Does the 2025 Kia Seltos stand out in the subcompact SUV segment? It’s no surprise for the Seltos Kia 2025 to retain its charm against the strong contenders. Featuring a user-friendly, spacious cabin. Seltos offers an edge for its cargo space over others in its segment. The Seltos lets you choose between a duo of powertrains, both featuring a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder block. The optional turbocharged engine boasts 195 horses with a decent thrust.
While the standard 146 ponies non-turbo engine might feel underpowered to few. Both are mated to either a front or an all-wheel-drive configuration. Not all is lacking, the Kia Seltos wears a bunch of goodies, including the larger infotainment screen and premium Bose audio unit, all that justify its thrifty pricing. Ready to experience the new Seltos? This 2025 Kia Seltos review offers clarity for its worth.
What has been Tweaked For 2025?
The Kia Seltos received a makeover in 2024, featuring a redesigned exterior, interior, and dialed-up power figures. Not much is expected for 2025, right? Well, that’s not the case. Kia has shared some of its specs across the lineup, adding the reverse parking distance to the 2025 Kia Seltos EX and SX models. Plus a cargo cover and a power tailgate to the 2025 Kia Seltos EX AWD models as standard, better standard features than on the VW Tiguan. What’s more? The two-tone 17-inch alloys are now standard on the base S model.
2025 Kia Seltos vs Competitors’ Specs!
The 2025 Kia Seltos is quite pleasant to drive with a handsome character. It competes with the uniquely equipped Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30.
| Specifications | 2025 Kia Seltos (S AWD) | 2025 Hyundai Kona (SEL AWS) | 2025 Mazda CX-30 (S Select Sport AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 Gas | 2.0L Inline-4 Gas | 2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable-Speed Speed Automatic | Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel-Drive | All-Wheel-Drive | All-Wheel-Drive |
| EPA City/Highway/Combined MPG | 27/31/29 MPG | 27/29/28 MPG | 26/33/29 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 26.6 cu.ft. | 25.5 cu.ft. | 20.2 cu.ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 Inches. | 8.1 Inches. | 8.0 Inches. |
| Curb Weight | 3,186 lbs. | 3,241 lbs. | 3,419 lbs. |
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60,000 miles. | 5 yr./ 60,000 miles. | 3 yr./ 36,000 miles. |
| Starting MSRP (Est) | $26,690 | $27,400 | $26,650 |
Note: (The price does not include any further add-ons or on-road taxes).
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Kia Seltos pricing starts at $25,965 and hikes up to $32,465 depending on the trim and further add-ons.
| Trims | Pricing |
|---|---|
| LX | $25,965 |
| S | $26,465 |
| EX | $27,465 |
| X-Line | $30,665 |
| SX | $32,465 |
Note: (The price does not include any further add-ons or on-road taxes).
Our recommendation goes with the Seltos EX trim. The range-topping SX does come loaded with all the tech and desirable features. But the EX remains well-equipped too at a much cheaper offering. The standard goodies include faux-leather upholstery, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a power tailgate (only when paired with an all-wheel-drive system). However, the Subaru Crosstrek does offer better off-road chops.
What’s more? A dual-screen infotainment system with in-dash navigation support, and a wireless charging pad as standard. Selecting the 2025 Kia Seltos EX AWD will unlock access to a power liftgate for the EX variants. Looking for more spices? The range-topping X-Line and the SX come equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. A safe bet for those requiring adrenaline.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Kia slots a duo of four-cylinder powertrain choices to its menu. A 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter generating 195 horsepower adds more flavor to the Seltos lineup. The base non-turbo engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Whereas the turbo marries an 8-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel-drive remains standard across the lineup except for the base S and EX models. However, the Ford Bronco Sport takes the win for extra power. The Kia Seltos 2025 is more on the stiffer side but refuses to compromise on comfort. The Seltos handles sharper and better than an SUV, with cues of athlete in its charm.
0-60 Mph Testing
According to the Car and Driver track testing of the 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain, the Seltos bolted 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The Seltos performed more than it was expected being a sophisticated SUV.
