Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos? A Comprehensive Look at Each Model Year and Trim

When considering a new vehicle purchase, the 2025 Kia Seltos is an enticing option for many reasons. With its blend of practicality, style, and affordability, the Seltos has become a popular choice in the compact SUV market. But is it worth buying the 2025 Kia Seltos? To answer this, let’s explore the evolution of the Seltos from its debut to the latest 2025 model, examining each year and trim to give you a clear understanding of what this SUV offers.

The Evolution of the Kia Seltos: A Year-by-Year Breakdown

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?  2021 Kia Seltos: The Debut Year

The Kia Seltos made its debut in 2021, and it quickly captured the attention of drivers looking for a compact SUV with a stylish design and a host of standard features. Available in five trims—LX, S, EX, S Turbo, and SX Turbo—the 2021 Seltos offered a variety of options to cater to different needs. The base LX model came with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, a rarity in the segment, making it an attractive choice for those in colder climates. The Seltos also featured a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower.

2022 Kia Seltos: Enhancements and Tweaks

For the 2022 model year, Kia made several enhancements to the Seltos. The most notable was the addition of new standard safety features across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim received additional technology, such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and more premium materials in the cabin. The 2022 Seltos maintained its reputation for offering excellent value, with competitive pricing and a long list of standard features.

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?  2023 Kia Seltos: Refinements and New Options

In 2023, the Kia Seltos received subtle design updates and more customization options. The front grille was refreshed, and new exterior colors were introduced. The interior saw improvements in materials and layout, enhancing the overall driving experience. Kia also introduced a Nightfall Edition trim, which added blacked-out exterior elements for a more aggressive appearance. The 2023 Seltos continued to offer AWD as a standard feature on most trims, reinforcing its capability in various driving conditions.

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?: Keeping Pace with Technology

The 2024 Seltos was a pivotal year for the SUV, as Kia focused on keeping up with the latest technology trends. The infotainment system was upgraded with a more responsive interface, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across all trims. Additionally, the 2024 Seltos offered an available digital instrument cluster on higher trims, providing drivers with a more modern and connected experience. The engine options remained the same, but fuel efficiency was slightly improved, making the Seltos an even more appealing choice for daily commuters.

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?  The 2025 Kia Seltos: What’s New?

As we move into 2025, the Kia Seltos has further solidified its place in the compact SUV segment with several key updates. Here’s what you can expect from the latest model:

Exterior and Interior Design

The 2025 Kia Seltos features a more refined exterior design, with a sleeker front grille and redesigned LED headlights that give the SUV a more sophisticated look. New alloy wheel designs and color options allow buyers to customize their Seltos to their preferences. Inside, the cabin has been further upgraded with premium materials, including available leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims.

Is It Worth Buying the 2025 Kia Seltos?: Technology and Safety Features

Kia has packed the 2025 Seltos with advanced technology. The standard infotainment system now includes a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with enhanced graphics and faster processing. The digital instrument cluster is now standard on all trims, providing a futuristic feel to the driving experience. Additionally, the Seltos is equipped with Kia’s latest driver assistance suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The 2025 Seltos continues to offer two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been fine-tuned to deliver improved fuel efficiency, now achieving up to 33 MPG combined. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine has been upgraded to produce 185 horsepower, providing a more exhilarating driving experience. AWD remains available on all trims, ensuring the Seltos can handle various road conditions with ease.

Trims Breakdown: Which 2025 Seltos Trim is Right for You?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is available in five trims, each catering to different needs and preferences:

1. LX: The base LX trim offers a solid list of standard features, including AWD, an 8-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety features. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a capable and well-equipped SUV.
2. S: The S trim adds more style and comfort, with features like roof rails, upgraded upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also includes the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging, making it a great option for tech-savvy drivers.
3. EX: The EX trim focuses on luxury and convenience, adding features like leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a sunroof. It’s perfect for those who want a more upscale driving experience without breaking the bank.
4. Nightfall Edition: For drivers who want a sportier look, the Nightfall Edition trim adds blacked-out exterior elements, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and special badging. It also comes with the turbocharged engine, offering a more dynamic driving experience.
5. SX Turbo: The top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim is packed with features, including the turbocharged engine, a premium Bose sound system, navigation, and all the latest driver assistance technologies. If you want the best the Seltos has to offer, the SX Turbo is the way to go.

Is the 2025 Kia Seltos Worth Buying?

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers a compelling package with its stylish design, advanced technology, and versatile trim options. Whether you’re looking for an affordable daily driver or a feature-packed SUV, the Seltos has something to offer. Its evolution over the years has shown Kia’s commitment to keeping the Seltos competitive in the market, making it a worthy contender in the compact SUV segment.

If you’re considering the 2025 Seltos, it’s worth taking a closer look at your specific needs and budget. With its range of trims and features, there’s likely a Seltos that fits your lifestyle perfectly. In conclusion, the 2025 Kia Seltos is indeed worth buying, especially if you’re looking for a vehicle that combines practicality, style, and value in one attractive package.

https://www.kia.com/us/en/seltos” target=”_blank”>2025 Kia Seltos Overview

https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/seltos” target=”_blank”>Kia Seltos Trim Levels Explained