What’s the Real Cost of Owning a Kia Seltos? The Numbers May Surprise You!
The Kia Seltos has quickly become one of the most popular subcompact SUVs in Canada—and for good reason. It offers bold styling, smart features, solid fuel economy, and AWD capability. But beyond the initial sticker price, how much does it really cost to own a Kia Seltos?
– Canada Car Value Estimation Tool
At Kia 417, Ottawa’s #1 Kia dealership, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal the total cost of Seltos ownership—from fuel and maintenance to insurance and resale value. Whether you’re shopping for your first SUV or upgrading to something smarter, these numbers matter.
1. Purchase Price: Affordable for Its Class
The 2025 Kia Seltos is available in several trims, all offering excellent value.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP (CAD/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| LX FWD | Front-Wheel Drive | $27,095 / ~$20,000 |
| LX AWD | All-Wheel Drive | $29,095 / ~$21,500 |
| EX AWD | All-Wheel Drive | $32,595 / ~$24,100 |
| EX Premium AWD | All-Wheel Drive | $35,295 / ~$26,000 |
| SX AWD | All-Wheel Drive | $38,295 / ~$28,200 |
The sweet spot for most buyers is the EX Premium AWD trim, offering leatherette seats, sunroof, larger display, and advanced safety for under $36,000 CAD.
View our Seltos inventory or shop exclusive offers.
EXPLORE NEW 2025 KIA SELTOS AT KIA 417!2. Fuel Economy and Annual Fuel Costs
With rising fuel prices, efficiency is a top concern. Here’s how the Seltos performs.
| Engine | Fuel Economy (Combined) | Annual Fuel Cost (20,000 km @ $1.65/L) |
| 2.0L MPI (FWD) | 7.6 L/100 km | ~$2,508 CAD |
| 2.0L MPI (AWD) | 8.2 L/100 km | ~$2,706 CAD |
| 1.6L Turbo (AWD) | 8.9 L/100 km | ~$2,937 CAD |
You’ll save over $1,000/year compared to owning a compact SUV with a 10.5 L/100 km average.
3. Maintenance Costs: Low and Predictable
The Kia Seltos benefits from predictable maintenance costs and extended service intervals.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs:
- Oil changes (2x/year): $140 CAD
- Tire rotation: $70 CAD
- Cabin air filter (every 2 years): $60 CAD
- Brake service (average): $200 CAD
Total Estimated Maintenance per Year: ~$470 CAD
Over 5 years: ~$2,350 CAD—lower than most competitors in the class.
4. Insurance: What to Expect in Ottawa
While insurance costs depend on age, location, and driving record, subcompact SUVs like the Seltos are generally cheaper to insure than sedans or larger SUVs.
Estimated Annual Premium (Ottawa):
- New driver: ~$2,200 CAD
- Experienced driver: ~$1,450 CAD
For budgeting purposes, expect to pay ~$1,600 CAD/year on average.
5. Depreciation & Resale Value
Kia has made tremendous strides in resale value. According to industry data, the Seltos holds its value better than most subcompact SUVs.
Depreciation Over 5 Years (based on EX AWD):
- Purchase Price: $32,595 CAD
- Estimated 5-Year Resale Value: ~$17,500 CAD
- Depreciation: ~$15,095 CAD
That’s a residual value of ~54%, outperforming the Nissan Kicks and Chevrolet Trailblazer.
6. Total 5-Year Cost of Ownership
Here’s the breakdown for an average EX Premium AWD owner in Ottawa:
| Category | 5-Year Cost (CAD) |
| Fuel | ~$13,530 |
| Maintenance | ~$2,350 |
| Insurance | ~$8,000 |
| Depreciation | ~$15,095 |
Total 5-Year Cost: ~$38,975 CAD
For comparison, a Toyota Corolla Cross or Mazda CX-30 could exceed $42,000 over 5 years.
7. Warranty: Peace of Mind Standard
Every 2025 Kia Seltos includes:
- 5-year / 100,000 km comprehensive warranty
- 5-year roadside assistance
Many competitors offer only a 3-year basic warranty.
8. Safety and Tech Value
Even at the base level, the Seltos is loaded with tech and safety.
Standard on All Trims:
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Rearview camera
- Blind Spot Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
Available (EX+ and SX):
- Smart Cruise Control
- Highway Driving Assist
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Wireless phone charging
These features are often optional or unavailable on competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek or Jeep Compass.
9. Winter-Ready in Ottawa
Every AWD Seltos includes:
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel (EX+ and up)
- Snow mode and locking AWD
- Remote start via app or key fob
Paired with high ground clearance (190 mm), the Seltos is a confident winter performer.
10. How the Seltos Stacks Up
| Model | Price (CAD) | AWD? | Fuel Economy (Combined) | Cargo Space |
| Kia Seltos EX | $32,595 | Yes | 8.2 L/100 km | 752 L (26.5 cu ft) |
| Mazda CX-30 GS AWD | $33,150 | Yes | 8.9 L/100 km | 572 L (20.2 cu ft) |
| Toyota Corolla Cross LE AWD | $32,790 | Yes | 7.8 L/100 km | 688 L (24.3 cu ft) |
| Honda HR-V EX-L | $35,375 | Yes | 8.4 L/100 km | 691 L (24.4 cu ft) |
Conclusion: The Seltos wins on cargo, tech, and total cost of ownership.
Real Owner Reviews
Jaspreet K., Ottawa: “I bought the EX Premium AWD. Heated seats, tons of safety features, and I love the way it drives in snow. Couldn’t ask for more.”
Tyler M., Gatineau: “I compared it to the CX-30 and HR-V. The Seltos just had more space and value for the money. Fuel costs have been lower than expected.”
Dana R., Nepean: “Mine’s a 2022 SX and I’m still blown away by the tech. After three years, it’s holding up incredibly well.”
Final Verdict: The Seltos Is a Smart Buy From Every Angle
From its affordable purchase price to its surprisingly low running costs, the 2025 Kia Seltos delivers unbeatable value. It’s fuel-efficient, safe, winter-ready, and backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.
Browse Seltos inventory now, shop exclusive promotions, or get in touch with the team at Kia 417—Ottawa’s #1 Kia dealership.
Owning a great SUV doesn’t have to break the bank. The Kia Seltos proves it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is AWD standard on the Seltos?
Only the LX base trim comes with FWD. All other trims in Canada include standard AWD.
Q2: How long will the Kia Seltos last?
With proper maintenance, the Seltos should easily last over 250,000 km (155,000 miles).
Q3: Can I finance or lease a Seltos at Kia 417?
Yes! Contact our team for current rates and incentives.
Q4: Is the Seltos good for city and highway driving?
Absolutely. Its size makes it easy to park in Ottawa, while the engine is capable for longer drives.
Q5: How does the Seltos compare to the Sportage?
The Sportage is larger and more powerful, but the Seltos is more affordable and efficient.
