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Kia Seltos

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Kia Seltos Review, For Sale, Interior, Colours & Specs in Australia

The Kia Seltos was a late arrival in the small SUV category when it first launched in late 2019, but the new kid on the block was an instant standout among its many established alternatives.

Key strengths have been its compact exterior dimensions and a smartly packaged cabin, as well as strong safety tech available and an enviable ownership program. 

The Kia Seltos line-up currently starts at $29,780 for the Seltos S (fwd) and ranges through to $45,180 for the flagship Seltos GT-Line (awd) (two-Tone).

Kia Seltos Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Kia Seltos varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $29,780 and going to $45,180 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 SUV 2.0L, —, CVT AUTO $29,780 $45,180
2023 SUV 2.0L, —, CVT AUTO $26,070 $48,950
2022 SUV 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO $23,980 $48,290
2021 SUV 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO $23,100 $45,430
2020 SUV 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO $20,900 $43,670
See All Kia Seltos Pricing and Specs

Kia Seltos Colours

There are eight colours to choose from in the Seltos range which are, 'Pluton Blue', 'Steel Grey', 'Fusion Black,' 'Snow White Pearl', 'Gravity Grey', 'Mars Orange' and 'Neptune Blue'.

  • Pluton Blue
  • Steel Grey
  • Fusion Black
  • Snow White Pearl
  • Gravity Grey
  • Mars Orange
  • Neptune Blue
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website.

Kia Seltos Interior

The Kia Seltos has a premium interior across the range with cloth seats on the entry grade S and Sport, while the Sport+ and GT-Line have artificial leather upholstery.

Kia Seltos Interior

Kia Seltos Accessories

Coming standard on the S grade are alloy wheels, roof rails, cloth seats, an eight-inch media display, digital driver’s display, air-conditioning, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

The Sport grade adds 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights,  a 10.25-inch media screen and matching 10.25-inch driver display, digital radio, sat nav, climate control, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Sport+ has all the Sport’s features but brings a proximity key with push-button start, privacy glass, power driver’s seat, artificial leather upholstery and extra safety tech which we’ll get to soon.

The top-of-the-range GT-Line has all the Sport+ features but adds a power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, sunroof and a power tailgate.

Kia Seltos Dimensions

The dimensions of the Kia Seltos SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 SUV 1630x1800x4385 mm 170 mm
2023 SUV 1630x1800x4385 mm 170 mm
2022 SUV 1615x1800x4370 mm 177 mm
2021 SUV 1615x1800x4370 mm 177 mm
2020 SUV 1615x1800x4370 mm 177 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Kia Seltos Dimensions

Kia Seltos Boot Space

Boot capacity depends on if you’ve requested a full-sized spare wheel or the space-saver spare. With the space-saver you’ll have more room at 469 litres while the full-sized wheel under the boot floor will leave you with 433 litres. That’s still decent for the class.

Kia Seltos Boot space

Kia Seltos Fuel Consumption

The Kia Seltos is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by — and ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.9L/100km for SUV /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 SUV 6.9L/100km 2.0L CVT AUTO
2023 SUV 6.9L/100km 2.0L CVT AUTO
2023 SUV 6.9L/100km 2.0L ULP CVT AUTO
2022 SUV 6.8L/100km 2.0L CVT AUTO
2022 SUV 6.8L/100km 2.0L ULP CVT AUTO
2021 SUV 6.8L/100km 2.0L ULP CVT AUTO
2021 SUV 7.6L/100km 1.6L 7 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 6.8L/100km 2.0L ULP CVT AUTO
2020 SUV 7.6L/100km 1.6L 7 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All Kia Seltos Pricing and Specs for 2024

Kia Seltos Towing Capacity

The Kia Seltos has maximum towing capacity of 1250kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 SUV 1100kg 1250kg
2023 SUV 1100kg 1250kg
2022 SUV 1100kg 1250kg
2021 SUV 1100kg 1250kg
2020 SUV 1100kg 1250kg
See All Towing Capacity for Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos Seats

The Kia Seltos is a five-seater SUV.

