The Kia Seltos has consistently been one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in India thanks to its modern design, feature-loaded cabin, and versatile performance. Competing in a highly competitive segment, the Seltos continues to maintain an edge with its updated technology, premium interiors, and multiple engine choices.

This detailed review examines the Seltos’ design, interior comfort, features, performance, safety, and compares it with key rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and MG Astor, enabling buyers to make an informed decision.

Bold and Dynamic Exterior Design

The Kia Seltos stands out with its sharply designed exterior, giving it a sporty and premium look. The updated model features:

Larger tiger-nose grille with refined detailing
Sleek LED headlamps and stylish DRLs
Sculpted body lines and muscular bumpers
New alloy wheel designs up to 18 inches
Connected LED tail lamps for a modern touch

While the Hyundai Creta offers a more futuristic look and the Grand Vitara leans toward rugged styling, the Seltos strikes a balanced design that appeals to both urban and family buyers.

Premium, Spacious, and Tech-Forward Interior

The Seltos’ cabin is one of the most impressive in the segment, thanks to its blend of comfort, style, and high-quality materials.

Premium Material Quality

Soft-touch elements, leatherette upholstery, and a clean dashboard layout give the Seltos an upscale feel. Its fit and finish are often considered superior to several competitors.

Dual-Screen Cockpit

The centerpiece of the cabin is the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The layout looks futuristic and offers a seamless connected experience.

Spacious, Comfortable Seating

Supportive front seats (ventilated in higher variants)
Ample legroom and headroom for all passengers
Rear seat recline function for added comfort

Feature-Rich Experience

The Seltos packs segment-leading features such as:

Panoramic sunroof
Bose premium 8-speaker system
Air purifier
Wireless charging
Dual-zone climate control
Ambient lighting

Compared to rivals, the Seltos’ interior feels more premium than the Grand Vitara and Astor, and more feature-packed than the Creta in lower trims.

Engine Options and Performance

Kia offers multiple powertrain options, making the Seltos suitable for different types of drivers.

1.5-Litre Petrol

Smooth and refined
Ideal for city commutes
Available with MT and CVT

1.5-Litre Turbo Petrol

Quick and responsive
Strong mid-range performance
Paired with a 7-speed DCT

1.5-Litre Diesel

Fuel-efficient and torque-rich
Great for highway drives
Offered with MT and automatic options

This variety gives the Seltos a major advantage over competitors like the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, which lack diesel options.

Driving Experience: Smooth, Confident, and Refined

The Seltos delivers a well-rounded driving experience:

Ride Quality

The suspension absorbs bumps well, offering comfort during long drives.

Handling

Its steering is precise, body roll is controlled, and the SUV remains stable at high speeds.

Fuel Efficiency (Real-World Estimates)

Petrol: 15–17 kmpl
Turbo petrol: 14–16 kmpl
Diesel: 18–20 kmpl

This makes the Seltos competitive with the Creta and slightly more efficient than the Astor.

Advanced Safety Features and ADAS

Safety is a key strength of the Seltos, offering a strong combination of standard and advanced features.

Standard Safety

Six airbags
ABS with EBD
ESC and traction control
Hill-start assist
All-wheel disc brakes

ADAS Features

Higher variants include:

Lane keep assist
Forward collision avoidance
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot monitoring

While the MG Astor also offers ADAS, the Seltos’ suite is better integrated and more user-friendly.

Comparison: Kia Seltos vs Creta vs Grand Vitara vs Astor

Below is a quick comparison to help understand how the Seltos stacks up against top rivals:

Design and Road Presence

Seltos: Sporty, sharp, premium
Creta: Bold and futuristic
Grand Vitara: Rugged styling
Astor: European-like sophistication

Interior Quality and Features

Seltos: Premium materials, dual screens, Bose audio
Creta: Feature-loaded but simpler cabin design
Grand Vitara: High-quality but less feature-rich
Astor: Good materials, AI assistant, but smaller cabin

Engine Options

Seltos: Petrol, turbo petrol, diesel
Creta: Similar options
Grand Vitara: Petrol + hybrid (no diesel)
Astor: Petrol only

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Seltos: Balanced, engaging performance
Creta: Smooth and stable
Grand Vitara: Efficiency-focused
Astor: Heavy steering, average performance

Safety and ADAS

Seltos: Strong ADAS and safety equipment
Creta: Improved safety in the latest model
Grand Vitara: Solid build, limited ADAS
Astor: Early adopter of ADAS, but fewer variants

Why the Kia Seltos Is a Strong Buy in 2025

The Kia Seltos stands out because it offers:

A sporty and modern design
A premium, feature-rich cabin
Multiple engine choices, including diesel
Strong performance and fuel efficiency
Advanced safety and ADAS features
A wide range of variants for all budgets

Whether you’re shopping for performance, comfort, features, or value, the Seltos remains one of the most complete SUVs in the mid-size segment.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos continues to dominate the mid-size SUV market by blending eye-catching design, advanced technology, engaging performance, and excellent safety features. With strong competition surrounding it, the Seltos still manages to stay ahead by offering a more polished and versatile package.

For anyone seeking a stylish, feature-loaded, and dependable SUV, the Kia Seltos remains a top recommendation in 2025.