The Kia Seltos 2025 is not just an SUV; it is the vehicle that single-handedly catapulted Kia into the big leagues of the Indian automotive market. Having recently undergone a major facelift and with the next-generation model’s anticipated debut in late 2025/early 2026 (as hinted by recent teasers and market activity), the Seltos maintains its position as the segment’s benchmark for features, design, and multiple powertrain options. While the core mechanicals of the current model have been fine-tuned for 2025, the true excitement lies in the next-gen’s confirmed feature and design upgrades which push the vehicle further into premium territory.
This detailed review dissects the current market offering of the Kia Seltos 2025 alongside the confirmed upcoming enhancements, analyzing its expansive engine lineup, real-world mileage, class-leading features, and its critical safety standing in India.
Engine Lineup: The Power of Choice
The Kia Seltos 2025 continues to offer a triumvirate of robust BS6-compliant engine options, catering to every driving style and preference. This ‘Power of Choice’ remains a key differentiating factor against competitors:
- 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol: The most affordable and refined option, this engine produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. It is well-suited for city driving and relaxed commuting. It is paired with either a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or a seamless Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT – Kia’s CVT equivalent).
- 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol (T-GDi): This is the performance king of the segment, delivering a potent 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque. This engine gives the Seltos its genuinely sporty character, easily making it the quickest SUV in its class. Transmission options are the 6-speed iMT (Clutchless Manual) or the quick-shifting 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is perfectly matched for spirited driving.
- 1.5-litre Turbo-Diesel (CRDi VGT): The preferred choice for high-mileage users, this refined diesel engine offers 116 PS and a strong 250 Nm of low-end torque. It provides excellent driveability in the city and is highly efficient on the highway. It is available with a 6-speed MT or a reliable 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (TC).
Next-Gen Powertrain Update (Anticipated): The most significant future addition is the highly anticipated Strong-Hybrid powertrain, likely pairing the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with an electric motor. This move is crucial for positioning the Seltos directly against efficiency-focused rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, offering a blend of performance and superior city mileage.
Features: Technology, Comfort, and Interior Revolution
The current Kia Seltos 2025 is already one of the most feature-rich SUVs in India, but the upcoming next-gen update is set to push the technological envelope even further.
Current & Confirmed Features:
- Dual Panoramic Display (Next-Gen): The interior is set for a major overhaul, with teasers confirming a minimalist yet rich cabin dominated by a dual 12.3-inch curved display setup for the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. This premium layout drastically elevates the sense of luxury and technology.
- Level 2 ADAS: The Seltos was a pioneer in bringing Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to the segment. Key features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), significantly enhancing driver and occupant safety.
- Comfort & Convenience: The current model already offers Ventilated Front Seats, 8-way Powered Driver Seat, a Heads-Up Display (HUD), a Bose Premium 8-speaker Sound System, and 360-degree Camera—all features that are expected to be carried forward and refined.
- Panoramic Sunroof (Next-Gen): The highly requested Panoramic Sunroof is confirmed for the next-gen Seltos, enhancing the airy feel of the cabin, a feature essential for competing with the segment leader, Hyundai Creta.
Mileage Test: Real-World Efficiency
The Seltos, with its variety of engine-transmission combinations, offers impressive fuel efficiency, particularly in the diesel automatic segment.
The official ARAI-certified mileage figures are a strong indicator:
- Diesel (MT/TC AT): The diesel engine is the mileage champion, offering up to 20.7 kmpl (MT) and 19.1 kmpl (TC AT). Real-world highway cruising often yields figures close to the certified numbers.
- 1.5L NA Petrol (MT/IVT): This variant offers reliable efficiency, with figures ranging from 17.0 kmpl (MT) to 17.7 kmpl (IVT).
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol (iMT/DCT): The performance-focused engine is still respectable, delivering around 17.7 kmpl (iMT) to 17.9 kmpl (DCT).
