Although the Kia Seltos has only been on the market since 2021, this subcompact crossover has quickly become one of the brand’s best-selling models. It’s easy to understand the Seltos’ popularity, packing the sort of value, tech, and styling that’s increasingly rare in today’s crossover segment. The Seltos has received some inviting updates for the new year, with Kia building on a strong foundation with some significant enhancements, including new safety and convenience tech designed to elevate your drive.
If you’ve been considering a Kia Seltos for sale, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a thorough buyer’s guide that simplifies the buying process. Read on as we cover the best features, powertrain options, and trims for the Seltos 2025 model and learn how easy it can be to craft a Kia Seltos that fits your unique driving needs.
New and Improved
The Seltos already received a comprehensive update in 2024 as part of a mid-cycle refresh, but that doesn’t mean Kia is taking a year off. They’ve worked to dramatically increase the Seltos’ value by packing it with new features that allow every driver to enjoy the latest in automotive comfort and convenience, regardless of their budget. It’s a refreshing change of pace in a market where optional add-ons and pricey trims are the standard, but it’s little surprise coming from a brand that’s always valued affordability.
Starting with the 2025 model year, the S trim gains a new set of 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels that give the Seltos a distinctly modern look. The SX trim features the most notable upgrades, gaining a new Power Sunroof package that brightens the interior as an essential addition to the crossover’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The EX, along with the range-topping SX, now features a Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R) system that will help to make minor fender benders a thing of the past; this feature alerts drivers to any obstacles lurking just out of sight when reversing, and is a welcome addition to the Seltos’ extensive ADAS arsenal. Finally, there’s the Smart Power Liftgate. Now standard on the EX AWD model and the SX trim, the Smart Power Liftgate allows drivers to use their key fob to automatically pop the trunk. Perfect for when you’re laden with groceries or need extra hands, the Smart Power Liftgate ups the convenience factor to make the Seltos an even more driver-friendly ride.
Performance Meets Efficiency
A subcompact crossover like the Seltos doesn’t really need to prioritize power given its small size, but Kia has gone above and beyond to outfit the SUV with a generous duo of potent engines. The base model is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that easily produces up to 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that ups the bar in terms of fuel economy, with the front-wheel drive (FWD) model achieving an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. That gives the Seltos more than 400 miles of driving range, and also means drivers can expect to pay as little as $1,500 a year at the pump.
If you’re in the market for extra muscle, Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is here to help. The motor might feature the same cylinder count as the base model, and even less displacement, but adding a turbocharger means the 1.6-liter engine can churn out 195 hp without breaking a sweat. Kia has also replaced the CVT with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides a responsive, engaging ride. While the CVT certainly has its advantages, those seeking a more traditional driving experience are sure to appreciate the sort of feedback that the automatic can provide. Opting for the turbocharged engine doesn’t mean sacrificing a significant amount of fuel economy, with the 1.6-liter mill delivering up to an EPA-estimated 27 MPG highway.
Five Trims To Choose From
LX
With five distinct trims on offer, there’s a Kia Seltos out there that’s sure to fit the needs of every type of driver. Those who value affordability should look into the base LX trim, which earns a few points right out of the gate for including all-wheel drive (AWD) as a standard feature. By sending power to all four wheels, the LX enhances a driver’s confidence every time they step behind the wheel.
The trim’s tech-forward design is also worth mentioning, especially considering the SUV’s low starting price. Keyless entry and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come standard. The LX also features a full complement of ADAS tech, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assistance with departure warnings, and a driver attention warning system that’ll protect you if you get a little sleepy or distracted on your daily commute.
S
The Seltos’ S trim manages to up the ante without dramatically upping the price, allowing drivers to enjoy a range of crucial comfort and convenience features while staying on budget. The interior enjoys the majority of the enhancements with Kia treating the S to some synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and, on models outfitted with the optional AWD system, heated front seats. The infotainment display grows to 10.3 inches, providing plenty of room for navigating through the system’s full slate of features.
One feature that might catch the eye of frequent road trippers and commuters is an integrated navigation system that will help when venturing into unknown territory or seeking shortcuts around town. A digital instrument cluster replaces the analog display found on the LX, though we think the added ADAS deserves a little extra attention. Kia has given the Seltos S two extra safety-enhancing features: a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe exit warning system that ensures passengers won’t be met with oncoming traffic when they open their door.
EX
The EX might be the Seltos’ most well-rounded 2025 trim, especially when you factor in all the new features like the Smart Power Liftgate, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R), and Power Sunroof package that we mentioned above. These premium touches go a long way towards improving the EX’s value, giving drivers the chance to enjoy a high-end experience without the high price tag.
The EX’s driver-centric design sees the Seltos add heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a proximity keyless entry and push-button ignition that means you won’t have to fumble for your key every time you go to fire up the SUV. The trim’s wireless phone charger holds a similar appeal, guaranteeing that your smartphone stays all juiced up even if you forget your charging cable at home.
X-Line
Hunting for a more dynamic experience? The X-Line trim is the way to go. First offered on the 2020 Soul crossover, the X-Line trim lends Kia’s vehicles a more rugged, aggressive look that will satisfy any driver who wants to set themselves apart from the crowd. The Seltos X-Line includes a set of black roof rails, 18-inch black wheels, and some dark exterior accents that give the SUV a sporty appearance and perfectly match the black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery found in the interior. The trim goes more than skin deep with the X-Line adding the 1.6-liter turbocharged, eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. It’s an enticing package that proves Kia knows how to make a statement.
SX
The 2025 trim ladder is capped off by the SX, which earns plenty of points for its turbocharged engine and AWD powertrain. The model throws 18-inch wheels and LED headlights in for good measure, but it’s the technology department where the range-topping Seltos really gets the chance to shine. An auto-dimming rearview mirror solves one of the most significant safety-related issues modern drivers have grown to dread: the new generation of ultra-bright headlights when you’re being tailgated.
The Kia’s ADAS packages keep pace with the Seltos, gaining adaptive cruise control, a lane centering system, and a Highway Driving Assist that combines the two technologies to provide semi-automated driving when traveling at highway speeds. Drivers who appreciate a good soundtrack for their daily commute will be interested in the eight-speaker Bose audio system, and the SX’s Sunroof package adds not only the top window but also ventilated front seats and a digital key that leverages your smartphone to access and start the vehicle.
Looking Towards the Future
There’s a lot to love about the 2025 Kia Seltos, but one of the crossover’s most compelling features isn’t an engine, ADAS, or styling upgrade: it’s a piece of paper. Kia has long been known for its generous warranty, which has been described as the industry’s best. The SUV’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty gets the Seltos off to a solid start, but the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty really seals the deal. This policy will protect drivers from some of the most expensive worst-case scenarios they could hope to face, and represents a vote of confidence from Kia when it comes to the Seltos’ reliability.
If you’re looking to enjoy hassle-free driving that’ll keep you on the road and out of the repair shop, the Seltos’ warranty makes a pretty compelling case for the subcompact model. Between its range of efficient powertrains, diverse trim lineup, and a load of new features for the 2025 model year, the Kia Seltos is hard to beat.
