The Kia Seltos has quickly become one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in India, thanks to its bold design, powerful engine options, advanced technology, and overall value for money. In this detailed review, we’ll cover every aspect of the Seltos – from its styling and performance to its features, mileage, servicing costs, and ownership experience. Whether you are planning to buy the Kia Seltos or comparing it with rivals like the Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, or Maruti Grand Vitara, this breakdown will give you complete clarity.
Kia Seltos Design and Styling
The Kia Seltos stands out with its aggressive yet premium design language. The signature Tiger Nose grille gives it a commanding presence on the road, while sleek LED headlamps, sharp DRLs, and sporty bumpers enhance its modern appeal. The alloy wheel designs are stylish and vary depending on the variant, ranging from 16-inch to 18-inch sizes. The rear profile is equally bold with LED tail lamps connected by a chrome strip, giving it a wider stance.
In terms of dimensions, the Seltos measures around 4,365 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, making it spacious yet city-friendly. Its ground clearance of 190 mm makes it suitable for Indian road conditions, including potholes and speed breakers. Overall, Kia has perfectly balanced style with practicality in the Seltos.
Kia Seltos Engine and Performance
The Kia Seltos comes with multiple engine options to suit different driving preferences:
- 1.5L Petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm) – A smooth engine ideal for daily city use. Available with 6-speed manual and CVT (iVT) options.
- 1.5L Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm) – Known for its fuel efficiency and strong mid-range torque. Comes with a 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic.
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm) – The performance-oriented choice, paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic for quick gear shifts.
The suspension setup offers a fine balance between comfort and stability. While the diesel engine is perfect for long-distance touring, the turbo petrol makes highway overtakes effortless.
Kia Seltos Top Speed
The top speed of the Kia Seltos varies depending on the engine:
- 1.5 Petrol: Around 165 km/h
- 1.5 Diesel: Around 175 km/h
- 1.5 Turbo Petrol: Around 190–200 km/h
The Turbo Petrol variant clearly stands out for enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving, while the other two engines prioritize efficiency and smoothness.
Kia Seltos Interior and Technology
Inside, the Kia Seltos feels premium with soft-touch materials, leather upholstery (in higher trims), and a modern dashboard layout. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology (UVO/ Kia Connect) supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless Android Auto is only available in lower variants.
Key interior and tech highlights include:
- Fully digital instrument cluster with customizable themes.
- Premium Bose sound system with 8 speakers.
- Ventilated front seats for added comfort.
- Ambient mood lighting with multiple color options.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in higher variants – lane keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, etc.
The rear seat offers good space and recline adjustment, making it comfortable for long drives. Boot space of 433 liters is practical for family use.
Kia Seltos Price in India
The Kia Seltos is competitively priced in India, starting from ₹10.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol variant and going up to ₹20.35 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end turbo petrol and diesel models with ADAS.
This pricing makes it one of the most feature-loaded SUVs in its segment.
Advantages of Kia Seltos
- Stylish and premium design with strong road presence.
- Multiple engine and transmission options.
- Loaded with segment-leading features like ventilated seats, Bose speakers, 360-degree camera, and ADAS.
- Diesel engine offers excellent mileage and long-distance comfort.
- Turbo petrol provides thrilling performance.
Disadvantages of Kia Seltos
- No wireless Android Auto in top trims with big screen.
- ADAS features can sometimes feel intrusive in Indian traffic.
- Rear middle seat is less comfortable for three adults.
- Slightly stiffer suspension compared to Hyundai Creta.
Kia Seltos Color Options
Kia offers the Seltos in a wide variety of colors including:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Gravity Grey
- Intense Red
- Glacier White Pearl
- Sparkling Silver
- Pewter Olive
- Imperial Blue
- Matte Graphite (exclusive to GT Line/ X-Line)
Dual-tone options are also available with contrasting roof colors, adding more sportiness.
Final Review
The Kia Seltos is a complete package for Indian buyers who want style, technology, and performance in a single SUV. It appeals to both family-oriented customers and driving enthusiasts thanks to its versatile engine options and premium features. While it does have a few drawbacks like the lack of wireless Android Auto in higher trims and slightly firm suspension, the overall experience it delivers is unmatched at its price point.
