2025 Kia Seltos

It’s a bit more conventional from the side, though even then the hefty unpainted lower trim and the bulky rearmost roof pillar add plenty of visual weight. Taillights connected by a bar that spans the entire tailgate finish things off with sufficient drama, too.

The Seltos is at its best inside, particularly since most versions have a well-integrated 10.3-inch touchscreen right next to a similarly sized instrument cluster. Kia stuck with conventional buttons and knobs for most functions, and they’re easy enough to sort through.  

How fast is the Kia Seltos?

LX, S, and EX trim levels of the Seltos use a 146-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 that mates to a CVT. We’ve yet to drive this setup in the latest Seltos, but experience with it in earlier models left little lasting impression. The combo gets the job done adequately, prioritizing fuel economy over performance. The CVT behaves reasonably well, though with so little power on tap for a somewhat heavy crossover, the engine spends a lot of time in the upper reaches of the rev range to keep up with traffic. In short, it’s a bit loud. 

The stronger choice is the 195-hp 1.6-liter turbo-4 in X-Line and SX models. It's paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission that’s eager to kick down a gear when needed. So-equipped, the Seltos accelerates smartly and smoothly, with good power in reserve for highway passing. 

The Seltos is positioned less about sporty handling than it is about day-to-day comfort, and in this regard it’s a success. All-wheel-drive models have a more sophisticated suspension with rear struts that gives them a better overall ride and more predictable responses to sharp bumps. Some versions have a Sport drive mode that adds a bit of steering heft, though even the standard setup has reasonable weight and quick responses.

The rear seat is best for just two adults as it’s a bit too narrow for three. With around 38 inches of rear-seat legroom, though, the Seltos can easily sit four full-size adults.

The Seltos has nice interior materials than most rivals and models we’ve driven have felt solid. The base LX version’s cloth seats feel a bit cheap, but other trims pepper in synthetic leather that dresses things up. Kia does a good job sweating the small stuff, too. Each trim level adds little bits like nicer door handles, lighted vanity mirrors, and the like. 

It includes standard automatic high-beams, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and lane-departure warnings. Most models also have blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a safe exit warning system.

Only the top SX trim adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, though. 

Which Kia Seltos should I buy?

The step-up S trim starts with a front-drive model for $600 more than the base LX AWD, while the S with AWD runs $27,965, or $2,000 more than the cheapest Seltos. That money buys worthwhile items such as the 10.3-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. It’s worth the extra spend, we think. 

The EX trim costs another $1,000 that adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.3-inch instrument cluster. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive. 

We’d probably bypass that trim in favor of the $30,665, all-wheel drive-only X-Line that costs $1,000 more than the EX. Sure, it deletes the power driver’s seat, but its turbo engine is a nice addition.

How much is a fully loaded Kia Seltos?

The top-end Seltos SX will set you back $32,465. It comes only with the turbo and all-wheel drive, and it includes adaptive cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Bose audio, and a power tailgate. Add the optional moonroof, cooled front seats, and extra-cost paint, and Kia will ask you for around $35,000.