Kia Seltos Review Australia 2025 – Small SUV with Big Comfort, Features & Value

The small SUV market in Australia is one of the most hotly contested vehicle segments, and the Kia Seltos continues to be a standout choice. Combining smart design, efficient engines, and advanced features, the 2025 Seltos blends everyday practicality with a premium touch rarely seen at this price point. In this comprehensive Kia Seltos review, we’ll explore everything from performance and technology to price and ownership costs — giving Aussie buyers a complete picture before hitting the showroom.

Overview – What Makes the Kia Seltos Stand Out?

Since its debut, the Kia Seltos has been a consistent favourite among Australian drivers seeking a small SUV with strong value and big-car features. For 2025, Kia refines the formula with updated styling, upgraded infotainment, and enhanced safety systems, while keeping the brand’s trademark 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty — one of the best in the business.

The Seltos’ success lies in its balance: it’s compact enough for city living yet spacious enough for weekend getaways. Add Kia’s solid build quality, smart cabin layout, and long feature list, and it’s no wonder the Seltos continues to hold its place among top contenders like the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Australian Line-up and Pricing

The 2025 Kia Seltos range caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences. The model line-up generally includes:

• S – Entry-level trim with essential tech and safety features.
• Sport – Adds larger alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment, and extra convenience features.
• Sport+ – Enhances safety suite and offers more premium materials.
• GT-Line – The flagship variant boasting all-wheel drive, turbo power, and top-tier tech.

Indicative Price Range (Drive-away in Australia)

• S (2.0L FWD): from $31,000
• Sport (2.0L FWD): from $34,000
• Sport+ (2.0L FWD): from $37,500
• GT-Line (1.6L Turbo AWD): from $46,000

These prices reflect on-road costs in most Australian states, with minor variations based on local taxes and registration fees.

Exterior Design – Sleek Yet Assertive

The 2025 Seltos brings a refreshed design with sharper LED lighting, a more modern grille, and bold styling details. Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy is evident, blending urban sophistication with rugged SUV cues.

Key highlights include:

• A larger front grille with chrome accents.
• Revised LED headlights and DRLs that give the SUV a signature presence at night.
• Optional two-tone roof finishes for added visual flair.
• 18-inch alloy wheels (GT-Line) for a sportier stance.

The Seltos manages to look muscular yet approachable — ideal for Australian families and city commuters alike. Its compact footprint (4370 mm length) makes parking easy, while the elevated driving position provides a confident view of the road.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Step inside, and the Kia Seltos surprises with a cabin that feels more premium than its price suggests. The use of soft-touch materials, high-quality switches, and intuitive controls make the interior environment both practical and comfortable.

Key Interior Features

• Dual 10.25-inch displays (GT-Line): One for infotainment, one for the digital instrument cluster.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto on lower trims (wired on upper variants).
• Ambient lighting with customisable colours (GT-Line).
• Ventilated front seats and leather-appointed upholstery on premium trims.
• Adjustable steering and supportive seating that make long drives effortless.

The cabin space is among the best in the small SUV segment. Even tall passengers will find generous legroom in the rear, and the cargo capacity of 433 litres (VDA) offers practical storage for road trips or weekly errands.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Kia is well-regarded for equipping its vehicles with tech-rich features, and the Seltos is no exception. The infotainment system is crisp, quick to respond, and easy to navigate.

Highlights:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and split-screen function.
• Kia Connect app with remote vehicle access (lock/unlock, vehicle status).
• USB-C ports for fast charging in both rows.
• Premium Bose 8-speaker audio system in the GT-Line.
• Bluetooth multi-connection for pairing multiple devices simultaneously.

Whether it’s streaming your favourite podcast on the way to work or following turn-by-turn directions across the Outback, the Seltos’ infotainment setup delivers a modern and connected experience.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the bonnet, the 2025 Kia Seltos continues to offer two well-matched engine options catering to different driving styles.

2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle Petrol (FWD)

• Power: 110 kW
• Torque: 180 Nm
• Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drive: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

This engine prioritises fuel efficiency and smooth performance, making it ideal for city commuting and relaxed highway cruising. The CVT is tuned to mimic traditional gear shifts, minimising the typical rubber-band effect.

