2025 Kia Seltos Release Date

Overview of the Seltos

The Kia Seltos burst onto the scene as a fresh entrant in the booming subcompact SUV segment for the 2020 model year. With its bold and boxy styling, the Seltos immediately stood out from the crowd with its distinctive looks inspired by Kia’s larger Telluride SUV. The Seltos filled a gap in Kia’s lineup between the smaller Soul hatchback and the larger Sportage compact SUV.

Since its debut, the Seltos has found success by offering buyers a compelling blend of value, practicality, and style in a right-sized package. With two available engine choices, an extensive list of available tech features, and a spacious interior, the Seltos delivers a lot of SUV for the money. It has quickly become one of Kia’s most popular models, resonating with urban buyers seeking an affordable and efficient crossover without sacrificing interior room or capability.

Within Kia’s lineup, the Seltos slots in below the larger Sportage as an entry point into the brand’s SUV family. It competes against other subcompact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. With its distinctive styling, generous cargo room, and long list of available features, the Seltos aims to stand out as a strong value play in this highly competitive segment.

Key Rivals

The Kia Seltos faces stiff competition in the crowded and competitive small SUV segment. One of its chief rivals is the Hyundai Kona, which shares some mechanical underpinnings as a corporate cousin. The Kona offers a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines, along with an electric model. It has a bold, aggressive design and a tech-filled interior with plenty of customization options.

Another key competitor is the Mazda CX-30. True to Mazda’s sporty brand DNA, the CX-30 delivers engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior appointments. It sacrifices some practicality compared to boxier rivals but makes up for it with a premium cabin and fun-to-drive character.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular choice for buyers wanting superior all-weather capability and a more rugged, adventure-ready demeanor. Standard AWD, healthy ground clearance, and Subaru’s reputation for safety and reliability make the Crosstrek a solid contender. However, its underpowered engine can leave it feeling sluggish.

The Honda HR-V is a versatile option with Honda’s trademark blend of practicality, efficiency, and strong resale value. Its innovative rear Magic Seat provides unrivaled cargo flexibility, while the available AWD system enhances traction. Downsides include uninspiring performance and a rather bland driving experience.

2025 Model Year Changes

The 2025 Kia Seltos receives a mid-cycle refresh that brings updated styling and new tech features. On the outside, the Seltos gets a revised front fascia with a redesigned grille, new headlight housings, and updated lower air intake. The rear has also been reworked with slimmer taillights and a reshaped bumper.

Inside, the cabin gets a more modern look with a new dashboard design, higher-quality materials, and an updated center stack with Kia’s latest infotainment system. The 10.25-inch touchscreen display is now standard across the lineup and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other interior updates include an available digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, a redesigned steering wheel, and more premium upholstery options like quilted leather seats on higher trims. Rear seat passengers also benefit from more legroom thanks to a slightly stretched wheelbase.

On the tech front, the 2025 Seltos gains additional advanced driver assists like Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to park the vehicle remotely from outside using the key fob. A surround-view camera system and a head-up display are also newly available.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Seltos carries over its two available engine options from the previous model year. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for daily driving, this naturally aspirated mill doesn’t provide particularly spirited acceleration.

For those seeking a bit more zip, Kia offers an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating a healthy 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbo engine transforms the driving experience, providing noticeably quicker acceleration from a stop and more confident passing power on the highway.

Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Kia’s Active On-Demand all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring control is an option for enhanced traction in inclement weather. The AWD system can send power rearward when slip is detected, improving stability and control.

In terms of performance numbers, the base 2.0-liter FWD Seltos can sprint from 0-60 mph in a respectable but unexciting 9.2 seconds. Models equipped with the turbo 1.6-liter cut that time down to a far zippier 7.5 seconds. While no sports car, the turbo provides enough punch to keep things interesting while merging or overtaking on the highway.

2025 Pricing and Trims

For the 2025 model year, the Kia Seltos will be offered in four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. The base LX trim starts at $24,995, while the top-of-the-line SX trim comes in at $32,995. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for each trim:

• LX: $24,995
• EX: $27,995
• EX Premium: $30,495
• SX: $32,995

Compared to the 2024 model year, the base LX trim sees a $500 price increase, while the other trims have gone up by $300 to $400. While these price hikes are relatively modest, they do make the Seltos slightly less competitive on value compared to some key rivals.

For instance, the base Hyundai Kona starts at $23,099, undercutting the Seltos LX by nearly $2,000. The Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V also have lower starting prices than the Seltos. However, the Seltos does offer more standard features at each trim level, which helps offset the higher pricing to an extent.

