Skip to main content

Kia Seltos Review

Written on .

Consensus Review60 independent sources

Kia Seltos

A premium, tech-forward midsize SUV that balances sophisticated interior design with versatile powertrain options for family-oriented buyers.

8.2/10
CONSENSUS PICK
✅ 85% Positive (51 sources)⚠️ 12% Mixed (7 sources)❌ 3% Negative (2 sources)

How This Score Is Calculated

  • Sources analysed: 60 reviews
  • Explicit scores: 42 sources (weighted 1.5×)
  • Sentiment-only: 18 sources (weighted 1.0×)
  • Raw weighted average: 8.2
  • Consensus bonus +0.3: 85% positive sentiment
  • Final score: 8.2/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
  • Most reviewed featureInterior Quality (48/60)
  • Most praisedCabin Space & Tech
  • Most criticisedFuel efficiency (Turbo Petrol)
  • Reviewer consensus levelHigh
  • Value for moneyExcellent Value (8.4/10)
Consensus PickFamily FriendlyUrban CommuterExcellent Value

The Kia Seltos has evolved into a benchmark-setting midsize SUV, praised for its premium interior fit-and-finish and segment-leading technology suite. While it faces stiff competition, its combination of a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and diverse powertrain options makes it a top-tier choice. It is best suited for families and urban commuters who prioritize features and comfort over outright sporty dynamics.

🔧 Key Specifications

  • Engines: 1.5L NA Petrol, 1.5L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel
  • Display: Dual 12.3-inch panoramic display (30-inch total)
  • Safety: Level 2 ADAS suite
  • Platform: K3 Global Platform
  • Transmission: MT, IVT, 6-speed AT, 7-speed DCT
  • Boot Space: 447 litres

💲 Price Range

₹10.99 Lakh – ₹27.50 Lakh

Prices vary significantly by market and variant. Check local retailers for current offers.

📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature

✅
Interior QualityUniversally praised for its premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and high-end fit-and-finish that outclasses most segment rivals.
48 / 60
✅
Cabin SpaceThe K3 platform provides class-leading rear legroom and increased cabin width, making it highly comfortable for five adults.
42 / 60
⚠️
Turbo-Petrol Fuel EfficiencyReviewers consistently flag high fuel consumption in city driving, often citing 10-11 kmpl real-world averages.
35 / 60

👍 Key Strengths

  • Class-leading interior quality and fit
  • Spacious cabin with premium tech
  • Refined diesel and turbo-petrol engines
  • Excellent ride comfort and stability
  • Comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite

👎 Key Weaknesses

  • High fuel consumption in turbo-petrol
  • Polarizing and aggressive exterior design
  • Lack of some expected convenience features
  • DCT gearbox can be jerky in traffic
  • Hard plastics in lower cabin areas

💰 Value for Money Analysis

8.4/10Excellent Value

Reviewers consistently highlight the Seltos as a segment benchmark for features-per-rupee. Even base variants are noted for their strong equipment list.

52 of 60 sources commented on price or value.

⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed

  • Exterior Design: 35 sources praised the 'bold and aggressive' look, while 15 sources described it as 'polarizing' or 'too busy' with disproportionate grille elements.
  • Transmission Refinement: 25 sources praised the DCT/IVT responsiveness, while 18 sources specifically noted hesitation or jerkiness in stop-and-go city traffic.

🎯 Who This Product Is For

✅
FamiliesThe increased cabin space, comfortable ride, and high safety scores make it ideal for family travel.
55 / 60
✅
Tech EnthusiastsThe dual 12.3-inch panoramic display and Level 2 ADAS appeal to those prioritizing modern connectivity.
48 / 60

🛠️ Best Use Cases

  • Highway CruisingThe refined diesel engine and stable K3 platform make it excellent for long-distance driving.Great
  • Urban CommutingSmooth IVT and diesel options make city traffic manageable, though fuel efficiency is a concern.Good

🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers

  • Hyundai Creta — The most direct rival; reviewers note the Creta is more 'family-oriented and mature' while the Seltos is 'more dynamic and tech-focused'.
  • Tata Sierra — Cited for its rugged presence and superior rear-seat legroom, though it often lacks the interior material polish of the Seltos.
  • Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara — Recommended for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and brand reliability over the premium interior feel offered by Kia.
  • Skoda Kushaq / VW Taigun — Often compared for driving dynamics, though reviewers frequently conclude the Seltos offers better cabin quality and feature sets.

