Subcompact Crossover SUV

Kia Seltos

✓ Buy

Among the best in its category

#3 of 10in Subcompact Crossover SUV

309 sources · updated June 2026

The Seltos nails the fundamentals, plush interior materials that shame pricier rivals, a ride quality tuned for real-world Indian roads, and enough features to justify the price tag. The IVT petrol is the no-drama choice: smooth, refined, and reliable in city traffic without the premium fuel demands or overheating quirks of the turbo DCT. But if you're considering the diesel for fuel economy, know this: the BS6.2 emission system demands highway runs every 1000-1500km to burn off soot, turning what used to be a city-friendly workhorse into a high-maintenance companion unless you regularly log open-road miles. Match the powertrain to your actual commute and you'll love it; ignore that and you'll be managing DPF warnings instead of enjoying the drive.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

First generation (2021–2023)

2021–2023

Mixed

The 2021 model year is flagged by owners as having more problems than later years, described as a 'learning curve' launch. Some owners report reliability concerns including vehicle stopping mid-highway and transmission issues, though the BS6 Phase 1 diesel avoided the DPF regeneration problems that plague newer models.

Second generation (2024–present)

2024–2027

Strong

The redesigned Seltos is widely praised for improved space, 5-star safety rating, premium interiors, and strong feature-per-dollar value. Owners report smooth driving experience and high satisfaction. However, BS6.2 diesel models now face frequent DPF regeneration issues requiring spirited driving, and some report the base 2.0L engine feels underpowered. The turbo DCT variant is well-regarded but has higher maintenance costs.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−BS6.2 diesel variants require frequent DPF regeneration with city-heavy use (3 regens in 4200km reported)

−Headlights weak on base and mid variants, inadequate for night driving in unlit areas

−DCT can overheat in bumper-to-bumper traffic, requires premium fuel (XP95)

−Turbo petrol variants considered overpriced compared to segment alternatives

−Long waiting periods (6-8 weeks typical, up to 3 months for some variants)

−Infotainment system occasional freezes and connectivity issues reported

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What owners praise8 strengths

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Interior quality and materials praised as segment-leading, with soft-touch surfaces and premium feel

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IVT transmission smooth and reliable for city driving, better NVH than competitors' CVTs

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Ride quality comfortable with well-tuned suspension for Indian roads

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Feature-rich across variants with good value proposition, especially HTK Optional tier

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Strong build quality and fit-finish, 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating

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Bose speaker system in higher trims delivers excellent audio quality

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Spacious cabin with user-friendly layout and intuitive controls

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Morning Haze and Imperial Blue colors particularly well-received

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

309 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

309 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)6.7

8 positive vs 4 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)9.6

2,847 positive upvotes vs 127 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)7.1

Complaints: 12 cosmetic, 28 functional, 7 systematic, 2 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)6.5

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)6.8

23 'worth it', 8 'overpriced', 4 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)8.9

3 repurchased/gifted, 19 unprompted recommendations, 2 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

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Specifications2027

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$24,990

Range

$24,990 - $32,790

Capability

Fuel economy

27-31 city / 31-34 hwy MPG (2.0L FWD: 28/34, 2.0L AWD: 27/31, 1.6T AWD: 24/27)

Drivetrain