Buying a used Kia Seltos: what to look out for – Introduction

GOOD FOR: Comfy cabin, smooth powertrains

LOOK OUT FOR: DCT overheating, DPF regeneration

When it was launched in 2019, the Kia Seltos shook up the midsize SUV segment with a package that featured smooth engines, a lengthy equipment list and a high-quality cabin. In 2023, Kia updated the SUV with more features, a tweaked design and a new engine option. The new-gen Seltos launched earlier this year, which makes this facelifted model an enticing prospect in the used market. Here’s what you need to know.

Kia Seltos powertrain and mileage

1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel options

Under the hood, the Seltos facelift continued with the 115hp, 144Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The former is paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT, while the latter is offered with a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Kia also launched a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces a class-leading 160hp and 253Nm, and comes mated to a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

In terms of claimed fuel efficiency, the 1.5 NA petrol returns 17kpl and 17.7kpl for the manual and CVT variants, respectively, while the 1.5 turbo-petrol does 17.7kpl for the iMT and 17.9kpl for the DCT versions. The 1.5 diesel is said to do 20.7kpl with the iMT and 19.1kpl with the auto. As usual, expect real-world figures to be lower.

It is best to go for either the 1.5 NA petrol or the diesel, if you prioritise efficiency. The 1.5 NA petrol, especially with the CVT, makes for a convenient and smooth city car, while the 1.5 diesel is great at highway duties. However, if you enjoy driving, you’ll find value in the punchy 1.5 turbo-petrol. Keen drivers, however, will miss a proper three-pedal manual option.

Kia Seltos variants and features

Sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen, auto climate control, dual-channel dashcam, and more

The Seltos facelift was launched in three variant lines for buyers to choose from – Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line. These, then, have several variants under them, which differ in equipment levels and powertrain combinations. The GT Line and X-Line are intended as the sportier options, featuring a slightly different bodykit to the Tech Line, which is the more luxurious option.

Interior themes vary across variants: the GT Line gets black with white inserts, the X-Line gets Sage Green upholstery, while in the Tech Line trims, the HTX+ uses black and brown, HTX opts for black and beige, and the entry-level trims get all-black fabric. It’s also worth noting that Kia has periodically been updating it, with variant additions and deletions. 

As for features, the range-topping X-Line gets a Level 2 ADAS suite, dual 10.25-inch connected screens, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch head-up display, a Bose-tuned 8-speaker system, ventilated front seats, air purifier, connected car tech, 18-inch alloys, six airbags and TPMS.

With so many variants with different exterior styling, interior upholstery options and features, choosing the right Seltos for you can be difficult. What’s nice, though, is that most variants come well-equipped in relation to their price. However, it’s always worth going for the higher variants to see the SUV in its best light.  

Seltos warranty and aftersales

The Seltos has proven to be a reliable product, and Kia’s service network is pretty widespread in the country. What’s also beneficial is that the Seltos facelift came with a standard warranty of 3 years/unlimited km, so there’s a high chance that the car you buy will still be covered under that, further giving you peace of mind.

What to look out for in a used Kia Seltos

DCT overheating

Some owners have faced issues with the dual-clutch auto gearbox. The most common issue is the overheating of the gearbox in heavy traffic, which requires you to stop until it cools down before carrying on.

DPF regeneration

Few owners have also faced issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter requiring frequent regeneration. This happens when the car is primarily driven for short distances and at lower speeds, which does not allow for the DPF to get hot enough to burn away the soot. A light in the instrument cluster warns you of this and requires you to run a regeneration cycle; typically a drive of about 20 minutes and at speeds above 50kph. Sluggish performance and reduced fuel efficiency can be indicators of a clogged filter.

Infotainment issues

Check that the infotainment touchscreen functions smoothly, pairs with your phone easily, and the connected car tech works. Some owners have faced issues like the screen freezing and the phone randomly disconnecting. Also make sure that the system’s software is up-to-date.

Fuel pump

It’s also worth checking the fuel pump of the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, so ensure that the car starts without any hesitation, as this is a potential sign of a fuel pump issue. Being a direct injection engine, it needs good-quality fuel.

Second hand Kia Seltos price and resale value

Rs 11 lakh-16 lakh

The Kia Seltos’ depreciation isn’t high; still, don’t look to spend over Rs 16 lakh irrespective of the engine, gearbox and variant. There are plenty of examples available in the used market, and Kia recently launched a new Seltos, so you can use that to negotiate a better deal.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.