Kia Seltos Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Kia Seltos here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • My 2021 Kia Seltos two-litre pings when pushed. It does it in all drive modes...

    I would reject the assertion that all modern engines ping because they run lean. Pinging (or detonation or pre-ignition, call it what you will) is a symptom of a problem (usually with the ignition timing or fuel mixture) and it’s not something you should expect to hear. Over time, continued pinging will damage the engine’s internal components and then you’re faced with a huge bill instead.

    The knock sensor should detect the first signs of pinging (even before you’ve heard it) and adjust the engine’s ignition curve (generally) to stop it happening. So, either the knock sensor’s not working or the computer that is supposed to control the engine’s settings isn’t operating correctly. The fact that a tankful of 98RON fuel stops the problem suggests that the engine settings are off.

    Kia recommends normal 91 RON ULP for the Seltos and says that E10 fuel is also compatible with the vehicle. So there should be no need to buy the more costly 98 RON stuff just to prevent the engine pinging. Your vehicle is still well and truly under warranty, so make it Kia’s problem to fix it. And don’t be fobbed off by `they all do that, Sir’.

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  • Do you know if there will be a new hybrid Kia Seltos released soon?

    The Seltos was only launched in Australia in 2019 (and has already had a couple of specification tweaks) so I wouldn’t be expecting an all-new model to be just around the corner.

    There are strong rumours from around the world, however, that the next Seltos will gain a hybrid driveline option as part of its mid-life update probably next year. If it does, the question then become one of when we will see it. And car-makers being traditionally coy about future product plans, who knows, other than to say Kia doesn’t usually mess around getting new tech to market.

    For an idea of what it might be like, we reckon a look at the Kia Niro hybrid (which went on sale here mid-last year) might just give you a pretty good insight into what a Seltos hybrid might consist of. Certainly, that’s what reports out of South Korea are speculating on.

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  • I am thinking of buying a 2022 Kia Seltos, however I am wondering if it will have the same engine issues as the 2021 model, or has this been resolved?

    Kia in the US has copped plenty of flak over the two-litre petrol engine fitted to some Seltos and Soul models. In fact, there’s been a major service campaign undertaken to identify cars with the problem and attend to them. The problem seems to be within a batch of piston rings which were incorrectly heat-treated during manufacture and can lead to excessive oil consumption. In extreme cases, this can lead an engine to run completely out of oil and seize.

    But just because that has happened in the US, doesn’t mean the problem is the same in Australia where different batches of engines might be built in different factories. In fact, Kia Australia tells me that there is no recall or service bulletin issued for this problem in Australia.

    In any case, if you bought a brand-new Kia and it had this – or any other – problem caused by faulty materials or workmanship, then you’d be covered by the factory new-car warranty anyway.

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  • What is the best small car for under $30000?

    You don't need to spend $30,000 to get a great small car to run around town in. A Suzuki Swift GL Navigator from $17,690 plus on-road costs ($1000 more for the auto) makes for an excellent choice, with a surprisingly roomy interior, a refined, frugal and lively engine, great handling and superb reliability. Great value for money, in other words.

    Moving on from there, to the next size up and in our order of preference, are the Mazda 3, Ford Focus Active, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla Hatch, Honda Civic (turbo only) and Subaru Impreza. All are quality small cars that should fit the bill perfectly.

    There's also merit in considering a small SUV, chiefly because their higher roofline and loftier seating positions make them easier to get in and out as well as see out of. Our value pick is the Kia Seltos S with Safety Pack. The Mazda CX-30 and Toyota C-HR are also high-quality and refined choices, though they're right at the cusp of your budget so you may have to search for a discounted demo model. Going small SUV does  mean extra outlay, but they do generally offer better resale value, as their popularity seems endless.

    As you can see, there's lots of choice, so take your time, drive the ones you like the look of, and see which feels best. Out of scores of alternatives, these 10 are our top recommendations at under $30K.

