The compact SUV market in Australia is one of the most competitive automotive segments. Buyers want vehicles that balance style, space, affordability, and technology—without compromising safety or efficiency. The Kia Seltos has carved out a strong position since its launch, thanks to its bold design, practical interior, and feature-packed trims.
For 2025, Kia has refreshed the Seltos with sharper styling, a more refined cabin, updated safety systems, and the latest in-car technology. This review explores everything you need to know—design, performance, features, pricing, and how it compares to rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Exterior Design: Bold Yet Practical
Kia has sharpened the Seltos’s exterior styling for 2025, giving it a fresher look that stands out without being overly aggressive.
Front Fascia
The front now features Kia’s “Tiger Nose” grille in a sleeker format, flanked by slim LED headlights with a new signature daytime running light pattern. Depending on the trim, you’ll see a mix of gloss black or chrome accents, which lend the car a more premium presence.
Side Profile
The Seltos maintains its tall stance and relatively boxy silhouette—a good thing for interior space. Sculpted body lines, slightly flared wheel arches, and alloy wheel options ranging from 17 to 18 inches give it a sporty edge.
Rear Design
The rear gets redesigned taillights that stretch across the tailgate in higher trims, enhancing the visual width. Subtle updates to the bumper design and exhaust finishers make it look more polished.
Colour Options
Australian buyers will have a wide palette, including bold shades like Pluton Blue, Fusion Black, and Mars Orange, along with safer tones such as Snow White Pearl and Steel Grey.
Interior & Cabin Experience
Kia has made big strides in cabin design, and the Seltos reflects this commitment.
Dashboard & Layout
The 2025 model now features a dual-screen setup on most trims: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, appearing as a single panoramic display. Entry models still feature an 8-inch screen but with wireless smartphone integration.
Material Quality
Soft-touch surfaces on the dash, door trims, and armrests add a sense of sophistication, while premium trims get faux leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
Comfort & Space
- Front row: Supportive seats with heating and ventilation in GT-Line trims.
- Rear row: One of the most spacious in its class, with plenty of legroom and reclinable backrests.
- Boot space: A generous 433 litres that expands with 60:40 split rear seats.
Technology Highlights
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wired on higher trims with larger screen).
- Kia Connect telematics for remote functions (where available).
- Multi-colour ambient lighting in higher trims.
- Premium Bose 8-speaker audio system (GT-Line).
Driving Dynamics & Performance
The Seltos is not a performance SUV, but it offers a comfortable and predictable drive—perfect for city and suburban buyers.
Engine Options in Australia
- 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol (110kW, 180Nm) paired with a CVT (IVT).
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol (146kW, 265Nm) paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), available with AWD.
Both engines are familiar from Kia/Hyundai’s broader range but benefit from tuning tweaks in 2025 for smoother delivery.
Fuel Efficiency
- 2.0L: Around 7.4L/100km combined.
- 1.6T: Around 7.6L/100km combined (slightly higher in AWD models).
Ride & Handling
The suspension strikes a balance between comfort and firmness. It handles bumps well, while remaining agile in city driving. Steering is light at low speeds but firms up on highways.
Towing Capacity
With a braked towing capacity of 1,250kg (2.0L) and 1,500kg (1.6T), the Seltos offers practicality for small trailers, jetskis, or weekend camping gear.
Safety: ANCAP Ratings & Features
Safety remains a top priority, especially for young families and first-time buyers.
ANCAP Rating
The previous Seltos scored five stars (2019 test), and with updated features, Kia is confident of maintaining that high safety rating in the 2025 retest.
Standard Features
- Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance.
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (higher trims).
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (GT-Line).
Structural Improvements
Kia has added more high-strength steel in key areas, improving rigidity and crash protection.
Trims & Variants in Australia
The 2025 Kia Seltos lineup offers flexibility for different budgets:
- S (base) – 8-inch screen, cloth seats, full safety suite.
- Sport – Adds 10.25-inch screen, larger alloys, and extra convenience.
- Sport+ – Adds advanced driver aids, premium cloth/leatherette seats.
- GT-Line – Flagship with turbo engine, AWD, Bose audio, digital cockpit, premium upholstery.
Ownership Costs & Warranty
Kia continues to lead with its 7-year/unlimited-km warranty, making the Seltos a strong long-term choice.
Servicing
- Capped-price servicing available.
- Intervals every 12 months/15,000km.
- Estimated costs average $400–$500 per service depending on engine.
Insurance
The Seltos sits in a relatively affordable insurance bracket for compact SUVs, though premiums will be higher for the GT-Line turbo AWD variant.
Competitors: How the Seltos Stacks Up
The Australian compact SUV market is crowded. Key rivals include:
- Mazda CX-30 – Sportier design and premium interior feel, but less boot space.
- Hyundai Kona – Shares engines with Seltos, but offers a funkier design and hybrid option.
- Toyota Corolla Cross – Hybrid efficiency and Toyota reliability, but higher pricing.
- Mitsubishi ASX (2025 update) – A budget alternative, though less advanced tech.
The Seltos hits a sweet spot with its blend of practicality, tech, and pricing.
Fuel Types & Efficiency Options
While Kia has not introduced hybrid or EV versions of the Seltos in Australia yet, overseas markets are seeing hybrid variants. For now, buyers choose between the 2.0L petrol or 1.6T petrol engines. Kia is expected to bring a hybrid or mild-hybrid option in coming years to stay competitive.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is ideal for:
- Young families needing space, safety, and affordability.
- Urban professionals who want tech and comfort in a compact footprint.
- First-time SUV buyers looking for long warranty and strong resale.
If you want a sporty drive or hybrid efficiency, alternatives exist. But for most buyers, the Seltos offers one of the best all-round packages in the segment.
Final Thoughts
Kia has refined the Seltos into a mature, feature-rich SUV that competes head-on with established rivals. It balances style, practicality, and technology in a way that resonates strongly with Australian buyers. Backed by Kia’s long warranty and competitive pricing, the 2025 Seltos is set to remain a crowd favourite in the compact SUV category.
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