Real-World Context: In typical Indian city traffic, expect the diesel automatic to return a practical mileage of 15–17 kmpl, while the turbo-petrol DCT will settle around 12–14 kmpl due to its enthusiastic nature. The upcoming strong-hybrid variant is expected to push city mileage figures well above 22 kmpl, fundamentally changing the efficiency debate.
Read More: Mahindra XUV700
Safety Rating: Seeking the New Benchmark
Safety has been a complex topic for the Seltos. The original pre-facelift model received a 3-Star Global NCAP rating in 2020. However, the current 2025 model (post-facelift) is built on a revised structure and is equipped with significantly enhanced safety features.
- Standard Safety: The 2025 Seltos is equipped with six airbags as standard across all variants (a major upgrade), along with essentials like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
- ADAS and Structural Integrity: While a new Global NCAP rating is pending for the updated structure and the 6-airbag model, the presence of Level 2 ADAS and Kia’s continuous engineering improvements strongly suggest the Kia Seltos 2025 is engineered to achieve a much higher safety score (likely 4-star or 5-star) under the new, stricter Bharat NCAP protocols, matching the safety standard set by the competition.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Engine Versatility: Three strong engine options, including powerful Turbo-Petrol and efficient Diesel. | Ride Quality: Suspension is tuned stiffly for better handling, which can compromise comfort over very rough roads. |
| ADAS Level 2: Advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control are top-of-the-line. | Legacy Safety Rating: Despite 6 airbags and structural updates, the 3-star legacy rating continues to impact perception until a new crash test is published. |
| Premium Features: Ventilated seats, Bose audio, and the upcoming dual 12.3-inch display and panoramic sunroof. | No AWD Option: Lacks a 4×4 or AWD option (except for the AWD diesel top variant available on specific trims), limiting serious off-road capability. |
| High Resale Value: Kia’s strong brand perception and reliability ensure good value retention. | Pricing: Top-end variants are priced significantly higher than the base model, crossing into the full-size SUV segment. |
Price in India: Variant-wise Analysis
The Kia Seltos 2025 is currently offered across the Tech Line (HTE to HTX+) and GT Line/X-Line (GTX+ and X-Line) trims. Prices are competitive and are subject to minor revisions upon the launch of the next-gen model (expected to see a slight price increase due to the added features like the panoramic sunroof and dual screens).
The current estimated Ex-Showroom Price in New Delhi ranges from ₹ 10.79 Lakh (HTE (O) Petrol MT) to ₹ 19.81 Lakh (X-Line Turbo DCT/Diesel AT).
The estimated On-Road Price in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), where the user is located, is a more accurate reflection of the final cost:
| Variant Example | Engine/Transmission | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx) | Estimated On-Road Price (Bhopal) |
| HTE (O) | 1.5L Petrol MT | ₹ 10.79 Lakh | ₹ 12.59 Lakh |
| HTK Plus Turbo iMT | 1.5L Turbo Petrol iMT | ₹ 15.20 Lakh | ₹ 17.54 Lakh |
| HTX Diesel AT | 1.5L Diesel TC AT | ₹ 18.02 Lakh | ₹ 21.14 Lakh |
| X-Line Turbo DCT (Top) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT | ₹ 19.81 Lakh | ₹ 22.82 Lakh |
Note: On-road prices include RTO, Insurance, and Taxes (approximate figures based on late 2025 data).
Final Verdict: The Undisputed Segment Flagship
The Kia Seltos 2025 remains the undisputed compact SUV flagship for features and performance diversity. The current model is a strong purchase due to its powerful engine choices and comprehensive ADAS suite. The anticipated next-generation Seltos, with its confirmed dual 12.3-inch displays, panoramic sunroof, and potential strong-hybrid powertrain, guarantees that the Seltos will continue to dominate the segment by offering a blend of European-inspired design and Korean technology that rivals simply cannot ignore.