    Show more
See All Kia Seltos Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Kia Seltos Engine

The Seltos range has two engines to choose from: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 110kW/180Nm and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine producing even more grunt at 146kW/265Nm.

Kia Seltos Wheel Size

The Kia Seltos has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 205x60 R16 9 for SUV in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 SUV 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2023 SUV 205x60 R16 9 205x60 R16 9
2022 SUV 205x60 R16 205x60 R16
2021 SUV 205x60 R16 205x60 R16
2020 SUV 205x60 R16 16x6.5 inches 205x60 R16 16x6.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Kia Seltos Wheel Sizes

Kia Seltos Speed

The 0-100km/h time for the Kia Seltos with the 2.0-litre engine is about 10 seconds. The 0-100km/h time for the Kia Seltos with the 1.6-litre engine is about eight seconds.

Kia Seltos News

First Kia Seltos Hybrid to join line-up next year, rivalling Toyota in 'hybrids to the front' strategy - report

First Kia Seltos Hybrid to join line-up next year, rivalling Toyota in 'hybrids to the front' strategy - report

By C.hris Thompson - 20 Feb 2024
Is this the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross for Australia? Thai-market version of the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, GWM Haval Jolion SUV rival revealed with fresh take on familiar design

Is this the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross for Australia? Thai-market version of the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, GWM Haval Jolion SUV rival revealed with fresh take on familiar design

By R.ichard Berry - 13 Feb 2024
2024 Kia Cerato, Seltos and Sportage prices rise: Cost-of-entry ticks up for Korean maker's Hyundai i30, MG ZS and Toyota RAV4 rivals

2024 Kia Cerato, Seltos and Sportage prices rise: Cost-of-entry ticks up for Korean maker's Hyundai i30, MG ZS and Toyota RAV4 rivals

By J.ames Cleary - 8 Feb 2024
Hottest 100! Top 100 new cars sold in Australia in 2023: From favourites like Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Tesla Model 3 to emerging challengers from MG, BYD and GWM 

Hottest 100! Top 100 new cars sold in Australia in 2023: From favourites like Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Tesla Model 3 to emerging challengers from MG, BYD and GWM 

By J.ames Cleary - 27 Jan 2024
New car delivery update: Can you have the Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger or Tesla Model Y you want today or will you have to wait? If so, how long?

New car delivery update: Can you have the Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger or Tesla Model Y you want today or will you have to wait? If so, how long?

By J.ames Cleary - 16 Jul 2023
What is Australia's best selling small SUV? 2023 MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion take on Japanese and Korean rivals like Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and more

What is Australia's best selling small SUV? 2023 MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion take on Japanese and Korean rivals like Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and more

By T.im Nicholson - 10 Jul 2023
These safety systems are making your car less safe! Or are they? | Opinion

These safety systems are making your car less safe! Or are they? | Opinion

By T.om White - 23 Apr 2023
The Last of Us? Dramatic Kia Picanto facelift could end up as the sole sub-$20,000 new car as the MG3 is phased out and Suzuki Ignis' future looks uncertain for Australia

The Last of Us? Dramatic Kia Picanto facelift could end up as the sole sub-$20,000 new car as the MG3 is phased out and Suzuki Ignis' future looks uncertain for Australia

By B.yron Mathioudakis - 19 Mar 2023
Got a $30,000 limit? Don't want an MG3? Revealing and rating every affordable new car, SUV and ute for canny buyers on a budget from Suzuki Swift to Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross

Got a $30,000 limit? Don't want an MG3? Revealing and rating every affordable new car, SUV and ute for canny buyers on a budget from Suzuki Swift to Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross

By B.yron Mathioudakis - 24 Feb 2023
See All Kia Seltos News

Kia Seltos Range

There are four grades: the entry grade S, then the Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line. Those are all available with the 2.0-litre petrol engine and front-wheel drive. The Sport+ and GT-Line can also be had with a more powerful engine which is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with all-wheel drive.