Expert Review on Kia Seltos
- Expert Rating
8.7/10 - Safety8.5Comfort8.75Styling8.75Merit / USP9Significance9.25Value for Money8.75
The 2023 Kia Seltos has received a substantial mid-life update, adding new technology, improved safety features, and a bolder design. Kia initially launched the Seltos in India in 2019, and it quickly became one of the most popular compact SUVs due to its premium features, attractive pricing, and strong performance. With this facelift, Kia aims to set new benchmarks in the segment, ensuring the Seltos stays competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, and Volkswagen Taigun.
The 2023 Kia Seltos features a bold design with modern styling that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Let’s dive into some of the standout elements of its exterior:
Front Fascia:
- Redesigned tiger-nose grille that now extends seamlessly with the Star Map LED DRLs.
- Ice cube LED fog lamps and slimmer LED headlamps offer a sophisticated touch.
- GTLine variant adds sporty elements, including body-colored skid plates and dual-tip exhausts.
Side Profile:
- New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variant, add to its modern appeal.
- Sleek character lines emphasize its bold look, with options for dual-tone colors.
Rear Design:
- Updated LED taillights with a Star Map pattern add a unique flair.
- A re-sculpted bumper enhances its sporty demeanor.
Pros
- The 2023 facelift brings a modern look with updated LED headlights, a larger grille, and 18-inch alloys, enhancing its street presence.
- Advanced tech features like dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bose 8-speaker audio system offer a premium in-cabin experience.
- Safety is enhanced with Level 2 ADAS, including features like Front Collision Avoidance and Lane Keep Assist, providing extra peace of mind.
Cons
- The diesel variant lacks a manual gearbox, which may disappoint traditional drivers who prefer full control over gear shifts.
- Though the iMT option is available, it can be cumbersome and may take time to get used to compared to a conventional manual.
- The rear seat experience is marred by a limited view for taller passengers due to the high window line, and the stiffer suspension can compromise ride comfort over uneven surfaces
Verdict
The 2023 Kia Seltos offers a blend of style, tech, and safety, making it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. While it may have a few downsides, such as the lack of a manual diesel option and a slightly stiff suspension, the Seltos shines with its powerful turbo engine, high-tech cabin, and comprehensive safety features. It's a great option for those seeking a modern, feature-rich SUV at an attractive price.
Kia Seltos Price List (Variant Wise)
Kia Seltos Ex-Showroom price ranges from ₹ 10.79 to 19.81 Lakh. Kia offers Seltos in 23 variants. The top variant of Seltos is Smartstream G1.5T-GDI 7DCT X Line and the base variant is Smartstream G1.5 6MT HTE (O).
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Latest News On Seltos
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 11, 2025New Kia Seltos Launched: Top 5 HighlightsFirst launched in 2019, the Kia Seltos has entered its second generation at a time when the C-SUV segment is at its fiercest. So let us take a look at some of the highlights of the new Seltos and what’s worth noticing.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Dec 11, 2025New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions, Engines, Features ComparedThe second-gen Seltos brings with it some notable upgrades - in terms of the platform, size and tech, but how does it compare to the segment benchmark - the Hyundai Creta.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Dec 10, 2025All-New Kia Seltos Unveiled: A Detailed Look In PicturesBookings for the new Kia Seltos will commence from December 11, while the price announcement will happen on January 2, 2026.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Dec 10, 20252026 Kia Seltos Makes Global Debut; India Launch On January 2, 2026Second-gen Seltos debuts Kia’s latest design language with design elements borrowed from the new Telluride SUV.4 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 10, 20252026 Kia Seltos World Premiere Highlights: Specifications, Features, Images1 min read
