The New Kia Seltos 2025 Review examines the launch of the second-generation model, which was unveiled globally in India on December 10, 2025, with official prices expected to be announced on January 2, 2026. This comprehensive redesign is far more than a facelift; it is a fundamental specialization aimed at cementing Kia’s technological and design supremacy in the highly contested mid-size SUV segment. The 2025 Seltos (often referred to as the 2026 model in some reports due to the January pricing) introduces a completely new design language, a vastly upgraded digital cockpit, and a full suite of Level 2 ADAS features, positioning it as the undisputed benchmark for feature-rich, dynamic, and safety-conscious buyers in India.
Facelift Changes and Exterior Design: The Bolder, More Assertive Stance
The 2025 Seltos undergoes a significant structural and aesthetic overhaul, adopting a more mature and assertive road presence inspired by Kia’s flagship global SUVs like the Telluride and EV5.
Exterior Design Specialization
- Front Fascia: The new face is sharper, more upright, and features a wider, more sculpted interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Nose grille. The headlamp clusters are slimmer and vertically oriented, merging seamlessly with the Star Map LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which now extend further into the grille, giving a sophisticated, high-tech signature.
- Rear Profile: The rear is completely redesigned, anchored by a full-width LED taillamp setup that spans the width of the tailgate, emphasizing visual width and a modern, high-end aesthetic. The number plate holder has been repositioned to the bumper for a cleaner look.
- Dimensions: The Seltos has grown in size, with the overall length increasing significantly (up to $4,460\text{ mm}$ in some reports) and the wheelbase stretched to $2,690\text{ mm}$ (an $80\text{ mm}$ increase). This specialization in size directly translates to a more spacious cabin and better road presence.
- Premium Touches: The top variants now feature flush-fitted door handles (borrowed from the EV6 and Carens Clavis EV), adding a seamless, premium touch to the profile, and new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Interior and Features: The Dual 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit
The interior of the New Kia Seltos 2025 Review subject is where the biggest specialization lies, adopting a high-tech layout that rivals much more expensive vehicles.
The Panoramic Digital Cockpit
The centerpiece is the adoption of the seamless dual-screen setup borrowed from Kia’s global and premium Indian models. This consists of:
- A large $12.3\text{-inch}$ HD Touchscreen Infotainment System.
- A matching $12.3\text{-inch}$ Fully Digital Instrument Cluster.This integration creates a single, panoramic display that modernizes the cockpit and enhances data visualization. Below this, there is often a dedicated $5.0\text{-inch}$ touch panel for climate control, maintaining a balance between digital controls and physical buttons for frequently used functions.
Luxury and Comfort Specialization
- Panoramic Sunroof: A highly requested feature, the Seltos now offers a large panoramic sunroof from mid-level trims onwards, making the cabin feel airy and spacious.
- Ventilated and Powered Seats: The car retains its specialization in comfort with ventilated front seats and introduces a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function on the top trims, enhancing driver convenience.
- Audio and Lighting: An upgraded Bose 8-speaker premium sound system and 64-colour ambient lighting that can be synced with the music or driving mode elevate the luxury experience.
- Utility: The boot space has been significantly increased to around $536\text{ Litres}$ (a $103\text{ Litre}$ jump), and the rear bench now offers a recline function for enhanced passenger comfort.
Engine Specs and Powertrain: The Specialized Trio
The New Kia Seltos 2025 Review subject maintains its highly successful and specialized powertrain strategy of offering three distinct engine choices, catering to every buyer preference.
The Three Powertrain Options
- $1.5\text{-litre}$ Naturally Aspirated Petrol (Smartstream G1.5): Generates $113\text{ bhp}$ and $144\text{ Nm}$. Transmission options include a 6-speed Manual (MT) and a smooth Intelligent Variable Transmission (CVT). This is the refined, entry-level choice.
- $1.5\text{-litre}$ Turbocharged Petrol (Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi): The performance champion, producing $158\text{ bhp}$ and $253\text{ Nm}$. Transmission options include a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This engine is the choice for buyers prioritizing exhilarating performance.
- $1.5\text{-litre}$ Turbo Diesel (CRDi VGT): The high-efficiency and torque specialist, generating $116\text{ bhp}$ and $250\text{ Nm}$. Transmission options include a 6-speed Manual (MT) and a 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT). The retention of the diesel engine is a key specialization against many competitors who have abandoned the segment.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The mileage figures for the 2025 Seltos are expected to remain consistent with the current generation, benefiting from aerodynamic enhancements and refined engine tuning.
- Diesel (MT/AT): ARAI certified mileage is approximately $20.7\text{ kmpl}$ for MT and $19.1\text{ kmpl}$ for AT. Real-world highway mileage is consistently strong.
- Turbo Petrol (DCT): ARAI certified mileage is approximately $17.9\text{ kmpl}$.
- NA Petrol (MT/CVT): ARAI certified mileage is approximately $17.0\text{ kmpl}$ to $17.7\text{ kmpl}$.
Safety and ADAS: The Level 2 Specialization
Safety is a top priority for the New Kia Seltos 2025 Review subject, with a major emphasis on advanced active safety systems.
Level 2 ADAS Suite
The top GT-Line and X-Line variants are equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, offering specialized active safety features, including:
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G): Excellent for managing stop-and-go traffic.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Active braking and warning systems.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA).
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Passive Safety Upgrades
- 6 Airbags Standard: Kia has now made six airbags standard across all variants of the Seltos, a non-negotiable specialization that significantly enhances passive safety.
- Structural Integrity: Built on the upgraded K3 platform, the new Seltos is engineered for enhanced structural rigidity and crash safety, aiming to achieve a superior Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP rating than its predecessor.
- Braking and Controls: Standard features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and all-wheel disc brakes.
Pros, Cons, and Price in India
The New Kia Seltos 2025 Review confirms the vehicle is a feature-packed, high-performance, and technologically refined package.
Pros (Advantages)
The major advantages are the segment-best dual $12.3\text{-inch}$ panoramic display setup, the retention of all three powerful engine options (including diesel and turbo petrol), the full suite of Level 2 ADAS features, the standard inclusion of 6 airbags, and premium comfort features like ventilated seats and the panoramic sunroof. The increased dimensions and boot space enhance practicality.
Cons (Drawbacks)
The primary drawbacks are the expected price hike (which moves the top models closer to ₹24 Lakh On-road), the high transmission tunnel in the rear cabin, which compromises seating comfort for the middle passenger, and the slightly stiff suspension tuning (particularly on $18\text{-inch}$ wheels) which can make the low-speed ride firmer.
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Expected Price in India
The significant feature and dimension upgrades, combined with the standard six airbags, necessitate a price increase over the outgoing model. Kia is expected to announce the final pricing on January 2, 2026.
- Estimated Ex-Showroom Price (Base HTE/HTE(O) Petrol): ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹11.50 Lakh (a slight premium over the current ₹10.79 Lakh base).
- Estimated Ex-Showroom Price (Top X-Line/GT-Line Diesel AT): ₹20.50 Lakh – ₹21.50 Lakh.
The final On-Road Price in India for the fully loaded X-Line/GT-Line is estimated to range from ₹24.00 Lakh to ₹26.50 Lakh depending on the city and taxes, confirming its position as a high-value, premium contender.