2025 Kia Seltos: The SUV That Speaks for Itself

2025 Kia Seltos: A Subcompact SUV with Big Ambitions

The 2025 Kia Seltos continues to make waves in the subcompact SUV segment, garnering attention for its spacious interiors, state-of-the-art technology, robust turbocharged engine, and clever design. However, prospective buyers should also consider its subpar fuel economy in turbo variants and the rather underwhelming performance of its base engine.

Pros:

• Generous space for passengers and cargo
• Advanced technology features
• Strong acceleration with the turbocharged engine
• Clever and stylish design
• High safety ratings

Cons:

• Less-than-ideal fuel economy with the turbocharged engine
• Weak performance from the base engine
• Higher price tag not typically associated with the Kia brand

What’s New in 2025?

The 2025 Seltos builds on the significant upgrades received last year with further enhancements in features across all trim levels. Key updates include:

• Base S Model: New instrument panel display, automatic up-down power driver’s window, and two-tone alloy wheels
• EX and SX Models: Rear parking sensors, power liftgate, and added sunroof for EX AWD
• SX Model: New "Brown" interior color option
• S Model: New blue seat option
• LX Model: Small screen combo

Interior and Technology

One of the Seltos’ most appealing aspects is its interior design, despite the use of hard plastics in certain areas, which is typical for this segment. Kia has cleverly enhanced the look and feel with:

• 3D geometric patterns on the speaker grilles
• Metallic-like passenger-side grab handle
• Sleek silver trim around the air vents and starter button
• Optional upgrades with synthetic leather dash trim and distinctive seat colors in higher trims

The interior technology impresses with twin curved screens spanning the dash, available in 8-inch and 10.25-inch sizes. The larger screens offer one of the best infotainment systems in the market, complete with physical menu controls and knobs below the climate control.

Space and Comfort

For a subcompact SUV, the Seltos offers substantial interior space. It accommodates both adults and children comfortably, with easy access for car seats. Cargo space is also generous, with 26.6 cubic feet in the back, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the top options for hauling bulky items.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Seltos comes with two engine options:

1. 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine: Produces 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup offers adequate but less exciting performance, getting 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined with FWD, and slightly lower with AWD.

2. 1.6-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine: Offers 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides better performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds according to Motor Trend. It achieves 24 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Driving Experience

The Turbo model shines with its ample low-end power and smooth acceleration, albeit at the cost of fuel economy. The rest of the driving experience is characteristically Kia: competent and composed but not particularly exhilarating. The suspension handles impacts well for an affordable crossover, making the Seltos a capable companion for both urban and suburban driving.

Pricing

The 2025 Seltos is priced to offer value across its trims, considering its features and performance:

• LX AWD: $25,965
• S FWD: $26,465
• S AWD: $27,965
• EX FWD: $27,465
• Special Edition: $29,665
• X-Line AWD: $30,665
• SX AWD: $32,465

Safety

The Seltos offers a robust suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Higher trims add advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Although the updated 2024 model has not yet been rated, the previous model received high marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

In conclusion, the 2025 Kia Seltos remains a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market, balancing space, technology, and performance, though it does face stiff competition from models like the Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen Taos, and Mazda CX-30. Despite its quirks, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and stylish small SUV.