Should you Buy a used Kia Seltos in 2025

The Kia Seltos created a splash in India when it launched in 2019, helping establish Kia Motors as a desirable brand in the country. With the SUV segment being at the peak of its popularity, a used Kia Seltos provides a more affordable alternative to own a capable SUV for every day family needs. Offering premium interiors, a wide suite of features, and a range of capable engines, we dive into the reasons you should buy a Kia Seltos in 2025. 

Why should you consider a used Kia Seltos?

The key highlight of the Kia Seltos is that it comes in multiple variants that cater to a wide range of buyers. Whether your top priorities are performance, efficiency, or premium extras, the Seltos has petrol, diesel, and turbocharged petrol engines matched with manual, CVT, or dual-clutch automatic transmissions to fit every need.

Inside, the Seltos really shines with a modern cabin, a quality Bose audio setup in higher versions, connected car technologies, and a well-sized infotainment system. The car also takes safety seriously, featuring six airbags, an ESC, and rear parking sensors across all variants. Moreover, even in this crowded market, the Seltos stands out because of its bold style and unique LED lighting that is sure to make heads turn.

The Kia Seltos gives stiff competition to its rivals with its strong build quality and use of high-quality components. Additionally, the growing network of Kia service centres and affordable maintenance costs make it a solid pick that retains good resale value over time. 

Kia Seltos Specification Table:

Reasons to consider the Kia Seltos

1. Well-Rounded Performance

For both city driving and interstate cruising, the Kia Seltos presents a great combination of power and efficiency. Its engine choices span the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine to the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, thereby accommodating a range of driving tastes. The Seltos’ line of engines offers an amazing balance whether you are looking for a performance-driven drive or affordable commuting. Lastly, both CVT and DCT options enhance the overall driving experience for users looking for a smooth drive. 

2. Feature-Rich Cabin

One of the main highlights of the Kia Seltos is its interior. This car comes with modern features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected car technologies that make your rides enjoyable and convenient. The pre-facelift models were equipped with a single-pane sunroof, which was later upgraded to a panoramic sunroof on facelift, providing desirable features to enhance the interior experience. The spacious cabin offers enough room for passengers and great boot space for luggage. 

3. Safety and Build Quality

Safety is very important to Kia. Hence, the Seltos includes several sophisticated safety features, including six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. In 2020, the pre-facelift Kia Seltos secured a 3-star Global NCAP safety rating. The model tested has 2 airbags and lacked ESC, resulting in the low score. Since then, Kia has focused on enhancing the safety capabilities of its cars, being the first manufacturer to offer six airbags as standard on all variants as well as additional safety features on the facelift Seltos model.

How old should a pre-owned Kia Seltos be?

When you’re looking for a used Kia Seltos, it’s important to look for models that give you the best value for money and the latest features. The first-generation models that were launched in 2019 are still a great pick in the second-hand market as they come with all the latest features that one can expect from a modern SUV. 

The 2023 update brought many changes and improvements, but given their newness, these models may be slightly expensive. If you’re looking for the best value, the 2020 to 2021 model could be better. These cars offer the best features and have the manufacturer’s warranty still intact. While the facelift has introduced significant updates to the Kia Seltos,buying a used Kia Selto from 2019 to 2022 are still great options to consider, especially if you’re on a tighter budget. 

What to look out for when buying a used Kia Seltos?

1. Engine Condition

The engine is one of the most important parts to check when buying a used car. Although Kia engines are usually dependable, problems might develop in older vehicles, especially turbocharged ones. Search for any evidence of oil leaks, odd noises, or inadequate test drive performance. Note how the engine starts, whether it runs smoothly, and whether the exhaust produces smoke. 

2. Transmission Health

The Kia Seltos has automatic gearbox choices, including DCT, CVT, and 6-speed AT. Although these transmissions are usually dependable, used cars may have problems especially if the car has seen rough use or poor maintenance. Watch how the car changes gears; acceleration should cause no jerking or hesitation. Check the gearbox fluid’s condition and level to be sure it is good. To rule out any internal gearbox issues, a mechanic should carefully check everything. 

3. Suspension and Handling

Check the suspension system properly, as a bad suspension can affect the driving and handling of the car. Search for any indications of worn-out struts, suspension bushes, or shock absorbers. When going over hills or turns during the test drive, pay attention to any odd sounds like clunking or squeaking. Should the car feel bouncy or unstable, the suspension system could need replacement or repairs. 

How much should a pre-owned Kia Seltos cost?

A used Kia Seltos’s price depends on the model year, condition, version, and general market demand, among other elements. In India, a pre-owned Kia Seltos should normally cost between 9 lakh and 17 lakh, depending on the age and variant. Here is a detailed list of the lowest Kia Seltos prices on Spinny: 

Is a used Kia Seltos worth buying in 2025?

Overall, a used Kia Seltos in 2025 is pretty much the perfect SUV for smart car buyers. It might just be your ideal match if you’re looking for a small SUV that won’t empty your bank account, but also doesn’t come across as a budget car. Those 2020-2022 models really have the sweet spot; they have enough style to make your neighbours look twice, along with great tech and reliable performance.

In the end, while the Seltos looks good and boasts of impressive specs, thoroughly check and inspect how well the previous owner treated the car. Do your homework, get a complete inspection done, and dive deep into the service history. Don’t shy away from asking tough questions. If you find a well-maintained model with a proper record, you might just be getting a near-new car at a fraction of the original price. 

FAQs about buying a used Kia Seltos