{"id":2673,"date":"2025-08-26T08:27:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T22:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/?p=2673"},"modified":"2026-09-02T16:44:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T06:44:46","slug":"review-2025-kia-seltos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/review-2025-kia-seltos\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2025 Kia Seltos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"45\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/strong><\/a> lands in Australia with the same smart, upright shape, tidy cabin packaging and fuss-free driving manners that made it a favourite. Kia has not reinvented it this year, and that is the point. The formula remains roomy interior, sensible tech and a choice of two petrol engines, now with small list-price tweaks but carry-over drive-away deals. If you want a small SUV that feels easy to live with rather than shouty, this is it.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"829\">Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n<h4 data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"838\">Pros<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"841\" data-end=\"967\">Big-car space in a small-SUV footprint; rear seat and boot are generous for the class.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"1115\">Broad <strong data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1007\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> trim levels<\/strong> from S to GT-Line, with FWD 2.0 and punchier 1.6-turbo AWD options.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1236\">Long 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with capped-price servicing support.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1239\" data-end=\"1358\">Everyday <strong data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1279\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> performance<\/strong> feels settled and quiet in normal use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1368\">Cons<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1499\">Base cabin materials are plain, and the entry grade still skips adaptive cruise control.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1630\">2.0 CVT is tuned for comfort rather than speed; the 1.6T is stronger but uses more fuel.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1686\">No hybrid option in Australia at the time of writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1712\">How Much Does It Cost?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"2268\">Expect list prices that start around the low thirties for the S and rise to the mid-forties for a GT-Line 1.6T AWD. Recent Australian guides put the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1774\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/strong><\/a> range roughly from <strong data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1816\">$30,050 to $45,470<\/strong> before on-road costs, with indicative drive-away bands in the low-to-high thirties through high forties depending on variant and postcode. That keeps it squarely in the thick of the small-SUV pack.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2077\">Features and Benefits<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2078\" data-end=\"2579\">The <strong data-start=\"2082\" data-end=\"2121\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> technology features<\/strong> cover the basics well. Even lower grades bring a modern touchscreen and smartphone mirroring, while upper trims unlock a panoramic-style display, Bose audio, and convenience features like Smart Key and an electronic parking brake. The menu is simple, the response times are snappy, and important climate functions stay on real buttons. It feels designed for people who use their car every day, not just on a test drive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2943\">As for <strong data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2619\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> performance<\/strong>, the 2.0-litre engine focuses on smoothness for suburbia, paired with a CVT. The 1.6-litre turbo lifts power to 146 kW and teams with an 8-speed auto and AWD, which gives extra confidence on wet B-roads and when overtaking. You do not need to be a keen driver to notice the difference.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2945\" data-end=\"2953\">Safety<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3470\">All <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong>Seltos<\/strong><\/a> variants built from September 2022 onward carry a <strong data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3038\">5-star ANCAP rating<\/strong>, valid through December 2025. Adult Occupant is 85 percent, Child Occupant 83 percent, Safety Assist 70 percent, and Vulnerable Road User 61 percent. Active kit includes AEB, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, with higher grades adding cyclist and junction functionality. These <strong data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3396\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> safety ratings<\/strong> remain a key drawcard for families.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3487\">Running Costs<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3488\" data-end=\"4144\">Official combined fuel use is <strong data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3534\">6.9 L\/100 km<\/strong> for the 2.0 FWD and <strong data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"3571\">7.4 L\/100 km<\/strong> for the 1.6T AWD, which lines up with what owners report in mixed driving when driven sensibly. On the ownership side, Kia backs the car with a <strong data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3756\">7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty<\/strong>. Roadside Assist starts at 12 months and can extend to <strong data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"3829\">up to 8 years<\/strong> when you service with Kia. Capped-price servicing covers seven years, with Kia\u2019s terms noting the 1.6-litre turbo typically follows shorter distance intervals than the 2.0. That keeps <strong data-start=\"4014\" data-end=\"4049\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> fuel efficiency<\/strong> and total cost of ownership competitive for the segment.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4177\">Comparison To Its Competitors<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4178\" data-end=\"4777\">Up against a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/hyundai-kona\"><strong>Hyundai Kona<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/mazda-cx-30\"><strong>Mazda CX-30<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/toyota-corolla_cross\"><strong>Toyota Corolla Cross<\/strong><\/a> and value players like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/mg-zs\"><strong>MG ZS<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong>Seltos<\/strong><\/a> is the steady achiever. It does not chase headline gadgets, yet it gives you proper back-seat room, a square boot and road manners that feel calm rather than floaty. The cabin is not as plush as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/mazda-cx-30\"><strong>CX-30<\/strong><\/a> and there is no hybrid like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/toyota-corolla_cross\"><strong>Corolla Cross<\/strong><\/a>, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong>Seltos<\/strong><\/a> counters with transparent ownership promises and a drivetrain choice that suits both city life and weekend highways. That balance makes it easy to recommend to buyers who care more about hassle-free living than fashion points.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kia Seltos 2025: 8 Things You NEED To Know!\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/euLWJcXkY08?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4779\" data-end=\"4791\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4792\" data-end=\"5303\">If your checklist reads usable space, sensible tech and predictable costs, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong data-start=\"4871\" data-end=\"4890\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/strong><\/a> nails it. The <strong data-start=\"4905\" data-end=\"4944\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> technology features<\/strong> are modern without being gimmicky, the <strong data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"4999\">trim levels<\/strong> are easy to understand, and the safety story is strong. Pick the 2.0 if you want quieter commuting and lower fuel bills. Choose the turbo AWD if you spend time on country roads and want extra punch. Either way, it is a tidy package that feels built for Australia.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5305\" data-end=\"5323\">Rating: 8\/10<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5637\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\"><strong>Seltos<\/strong><\/a> is not the flashiest small SUV, but it is one of the easiest to live with. Honest <strong data-start=\"5427\" data-end=\"5458\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/model\/kia-seltos\">2025 KIA Seltos<\/a> performance<\/strong>, real-world space, straightforward <strong data-start=\"5494\" data-end=\"5517\">technology features<\/strong> and solid ownership support do the heavy lifting. A nicer base cabin and a hybrid option would push the score higher.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 KIA Seltos lands in Australia with the same smart, upright shape, tidy cabin packaging and fuss-free driving manners that made it a favourite. Kia has not reinvented it this year, and that is the point. The formula remains roomy interior, sensible tech and a choice of two petrol engines, now with small list-price&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/review-2025-kia-seltos\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: 2025 Kia Seltos<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"reading_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3525],"tags":[2727,2729,2728,2730,2731,2732],"car_type":[3512,3508,3511],"car_advice":[3515],"blog_section":[3505,3506],"class_list":["post-2673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-video","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-review","tag-2025-kia-seltos","tag-2025-kia-seltos-fuel-efficiency","tag-2025-kia-seltos-performance","tag-2025-kia-seltos-safety-ratings","tag-2025-kia-seltos-technology-features","tag-2025-kia-seltos-trim-levels","post_format-post-format-video","car_type-city-cars","car_type-family-cars","car_type-first-car","car_advice-car-reviews","blog_section-expert-car-reviews","blog_section-experts-take","entry"],"acf":{"video_duration":"05:00"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2673"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4395,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions\/4395"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"car_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car_type?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"car_advice","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car_advice?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"blog_section","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_section?post=2673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}