New Kia Seltos: The Kia Seltos has always managed to make the correct noises among the Indian audience. Since its debut, it has received accolades for its bold look, tech-savvy cabin and balanced performance.
Now, in its 2025 form, the version of the new Kia Seltos has received a careful grooming that makes it even sexier —without messing with anything that worked well to begin with.
From updated looks to a more intelligent interior to yet more tech, the current Seltos feels like a more grown-up version of itself. It’s not overdone, but provides a perfect balance of upscale attitude and daily-driver intelligence.
New Kia Seltos Design: Positions sharper, bolder but also more familiar
The Seltos’ bold SUV stance remains unchanged with this new model that turned heads right from the beginning. The front grille is much more aggressive now, the LED DRLs are more pointed, and the bumpers have had a very mild refresh to make them seem more substantial.
At the rear, there’s also a new LED light bar, comprising a horizontal strip of illumination across the tailgate, which brings the design up-to-date.
The alloy wheels also receive new treatment — especially the 18-inch ones on the upper variants, which lend serious road presence.
There’s nothing radical going on here, Kia hasn’t gone full-on crazy, but the updates are just enough to keep it fresh.
Cabin and Features: High-Tech, High-Zoot
The new Kia Seltos ups its game inside with a dual-screen configuration (a 10.25-inch digital driver display alongside a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s integrated). The whole dashboard layout is more cohesive, borrowing more soft-touch materials and demure ambient lighting to give the cabin a more upmarket air.
Features? This is where the Seltos stands out. You receive ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, ADAS Level 2 functions, dual-zone climate, powered driver seat, a Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and remote engine start via the key fob as well.
For the money, not many SUVs can compete with that kind of sheer feature density.
The front and rear seats are still roomy. Especially at the back, the seats now offer improved under-thigh support, while, the reclining backrest means long drives should be a bit more relaxing.
Engines and Performance: A Powertrain for Every Driver
Engine & Performance Kia offers the Seltos with three powertrains:
1.5L NA Petrol (115 PS)
1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 PS)
1.5L Diesel (116 PS)
Highlight of the new 1.5L turbo-petrol, though—punchy, slippery and quick off the line. Combined with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, it has the punch, yet smooth enough to be used as a daily driver.
Laid-back drivers will be satisfied with the naturally aspirated petrol, if not thrilled.
The diesel, meanwhile, remains the go-to for long-distance drivers and energy-conscious public. There would be a gearbox option for manual, iMT, CVT, torque converter and DCT across the variants.
The ride is definitely on the firmer side, but it corners with little body roll. It’s a more enjoyable car to drive than many of its competitors in the segment.
Safety: Smart and Secure
Safety has been a great success story. Now equipped with at least 6 airbags, ADAS tech (lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning), hill-start assist, ESP and TPMS, the new Seltos is now one of the safer SUVs amongst its peers now.
Pros:
Newer design with a more streamlined appearance
Feature-rich cabin with dual-screen display
Turbodiesel has powerful torque Strong turbo-petrol performance
Variety of FAF-spur gear motor options
It’s got all the safety and ADAS tech
Nice interior materials
Cons:
Ride’s a touch firm at low speeds
No AWD option for enthusiasts
Petrol engines – Naturally aspirated engine is underpowered for highway cruising
The top end can get pricey
New Kia Seltos Last Word: Just the Right Mix of Style, Tech and Utility
The 2025 Kia Seltos isn’t reinventing the wheel—its appealing to the same people is always did, and it’s only buffing up what made it a favorite.
With greater features, contemporary styling and improved safety, the new Seltos powers ahead of the opposition as the ultimate small SUV option.
Tech junkie, highway droner or city dweller, there’s a Seltos derivative that’ll probably tick your boxes.
