The 2025 Kia Seltos is here, and it’s turning heads with its bold style, smart tech, and top-notch safety features. This subcompact SUV is a favorite for families, young drivers, and anyone who wants a practical yet exciting ride. With small but meaningful updates for 2025, the Seltos stays ahead in a crowded field of competitors like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. Let’s dive into what makes the 2025 Seltos a great choice for SUV lovers.
Sleek Looks and Modern Vibes
The Seltos has a sharp, modern design that stands out on the road. Its front grille, sleek LED headlights, and connected taillights give it a premium feel. For 2025, Kia adds new 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the base S trim, making even the entry-level model look stylish. You can also pick bold colors, including a cool Pewter Olive shade, to match your vibe. The Seltos mixes rugged SUV charm with a sporty edge, perfect for city drives or weekend getaways.
Roomy and Comfortable Inside
Step inside, and the Seltos feels bigger than it looks. With space for five passengers, it offers plenty of headroom and legroom, even for adults in the back. The cargo area is a standout, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 62.8 cubic feet with them folded down. That’s enough for groceries, sports gear, or camping supplies. Higher trims like the EX and SX add luxuries like faux-leather seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a dual-screen infotainment system that feels high-end. However, some owners note the base model’s hard plastics and slightly firm seats could be comfier.
Two Engines, Solid Performance
The 2025 Seltos gives you two engine choices to fit your driving style. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 146 horsepower and pairs with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s great for daily driving and gets up to 34 mpg on the highway. Want more power? The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine pumps out 195 horsepower with an eight-speed automatic, hitting 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard on most trims, making the Seltos a solid pick for tricky weather or light off-road fun.
| Specification | Base Engine | Turbo Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 146 hp | 195 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | Up to 34 mpg | Up to 31 mpg |
| Drive Options | FWD or AWD | AWD |
Packed with Smart Tech
Kia loads the Seltos with tech to make driving easier and more fun. Every model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims get a slick 10.25-inch dual-screen setup for navigation and gauges. A Bose premium audio system is available for music lovers, and a wireless phone charger keeps your devices powered. The 2025 model adds a smart power liftgate and cargo cover on EX AWD and SX trims, making it easier to load up gear. Some owners mention occasional tech glitches, but the system is user-friendly overall.
Safety You Can Trust
Safety is a big deal for the Seltos, and Kia delivers. Standard features include forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitoring. Upper trims add advanced extras like adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection. The Seltos earns a four-star rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS gives mixed results, with a “Marginal” score in the side crash test. Six airbags, a rearview camera, and all-wheel disc brakes come standard, giving you peace of mind. For families, the LATCH system for child seats is easy to use but could be better placed.
Why the Seltos Stands Out
The 2025 Kia Seltos starts at around $25,000, offering great value for a small SUV. It’s practical, stylish, and packed with features, making it a strong rival to pricier options. While the base engine isn’t the most exciting and the ride can feel firm on rough roads, the Seltos shines with its spacious cabin, sharp handling, and long list of standard tech. Whether you’re zipping through the city or heading out for an adventure, the Seltos is a smart, safe, and fun choice that’s hard to beat.