Kia Seltos has been one of the most popular compact SUVs in India since its launch in 2019. With strong sales, attractive pricing, and a feature-packed offering, it quickly became a segment leader. Now, Kia has taken a significant step forward by launching the all-new Seltos, introducing major design, technology, and comfort upgrades. But how does the new Seltos stand up against the old model? Let’s dive in
1. Exterior: A Bold New Look
The first thing you notice about the new Seltos is its striking redesign.
- Fresh Face & Grille: The new model sports Kia’s latest ‘Tiger Face’ grille with bold LED headlamps, giving it a much more premium and modern presence than the older front end.
- Flush Door Handles: A sleek, flush-type door handle setup replaces the traditional pull-type units of the old Seltos, adding to the SUV’s refined styling.
- Larger Dimensions: The new Seltos is 95 mm longer, 30 mm wider, and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase — contributing to a more spacious cabin and commanding road presence.
- Rear Profile: Redesigned tail lamps inspired by other Kia models offer a cleaner, more upscale rear look.
Overall, the new Seltos looks more up-market and cohesive while retaining its SUV charisma.
2. Interior: Tech Upgrade & Comfort Boost
Inside, the upgrades are even more noticeable.
- Digital Displays: The new model gets a dual 12.3-inch panoramic screen setup — one for the infotainment and one for the digital instrument cluster — along with a 5-inch climate control display. This is a significant step up from the older Seltos displays
- Modern Dashboard: The dashboard is redesigned with a more driver-oriented layout, featuring a new 3-spoke steering wheel with integrated drive and terrain mode controls.
- Premium Comfort: Dual-tone leatherette seats, 10-way power adjustable driver seat with memory and relaxation functions, and improved rear space due to the longer wheelbase enhance comfort.
- Boot Space: The luggage area grows to 447 litres, about 13 litres more than the outgoing model.
Even though both models boast features like panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and Bose audio, the new Seltos steps up the premium feel and user experience significantly.
3. Features & Technology: More Than Just Looks
While the old Seltos was already well-equipped, the new version raises the bar:
- ADAS & Safety: The latest car continues with advanced driver assistance systems and modern safety tech including a 360° camera, blind-spot monitoring, and tyre pressure monitoring system. Some variants offer a more comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite with additional assist features.
- Connectivity & Comfort: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced connectivity, multiple USB-C ports, and ambient lighting enhance the modern cabin experience.
In essence, technology and feature content are strongly improved, making the new Seltos a leap forward in user convenience and safety.
4. Powertrain: Familiar Yet Refined
Mechanically, Kia hasn’t thrown the playbook out the window — but it has refined it:
- Engine Line-Up: The new Seltos continues with the familiar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, plus a stronger 1.5-litre turbo petrol delivering higher performance than the old turbo unit.
- Transmission Options: A wide variety of transmissions remain available, including manual, CVT, DCT, and iMT options depending on engine choice.
- Performance: While base engine figures are similar, the upgraded turbo petrol offers noticeably better power and torque.
This means drivers get trusted reliability with a touch of extra punch where it matters.
5. Verdict: Should You Go New or Old?
Old Seltos
✔ Proven performer
✔ Lower initial price (pre-owned or outgoing stock)
✔ Well-balanced features and engine options
New Seltos
⭐ Completely fresh design
⭐ Larger, more premium interior
⭐ Bigger screens and upgraded tech
⭐ More powerful turbo engine
⭐ Enhanced safety and comfort
If you’re looking for modern style, cutting-edge in-car tech, and a more premium cabin experience, the new Seltos clearly outclasses its predecessor. However, the old Seltos remains a sensible choice for budget-savvy buyers or those considering pre-owned options.
Conclusion
Kia has delivered a substantial upgrade with the new Seltos, offering a striking design evolution, significant tech improvements, and an overall richer ownership experience. Whether you’re upgrading from the outgoing model or choosing between the two, the new Seltos makes a strong case for itself in the competitive compact SUV segment.
