with Kia’s strategy to increase their hybrid and electric vehicle presence to 43% of their lineup by 2030.
The hybrid variant is expected to feature:
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Improved fuel efficiency
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Reduced emissions
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Enhanced performance
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Modern powertrain technology
Additionally, a completely new generation Seltos is expected to arrive in 2026, featuring:
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Hybrid powertrain options
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Updated design language
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Advanced technology features
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Improved safety ratings
Kia Seltos Ownership Experience
The Seltos comes with Kia’s industry-leading warranty package:
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3 years or unlimited kilometers standard warranty
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Extended warranty options available
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Comprehensive service network across India
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Competitive service costs
Kia Seltos Value Proposition
The 2025 Kia Seltos represents excellent value in the compact SUV segment. With its extensive feature list, multiple powertrain options, strong safety credentials, and attractive styling, it continues to be a compelling choice for Indian buyers.
Strengths:
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Distinctive and aggressive design
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Feature-rich cabin with modern technology
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Multiple engine and transmission options
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Comprehensive safety equipment
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Strong build quality
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Excellent warranty coverage
Areas for Improvement:
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Crash test rating could be better
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Higher variants become expensive
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Some competitors offer better ride comfort
Kia Seltos-
The 2025 Kia Seltos successfully builds upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessors. With significant updates to the variant lineup, enhanced features, and improved value propositions, it remains one of the most complete packages in the compact SUV segment.
Whether you’re a first-time SUV buyer looking for the base HTE (O) variant or an enthusiast seeking the fully-loaded X-Line with its turbocharged engine and advanced features,
the 2025 Seltos offers something for everyone. Its combination of style, technology, safety, and performance continues to make it a standout choice in India’s competitive automotive landscape.
The upcoming hybrid variant and next-generation model promise to keep the Seltos relevant and competitive for years to come, ensuring its position as one of India’s favorite compact SUVs remains secure.
