Seltos is among the highest-selling midsize SUVs out there, and we’ve tackled the most common questions around it.
The midsize SUV segment is the hottest in the Indian car market right now, and the Kia Seltos is one of the most formidable contenders vying for a slice of the pie. Originally launched in 2019 as Kia’s debut model for India, the Seltos immediately gripped buyers thanks to its attractive design, loaded features list, capable powertrains, and most crucially, practical pricing.
Kia launched the Seltos facelift in July 2023, building upon the SUV’s aforementioned strengths and keeping it relevant in the face of ever-increasing competition. The Seltos remains a popular choice among buyers, and we’ve answered frequently asked questions about it below.
What is the Kia Seltos price in India?
Starts at Rs 11.18 lakh
Pricing for the Kia Seltos ranges from Rs 11.18 lakh for the base model to Rs 20.56 lakh for the top-spec variant. The Seltos on-road price in India should be in the Rs 12.80 lakh-24.90 lakh ballpark. At this price point, the Seltos rivals the Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, MG Astor, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Which Kia Seltos variants are available in India?
Nine trims are available on the Seltos
The Seltos currently comes in nine trims: HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTK+ (O), HTK+, HTX, HTX (O), GTX+ and X-Line. All trims barring the HTK+, GTX+ and X-Line can be had with the Seltos’ naturally aspirated petrol engine; only the HTK+ trim misses out on the diesel mill. As for the Seltos’ sportier turbo-petrol engine, it’s only available in the HTK+, GTX+ and X-Line trim levels.
Earlier this year, Kia rejigged the Seltos variant line-up to make features like the panoramic sunroof and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment more accessible.
Which engine options does the Kia Seltos get?
One diesel and two petrol engines
The Seltos is one of only two midsize SUVs – the other one being the Hyundai Creta – to currently offer a diesel engine. The 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Coming to petrol engines, the majority of Seltos trims get a 115hp, 144Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated powerplant with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. For more enthusiastic buyers, there’s a 160hp, 253Nm, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, albeit it’s available in just three trims. The turbo-petrol motor can be specced with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What is the Kia Seltos fuel efficiency?
Diesel is the most frugal option
The Seltos’ naturally aspirated petrol engine achieves an ARAI-certified mileage of 17kpl with the manual and 17.7kpl with the CVT. The turbo-petrol motor delivers fuel efficiency figures of 17.7kpl for the iMT and 17.9kpl for the DCT.
Expectedly, the diesel Seltos has the best efficiency figures of 19.1kpl when paired with the torque converter. Official numbers for the diesel-manual version have not been revealed, but the same configuration in the pre-facelift Seltos recorded a whopping 20.8kpl.
What features does the Kia Seltos offer?
Loaded to the gills with goodies
The Seltos’ vast features list is one of the biggest reasons behind its popularity. Depending on the variant, you get creature comforts like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-way powered driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an 8-inch heads-up display, ambient lighting, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and lots more.
Standard safety kit in the Seltos includes 6 airbags, front and rear disc brakes, vehicle stability management, brake assist, ABS, EBD, ESC, hill assist control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, 3-point seat belts all around, and more. Higher trim levels also offer Level 2 ADAS and traction control with three modes – Sand, Mud, Snow.
When is the next-gen Kia Seltos launching in India?
Expected to go on sale early next year
IMAGE SOURCE: nitrorush_01 via Instagram
Though the Seltos’ popularity has yet to wane, the SUV’s current iteration is approaching the end of its lifecycle and the next-gen model will likely launch in early 2026. Kia has been testing the next-gen Seltos in India for at least six months, and the test mules spotted so far hint at a dramatically different design for the SUV compared to the current model.
On its fascia, the next-gen Seltos will sport angular vertically oriented Daytime Running Lamps flanking the main headlight units, with a large concave grille sitting between them. The overall proportions are boxier too.
New hybrid powertrain
We expect the current powertrain options to be carried forward to the next-gen Seltos as well. Interestingly, Kia has also confirmed a new petrol-hybrid powertrain for the Seltos, which will most likely join the line-up some time after the next-gen model goes on sale.
All prices ex-showroom, India.
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