🛒 Buyer's Guide

✅ Buy This If…

  • You want a premium, feature-packed cabin.
  • You prioritize rear-seat passenger comfort.
  • You want a stable, refined highway cruiser.

❌ Skip This If…

  • Fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority.
  • You prefer a minimalist, subtle exterior design.
  • You do mostly stop-and-go city driving and dislike DCT transmission behavior.

📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time

Reviews from 2021 to 2027 show a clear evolution:

  • 📈 improvingRide Quality — Significant improvements noted with the shift to the K3 platform.
  • 📈 improvingTechnology — Shift from standard infotainment to the 30-inch panoramic display has been highly praised.
🏆CONSENSUS PICK

The Kia Seltos is a masterclass in midsize SUV packaging, offering a premium cabin and impressive tech that makes it a top recommendation. While the turbo-petrol fuel efficiency and polarizing styling may deter some, its overall refinement and comfort are hard to beat. It is the definitive choice for those who want a complete, modern, and high-quality family vehicle.

Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown

New Kia Seltos' Most Affordable HTE Base Trim: Ownership Review [Video] ...

cartoq.com

Price: Rs 14.5 lakh (on-road)

The Kia Seltos HTE base variant offers impressive performance, fuel efficiency, and a solid feature set for its price. Despite minor initial quality issues, the owner is highly satisfied and prefers it over competitors.

Comparison: The owner chose the Seltos over the Tata Sierra after having a poor ownership and service experience with a Tata Harrier.

Pros

  • High fuel efficiency of 17-20+ kmpl
  • Linear and smooth engine performance
  • Light and easy steering setup
  • Feature-rich even in base variant
  • Comfortable ride with minimal body roll

Cons

  • Minor initial technical and suspension issues
  • Smaller 16-inch wheels on base variant

New Kia Seltos review: The art of car - Car News | The Financial Express...

financialexpress.com

Price: Rs 10.99-19.99 lakh

The new Kia Seltos is a sophisticated midsize SUV that excels in premium cabin feel, interior space, and driving dynamics. Its refined ride quality and strong performance make it a formidable competitor in its crowded segment.

Comparison: It offers better premium appeal and space than the Tata Sierra and is positioned competitively against the Hyundai Creta.

Pros

  • Spacious and premium luxury-level cabin
  • Excellent ride quality on K3 platform
  • Strong turbo-petrol engine performance
  • Increased rear legroom and boot space

Cons

  • High fuel consumption for turbo-petrol variant

Driven | Kia Seltos S | New Car Review - The Car Guy | by Bob Aldons - t...

thecarguy.com.au

Price: ₹15,00,000 - ₹23,75,000

The Kia Seltos S is a well-designed, spacious small SUV that offers excellent comfort and a high level of safety features for its price. With its responsive handling in Sport mode and practical interior, it stands out as a strong contender in a crowded segment.

Comparison: The Seltos competes in a segment with 31 brands, most notably the Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30.

Pros

  • Marvellous use of interior space
  • Excellent long-distance driving comfort
  • Highly responsive in Sport mode
  • Comprehensive active safety features

Cons

    Review: Kia’s New 2020 Seltos Sport+ AWD Is An Affordable All-Rounder Th...

    carscoops.com

    Price: Approximately 18,20,000 INR

    The Kia Seltos is a well-rounded and spacious SUV that delivers impressive performance, modern technology, and great utility. While the dual-clutch transmission has some shortcomings, it remains a strong contender in the small SUV market.

    Comparison: It competes with the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-3, offering more interior space than the Hyundai Kona. Those prioritizing space should consider it, while others might look at the similarly-priced Renault Kadjar.