Fuel Economy (EPA)
The 2025 Kia Seltos remains quite low on fuel. The EPA has estimated the Seltos non-turbo AWD good for City/Highway/Combined fuel economy of as high as 27/31/29 MPG respectively. However, according to the Car and Driver 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the 1.6-liter turbocharged Seltos managed 32 MPG. Visit the EPA’s website for more information about the Seltos fuel economy.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite its subcompact shell, the Seltos doesn’t disappoint for its cargo and seating space. The interior remains simplistic yet refined enough to face off with the brand’s best Kia Telluride SUV. The cockpit is dominated by a duo of digital screens under the same housing. With several knobs and physical controls, the user experience has been kept simple and easy to adapt. The interior ambient lights are standard on the top-spec SX while optional across the lineup.
What’s more? The ambient lights can be set to pulse along with the music beat, isn’t it fascinating! Behind the rear seats, the Seltos offers 26.6 cu.ft. of cargo space and can be increased to a maximum of 62.8 cu.ft with rear seats folded flat. If you are looking for a more spacious dialed-up counterpart, the Subaru Forester could be the best pick.
Infotainment and Tech
The Kia Seltos infotainment setup received an extensive makeover for 2024. Featuring the multi-purpose latest glass display, covering most of the dashboard length. Working as a digital gauge cluster and an infotainment system. This layout remains optional and quite similar to the latest Kia setup for its several other lineups.
Whereas the analog dials with a smaller display are standard across the lineup. What’s more? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with every Seltos, except for the optional SiriusXM satellite radio and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2025 Kia Seltos bolts (5-Star) safety rating by (NHTSA). Offers a bunch of standard driver assistance and safety features including:
- Automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection as standard.
- Lane-departure warning with Lane-keep assist as standard.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with a semi-autonomous driving mode as standard.
For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crash tests and safety measures.
Warranty and Maintenance
- 5 years or 60,000 miles basic warranty.
- 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty.
- 5 years or 100,000 miles of rust warranty.
- 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
Experts Review
The 2025 Kia Selto’s affordability without compromising cues has made it experience the experts’ remarks around the globe.
Where Car and Driver notes “Efficient, handsome, affordable, and nice to drive, the Seltos is a solid mid-pack SUV in a class of subcompact overachievers.”
Additionally, Edmund says “The 2025 Kia Seltos is stylish, roomy, and available with plenty of the latest technology and safety features. It’s rather quick, too, as long as you get the optional turbocharged engine. Comfort is lacking, however, and it’s not particularly fun to drive. But overall this little Kia SUV is worth a look.
Owner’s Feedback!
According to the J.D. Power ranking, the 2025 Kia Seltos remains a great contender, rated at 87/100 for quality and reliability, 84/100 for driving experience, and 83/100 overall rating.
However, the 2025 Kia Seltos owner reviews have suggested some constructive remarks over several platforms including Edmund.
Where Jrwill228 notes “They kind of went cheap on this vehicle yet the price isn’t. Simulated leather interior that probably won’t last the life of the vehicle. Wired CarPlay but not wireless – in a 2025 vehicle.
Moreover, Julietta Parker adds “I traded my 2021 Seltos LX for the 2025 Seltos Ex in Pluton blue, it was love at first sight. After two months I have almost 2500 miles on it. I love everything about it. I especially like how easy it is to get in and out of it, makes running errands a breeze. I am 5ft 4 so I like that I can adjust the seat higher so I can see all around. I think the ride is nice and the safety features work very well.”
Additionally, Larry adds “Rides great, very comfortable, lots of safety features. Great on gas all for a good price. Wish they put in LED headlights and dual climate control.
Final Verdict
Despite its thrifty cost, the automaker didn’t go deficient in equipping it with a modernized platform. It’s quite affordable and efficient with a daily commuter charm. Even power is not a deal breaker unless you opt for the standard non-turbo block. Overall, the 2025 Kia Seltos could be a solid pick in its subcompact segment.
FAQ’s
What are the trim levels for the Kia Seltos 2025?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is offered with five different trims. From the base LX to S, EX, X-Line, and the top-spec SX.
What is the price of the Kia Seltos 2025?
The 2025 Kia Seltos pricing starts at $25,965 and hikes up to $32,465 depending on the trim and further add-ons.
What is the fuel economy of the Kia Seltos 2025?
EPA has estimated the non-turbo two-liter all-wheel-drive Kia Selto’s fuel economy as 27/31/29 MPG for City/Highway/Combined respectively. However, the 2025 Kia Seltos turbo achieves an EPA estimated 24/27/25 MPG City/Highway/Combined fuel economy respectively.
