Kia Seltos Review: Buying Guide
The Kia Seltos is a well-styled compact SUV, that can be had for under $30k when the deals are on.
The Kia Seltos is the Korean brand’s best selling vehicle in New Zealand. It’s a well-styled machine in a popular segment, that being the compact SUV. And it’s priced right too.
The volume sellers are the LX and LX Plus models, good honest offerings, and price conscious. The LX is often on ‘special’, and it’s a compact SUV that can be had for under $30k when the deals are on.
Kia Seltos model range
The range consists of five variants starting with the LX. This is the base model but comes relatively well equipped, with current pricing set at $32,990 plus on road costs. Next up is the LX Plus, which adds a few extras like larger alloys for a modest increase in asking price to $35,990. The EX ($39,850) and LTD ($43,850) add yet more extras.
Is the Seltos a fuel efficient SUV?
It’s okay, but not the best in its class. Most models use a 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine matched with the CVT automatic transmission, though Kia calls this the IVT (or Intelligent Variable Transmission). The front drive Seltos has fuel consumption listed at 7.7L/100km, with emissions of 175g/km. It runs on 91 octane. When we tested the Seltos LX, it returned 9.0L/100km when driven about town. Adding more highway miles to the mix should see consumption drop into the mid-eights.
For those after a bit more grunt, there is the EX Turbo with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. This has a sporty 146kW and 265Nm, an eight-speed auto, and AWD. It consumes more gas at a rate of 8.2L/100km. It costs the same as the LTD 2.0, but has the same spec as the EX.
Is the Kia Seltos a safe car?
Yes, Seltos has a five star ANCAP rating, measured to 2019 standards. Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist, while on the LX Plus models and above, you also get blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert and smart cruise control. All models have six air bags and Isofix anchor points in the rear along with front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.
Does the Kia Seltos have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, all models do, and Android Auto too. The LX is your baseline model, while moving up to the LX plus gets you items like an electronic park brake, climate control air conditioning and larger alloys. The EX grade adds a smart key, leather-appointed seating with power adjustment and heating and ventilation. You also step up from an 8-inch touch screen to a 10-inch unit with sat nav. The digital driver display is improved too. The LTD adds further extras such as an eight-speaker Bose system, a head up display, wireless smartphone charger and a powered tailgate.
Kia refreshed the Seltos in 2023 with a new grille and headlight design. Entry-level models make do with halogen headlights, while the higher-end models get fancier LED units with DRLs.
The rear end was re-styled too.
The Seltos warranty program covers you for five years or 150,000km.
How big is the Kia Seltos?
Seltos measures up at 4385mm long and is 1800mm wide. In the boot, you’ll find there's 433L of cargo space and when you fold the seats flat, this expands to 1393. It can tow up to 1100kg or 1250kg if you buy the EX turbo. A ride height of 185mm makes slipping into the seats a breeze, especially for those less flexible. The rear doors open nice and wide for loading small folk.
Kia Seltos NZ specifications
Model Kia Seltos LX
Price $32,990
Engine 1999cc, IL4, EFI
Power/Torque 110kW/180Nm
Drivetrain CVT, FWD
Fuel Use 7.7L/100km
C02 Output 175g/km
0-100km/h 8.5sec
Weight 1360kg (claimed)
Shop all Kia Seltos listings on Trade Me Motors.
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Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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