2025 Kia Seltos

The S trim is ideal for drivers who want a bit more style and tech without a huge price jump. On the outside, the S adds roof rails and sleek LED lighting (tail lights and DRLs) for a more premium look. It also comes with heated side mirrors with LED turn signals – great for winter and visibility. Inside, the S brings key comfort upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and Kia’s Smart Key with push-button start. Safety is boosted too: the S includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert that the base model lacks, adding peace of mind on highways and parking lots. The S trim carries the same 2.0L engine and is available with front-wheel drive to save cost or optional AWD for all-weather traction. It’s the sweet spot for value-oriented buyers, bundling popular features (like remote start and premium cloth/SynTex upholstery) while still undercutting many competitors on price. If you want an affordable Seltos with a more upscale flair, the S hits that mark.

For most buyers, the EX is the recommended trim that offers the best balance of price and amenities. It builds on the S by adding a host of comfort features that make daily driving more enjoyable. Who is it for? Those who crave a bit of luxury and convenience in their small SUV, but still need to mind the budget. The EX comes with SynTex faux-leather seat trim for a more premium feel, and the driver’s seat is a 10-way power-adjustable unit with lumbar support – a rarity at this price point. Both front seats are heated, perfect for chilly mornings. Tech gets a boost too: the EX includes a wireless phone charger to cut the cord clutter. You also get upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish and privacy glass for a sleek appearance. This trim also has access to the new Sunroof Package, letting you add a sunroof and even a power tailgate if you desire.

The X-Line trim is tailored for adventurous souls who want extra style and performance. It comes standard with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, so it’s best for drivers seeking more punch and confidence on steep hills or rough roads. The X-Line wears a more rugged attire: 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, chunkier roof rails with higher load capacity, and exclusive exterior accents set it apart as the “off-road” inspired Seltos. Notable is that despite its tougher look, the X-Line’s interior remains similar to the S trim – you get heated front seats, but not the leatherette or power seats from the EX. This trim is about substance and style for outdoor lifestyles: the turbo engine’s 195 hp provides brisk acceleration onto highways and extra grunt for climbing mountain roads, while the AWD system (with a center locking differential) can handle camping trails or snowy driveways with ease. The X-Line is labeled by Kia as the “rugged performance” model, and it indeed delivers a more exciting drive.

At the top of the range, the SX is the most luxurious Seltos – essentially every feature Kia has to offer packed into one small SUV. It’s best for buyers who want a mini-SUV with all the bells and whistles, and are willing to pay for a premium experience (while still costing less than many bigger SUVs). The SX comes with the 1.6L turbo engine standard, so it’s as quick as the X-Line, and it adds an array of high-end touches: full LED headlights and fog lights for improved visibility, an upgraded 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with mood lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and even a flat-bottom sport steering wheel for a sporty vibe. The SX includes a cargo cover and now a power tailgate is standard for 2025, making grocery loading a breeze. On the inside, it builds on the EX’s comfort with things like ambient lighting and possibly ventilated seats (if equipped with the SX Sunroof Package which adds cooled seats and a sunroof). The SX also boasts the most advanced driver aids: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Highway Driving Assist (semi-autonomous driving in highway traffic), and cyclist/junction-turn detection added to the collision avoidance system.