    Pros

    • Spacious interior for passengers
    • Generous cargo capacity
    • Excellent visibility and handling
    • Advanced 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
    • Responsive turbocharged engine

    Cons

    • Dual-clutch transmission can be indecisive
    • Higher-end trims can get quite expensive
    • Fuel consumption is not class-leading

    2023 Kia Seltos new car review | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news ...

    news.com.au

    Price: ₹17,70,000 to ₹24,90,000

    The 2023 Kia Seltos update improves upon a successful formula with better technology, comfort, and design, though these upgrades come with a notable price increase.

    Pros

    • Improved cabin insulation and quieter ride
    • Generous interior space for a compact SUV
    • Updated technology and smart-key features
    • Smoother transmission on turbo models

    Cons

    • Five to seven percent price increase
    • Shorter service intervals for turbo engines
    • Lack of wireless CarPlay in some trims

    Kia Seltos Review: A new look, a boost for Kia - eftm.com...

    eftm.com

    Price: Approximately ₹14,50,000 to ₹23,25,000

    The Kia Seltos is a stylish, feature-packed mini SUV that offers an excellent ownership experience and great value for money. It provides a smooth ride quality and impressive standard safety technology across all models.

    Comparison: The Seltos is a superior option compared to the older Kia Sportage, offering similar interior space and a more modern design, though the Sportage remains better if a diesel engine is required.

    Pros

    • Stunning, hard-edged modern design
    • Excellent standard safety features
    • Great 7-year warranty and fixed-price servicing
    • Smooth and quiet ride quality

    Cons

    • Steering feels unexciting and unresponsive
    • Base models lack certain premium tech features

    Review: All-New 2021 Kia Seltos slots nicely into a competitive segment ...

    newatlas.com

    Price: Approximately ₹16,50,000 to ₹21,80,000

    The 2021 Kia Seltos is a stylish, ergonomic, and highly practical compact crossover that offers a confident driving experience. While it suffers from poor noise insulation and a rougher ride, it remains a competitive and well-rounded option in its segment.

    Comparison: It offers a more contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic compared to the boxy Kia Soul and provides a more engaging, responsive drive than many other vehicles in its compact crossover class.

    Pros

    • Attractive and contemporary exterior design
    • Spacious interior with excellent ergonomics
    • Generous cargo capacity
    • Confident and responsive handling

    Cons

    • Lacks effective noise dampening
    • Noticeable road and cabin noise
    • Rough ride quality
    • Limited fuel efficiency compared to class leaders

    Kia Seltos Review - A New Benchmark for SUVs in India! - GaadiKey - blog...

    blog.gaadikey.com

    The Kia Seltos sets a new benchmark in the mid-SUV segment by offering a premium design, excellent build quality, and an extensive list of segment-first features. It is a highly practical and stable vehicle that stands out from the competition with its versatile engine options.

    Comparison: The Seltos differentiates itself from regular SUVs in the Indian market by offering superior stability, driving dynamics, and a feature-rich package at its price point.

    Pros

    • Stunning exterior design and premium aesthetics
    • Packed with segment-leading technology like HUD and 360 camera
    • Wide range of engine and transmission options
    • High level of interior comfort and build quality

    Cons

      Kia Seltos First-Drive Review: The Kia Seltos sets new benchmarks in the...

      thequint.com

      The Kia Seltos is a feature-packed, well-built SUV that offers a variant for every need, setting new benchmarks in the mid-size segment. While it offers a sporty driving experience and luxury feel, some features are restricted to specific variants to manage costs.

      Comparison: It is more luxurious than the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster, though smaller than the MG Hector and Tata Harrier.

      Pros

      • Loaded with innovative tech and premium features
      • Eye-catching exterior design
      • Precise handling and sporty performance
      • High-quality interior materials and fit
      • Spacious cabin with practical storage

      Cons

      • Features missing on some automatic variants
      • Heavy clutch on 1.4 GDI manual
      • Overwhelming number of electronic gizmos
      • Diesel engine produces noticeable cabin noise

      Page 5 of 10

      Consensus Pick, Interior Quality, Fuel efficiency, Hyundai Creta, Excellent Value

      Kia Seltos, consensus review, consensus pick, pros cons, alternatives, expert rating, buy guide

      Kia Seltos scores 8.2/10 from 60 expert reviews. Consensus Pick. A premium, tech-forward SUV with a class-leading interior, held back only by turbo-petrol fuel efficiency. Includes alternatives guide.