The much-anticipated full redesign of Kia’s Seltos has officially been postponed to next year. In the meantime, consumers expecting bold changes and a hybrid option have been met with a modest model-year update instead.
Kia revealed the 2025 Seltos without prior announcement.
The new model retains the same platform and exterior design, offering only trim-specific upgrades – a move interpreted as an effort to maximize the appeal of the current generation, given its strong sales performance.
Subtle Changes to a Segment Leader
Dominating South Korea’s compact SUV segment, the Seltos will sell over 61,000 units in 2024, more than double the sales of its rival, the Hyundai Kona. Yet, the latest update is far from a dramatic overhaul.
The 2025 model introduces modest trim upgrades.
- The base Trendy trim now includes a leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a glove box lamp.
- The Prestige trim adds 18-inch wheels and rain sensors as standard features.
- The top-tier Signature trim now includes a navigation system, full automatic climate control, and passenger lumbar support.
The Gravity trim has been rebranded as X-Line, showcasing a bold black emblem and sportier design. It has the application of X-Line branding, following its use on Sportage.
Hybrid Seltos Coming in 2026
Kia previously held off on releasing a hybrid version of the Seltos to avoid overlap with its Niro hybrid SUV. However, surging global demand for hybrid vehicles has prompted a shift in strategy.
Next year, a hybrid model will debut.
The new hybrid will avoid overlap with its Niro hybrid SUV pair. It will have a 1.6L gasoline engine with an electric motor and target fuel efficiency of 22.0 km/L (51.8 mpg). Advanced features such as e-AWD and a 12.3-inch digital display are also expected.
Production will be expanded to include Hwaseong Plant No. 2 alongside the Gwangju facility, signaling Kia’s intent to push the Seltos beyond bestseller status and solidify its position as Korea’s top SUV.
Rising Prices and Rivalry with Kona
The 2025 Seltos comes with trim-specific price increases, ranging from a few hundred thousand KRW to over 1 million KRW (approximately 750 USD). This has drawn criticism from some consumers, who say the minor changes don’t justify the price hikes.
Still, the Seltos holds its own in terms of performance and practicality:
- 437-liter trunk capacity
- 4,385mm length
- 198 horsepower
By comparison, the Hyundai Kona is slightly smaller at 4,355mm with a 402-liter trunk, but offers more varied powertrain options – including 1.6L turbo, 2.0L gas, and EV models. The Kona price starts around 22 million KRW (approx. 16,500 USD) for gas variants and reaches 40 million KRW (approx. 30,000 USD) for electric models.
Consumers who prioritize space and performance may favor the Seltos, while those who lean toward sustainability and tech might prefer the Kona.
Those who prioritize reactions to this year’s update, anticipation for the future Seltos remains high.
Kia plans to continue selling the 2025 model while preparing for a comprehensive platform overhaul next year. With its hybrid transformation, the Seltos will remain to be seen whether it can maintain its crown in the compact SUV segment.