Overall, the 2025 Seltos remains competitively priced within the compact SUV segment, especially when you factor in its generous feature content. But budget-conscious shoppers may find better value in some rival models, depending on their specific needs and priorities.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2025 Kia Seltos impresses with its frugal yet capable powertrains. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at an estimated 8.2 L/100km city and 6.9 L/100km highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for the available all-wheel drive system only slightly increases those figures to 8.6 L/100km city and 7.3 L/100km highway.

For even greater efficiency, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers an impressive 7.8 L/100km city and 6.7 L/100km highway with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive turbo model sees a slight increase to 8.1 L/100km city and 7.1 L/100km highway. These ratings put the Seltos near the top of its class for fuel economy.

Compared to key rivals, the Seltos holds its own admirably. The Hyundai Kona, its corporate cousin, rates 8.0 L/100km city and 7.1 L/100km highway with its 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive. The Mazda CX-30 with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder and all-wheel drive is rated at 9.0 L/100km city and 7.2 L/100km highway. The Subaru Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter boxer engine returns 8.8 L/100km city and 7.2 L/100km highway with standard all-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Practicality

One of the standout strengths of the 2025 Kia Seltos is its impressive interior space and versatility for a vehicle in the compact SUV class. Despite its relatively small exterior footprint, the Seltos offers generous room for passengers and cargo alike.

With an overall length of 172 inches, the 2025 Seltos boasts best-in-class interior volume amongst its key rivals. Front seat occupants will enjoy 41.4 inches of legroom, while rear passengers get a spacious 38 inches of legroom – more than many midsize SUVs. Headroom is also plentiful at 40 inches in the front and 38.4 inches in the rear.

Behind the second row, the Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space – beating out competitors like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats flat, and you’ll have a cavernous 62.8 cubic feet of room for hauling larger items like furniture or luggage for a family road trip.

But the Seltos doesn’t just offer generous space, it also delivers clever interior storage and versatility for daily driving. The dual-level cargo floor allows you to create a flat load space or raise it for deeper in-floor storage. There are multiple bins, cubbies, and cupholders throughout the cabin to keep everything organized. The rear seats also recline for additional comfort on longer journeys.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2025 Kia Seltos comes loaded with the latest tech and connectivity features to keep you seamlessly connected on the go. At the heart of it all is a vibrant 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sharp graphics and an intuitive interface. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and more with just your voice.

Kia’s UVO link app allows you to remotely start the engine, lock/unlock doors, and even set the climate control from your smartphone. A premium Bose audio system with eight speakers provides an immersive listening experience for your favorite tunes. Multiple USB ports ensure all your devices stay charged up during long journeys.

On the safety front, the Seltos offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking can help prevent accidents. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert makes lane changes and reversing from parking spots safer. Lane keeping assist gently steers you back if you start to drift from your lane unintentionally.

Other available tech highlights include a 360-degree camera system for easier parking, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and remote smart parking assist to help squeeze into tight spaces from outside the vehicle. The Seltos delivers cutting-edge tech to elevate your driving experience.

Safety

The 2025 Kia Seltos continues to prioritize safety with an impressive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system.

Kia’s aim for the Seltos is to achieve top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. While official crash test results for the 2025 model are still pending, the current generation has performed exceptionally well. The 2024 Seltos earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. With no significant structural changes, similar top-tier ratings are expected for 2025.

Driving Impressions

Early driving reviews of the 2025 Kia Seltos have been largely positive, praising the compact SUV’s well-rounded driving dynamics and overall refinement. Automotive journalists have noted the Seltos offers a comfortable and composed ride quality, striking a nice balance between soaking up bumps while still feeling planted and stable on the highway.

Steering feel is communicative and nicely weighted, giving the Seltos a more engaging and connected driving experience compared to some rivals. The suspension tuning allows for decent cornering capabilities without sacrificing too much comfort over rough pavement.

Acceleration from the standard 2.0L four-cylinder engine is adequate for most daily driving situations, though some reviewers felt it could use a bit more low-end torque for passing power. An optional 1.6L turbocharged engine is available and provides a noticeable boost in performance, with 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbo makes the Seltos feel much peppier off the line and for highway merging.

The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission operates smoothly and decisively, rarely getting caught hunting for the proper gear. For those who enjoy taking control, the Seltos is available with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual on lower trims, though the take-rate is expectedly low.

Which Trim to Choose?

For Canadian buyers seeking the ideal balance of price, features, and performance in the 2025 Kia Seltos, the mid-range EX and EX Premium trims offer the best value proposition. The EX trim strikes a sweet spot, providing a robust list of desirable amenities without breaking the bank.

Standard features on the EX include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Stepping up to the EX Premium adds a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a premium Bose audio system, and a panoramic sunroof, among other niceties.

While the base LX trim is certainly budget-friendly, its sparse feature set may leave some buyers wanting more. Conversely, the range-topping SX trim packs in nearly every available option but carries a substantial price premium that may not justify the added cost for many shoppers.