1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol (AWD)

• Power: 146 kW
• Torque: 265 Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
• Drive: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Found exclusively in the GT-Line, this turbo engine transforms the Seltos into a genuinely punchy small SUV. Acceleration is brisk, overtaking is easy, and the AWD system adds confidence on slippery or unsealed roads — a bonus for Aussie road trips.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is a key consideration for Australian families, and the Seltos performs well across both engines.

• 2.0L FWD: 6.9 L/100 km (combined cycle)
• 1.6L Turbo AWD: 7.4 L/100 km (combined cycle)

These figures are competitive within the small SUV class. Real-world testing shows that city drivers can expect around 8 L/100 km in traffic, while highway runs can dip below 6 L/100 km — quite respectable for an SUV of this size.

Ride and Handling

The Seltos continues Kia’s reputation for finely tuned suspension calibrated for Australian roads. Kia Australia’s local engineering team has adjusted the chassis for a blend of comfort and stability, ensuring a confident feel whether cruising on highways or navigating bumpy suburban streets.

Highlights include:

• Light yet precise steering that’s easy around town.
• Well-damped suspension for excellent ride comfort.
• Predictable cornering with minimal body roll.
• Optional AWD system that improves grip on gravel or wet surfaces.

Even the base variant offers a refined driving experience, while the turbo AWD variant adds a dash of sportiness for those who enjoy spirited driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a major focus for Kia, and the 2025 Seltos doesn’t disappoint. All variants come equipped with a full suite of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Standard Safety Features

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Alert
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
• Forward Collision Warning
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Additional Features in Higher Trims

• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (on Sport+ and GT-Line)
• 360-degree camera system (GT-Line only)

The Seltos achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, reassuring families about its on-road protection credentials.

Ownership Costs and Warranty

Kia remains unmatched in Australia with its 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, giving buyers excellent peace of mind. Alongside that, Kia offers capped-price servicing and a strong dealer network nationwide.

Ownership Highlights:

• 7-year warranty (unlimited km)
• Up to 8 years of roadside assistance (when serviced through Kia)
• Capped-price servicing program for predictable maintenance costs
• Average service interval: 12 months or 15,000 km

Running costs are among the lowest in its segment, thanks to reliable engineering and affordable parts availability across Australia.

Practicality and Everyday Use

The Seltos proves highly practical for daily life. Its raised seating position, wide-opening doors, and spacious rear seats make it family-friendly, while the large boot easily accommodates luggage, groceries, or a pram.

Practical touches include:

• Split-fold rear seats (60:40)
• Adjustable boot floor
• Ample storage bins and cupholders
• Rear air vents for passenger comfort
• Smart key with remote start (GT-Line)

The Seltos’ thoughtful design makes it an easy companion for Australian lifestyles — from urban commutes to regional drives and weekend escapes.

Technology & Convenience

Beyond infotainment, the Kia Seltos integrates smart convenience technologies across the range. The GT-Line in particular packs in premium features that rival some luxury SUVs.

Tech and convenience highlights:

• Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
• Head-up display (HUD) showing speed and navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• Power tailgate (GT-Line)
• Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers

These features enhance comfort and reduce fatigue, especially on long drives — ideal for Australian highways stretching across vast distances.

Competitors and Comparison

The small SUV space in Australia includes popular options such as:

• Mazda CX-30 – Refined interior, premium driving dynamics.
• Hyundai Kona – Bold design and EV option.
• Toyota Corolla Cross – Hybrid efficiency and Toyota reliability.
• MG ZST – Budget-friendly option with high equipment levels.

While each of these models has merit, the Kia Seltos stands out for its combination of technology, warranty, space, and styling — all at a competitive price.

Verdict – Should You Buy the Kia Seltos?

If you’re after a small SUV that delivers big value, comfort, and confidence, the 2025 Kia Seltos deserves serious consideration. It’s stylish, refined, and technologically advanced, yet doesn’t stretch your budget like some rivals.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a small family, or someone seeking a practical daily driver with a hint of sophistication, the Seltos checks all the boxes. Add Kia’s unbeatable warranty and well-rounded engineering, and you have one of the most compelling small SUVs in Australia today.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kia Seltos continues to be a benchmark for small SUVs. It’s not just about value — it’s about versatility, innovation, and trust. With its modern styling, smart tech, and dependable performance, it fits perfectly into the Australian motoring landscape.

If you’re looking for a car that’s easy to live with, enjoyable to drive, and built to last, the Seltos remains one of the smartest buys in the small SUV market.