For those seeking a bit more power, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine can be specified on the EX and SX trims, providing a welcome boost in acceleration without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency. This powertrain upgrade, combined with the well-equipped EX or EX Premium trim, represents an enticing combination of performance and value.

How it Compares to Key Rivals

When stacked up against its main competitors in the compact SUV segment, the 2025 Kia Seltos holds its own in several key areas while trailing slightly in others. Let’s take a closer look at how it measures up head-to-head:

Pricing vs Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V

The 2025 Seltos maintains Kia’s reputation for value pricing. With a starting MSRP of around $23,000 for the base LX trim in Canada, it undercuts the Kona, CX-30, and HR-V by a few thousand dollars. The Crosstrek is priced closest to the Seltos. Even when optioned up to the higher SX trim level, the Seltos costs less than the top trims of most rivals.

Performance

Powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine making 147 hp, the Seltos has adequate but unremarkable acceleration for daily driving. An optional 1.6L turbo kicks things up with 195 hp, putting it on par with the punchier turbo engines in the CX-30 and HR-V. All rivals outmuscle the Seltos’ base engine, though the turbo model holds its own. The Crosstrek is the slowest of the bunch.

Interior Space

Here’s where Kia’s packaging expertise shines. The Seltos boasts best-in-class passenger volume and cargo space compared to the cramped interiors of the CX-30 and HR-V. It nearly matches the roomier Crosstrek while offering more versatility with its clever folding seats. Only the boxy Kona provides similarly ample interior room.

Features and Tech

The Seltos comes well-equipped even at the lower trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and driver assists like forward collision warning. Higher trims add niceties like a 10.25-inch screen, navigation, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio. It matches or exceeds the Kona’s offerings while the CX-30 and Crosstrek charge extra for comparable tech.

Driving Dynamics

With its comfort-tuned suspension, the Seltos favors ride quality over agility. It soaks up bumps well but exhibits noticeable body lean in corners. The CX-30 and Crosstrek feel more engaging to drive with sharper steering and handling. The Kona and HR-V strike a similar balanced ride. Overall, the Seltos is a bit behind the dynamic leaders in this group.

Key Advantages

– Superb interior packaging and cargo versatility

– Generous standard tech and features for the money

– Value pricing across trims, especially the higher ones

– Kia’s reputation for reliability and lengthy warranty coverage

Downsides

– Uninspiring base engine performance, turbo engine is pricey upgrade

– Numb steering feel and less engaging driving dynamics

– Some cheap interior plastics, even on upper trims

– Styling may be too conservative and anonymous for some tastes

Is the 2025 Seltos a Good Buy?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is a compelling choice for Canadian shoppers in the market for a small SUV. It offers a well-rounded package with a spacious interior, robust feature set, and a competitive price point that makes it an attractive option, especially for budget-minded buyers.

One of the Seltos’ standout strengths is its value proposition. Even in its higher trim levels, it remains more affordable than many of its rivals, yet still delivers a generous array of standard amenities and technology. This combination of features and affordability makes the Seltos an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, the Seltos’ interior is surprisingly roomy for its compact footprint, offering ample passenger space and a versatile cargo area that can accommodate various lifestyle needs. Its practical design and clever storage solutions make it a highly functional daily driver.

While not the most exhilarating performer in its class, the Seltos’ powertrain options provide adequate acceleration and respectable fuel efficiency. The available turbocharged engine offers a welcome boost in power for those seeking a livelier driving experience.

Kia’s reputation for reliability and strong warranty coverage also bode well for the Seltos’ long-term ownership experience. With proper maintenance, the Seltos is expected to provide dependable service for years to come.

Overall, the 2025 Kia Seltos is a smart choice for Canadian buyers seeking a well-equipped, practical, and budget-friendly small SUV. Its blend of value, interior space, and feature-rich offerings make it a compelling option in a highly competitive segment.

Conclusion

The 2025 Kia Seltos receives a host of upgrades that keep it competitive in the fierce compact SUV segment. The refreshed exterior styling and updated interior give it a more modern and upscale look, while new tech features like the larger touchscreen and digital instrument cluster bring it in line with rivals. Under the hood, the carryover powertrains provide decent but unexceptional performance.

Where the Seltos shines is its impressive roster of standard safety tech, spacious cabin, and strong value proposition across the trim range. Its pricing undercuts key competitors like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek, while offering comparable or superior levels of equipment. The mid-range EX trim stands out as the sweet spot, providing a great mix of must-have features at an affordable price point.

Looking ahead, Kia may introduce a hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant of the Seltos to meet increasing demand for electrified options. An off-road-oriented trim with all-wheel drive and additional ground clearance could also be in the works to capitalize on the growing popularity of adventure-ready crossovers. With a solid foundation already in place, these potential additions would only strengthen the Seltos’ appeal in the years to come.