The Kia Seltos has been a top seller for the brand since its introduction. It’s not hard to see why.

This crossover combines value, style, practicality, and driveability at the correct ratios for mass-market appeal. The problem with success is that it tends to make automakers conservative when it comes to updates, and on the outside that appears to be the case for the 2025 Seltos.

However, it only just looks that way. For 2025, Kia has just evolved the vehicle to make it better.

EXTERIOR

The Seltos was already a distinct SUV. There are just some tweaks here on that formula. The lighting package, front and rear, has been updated to retain the visual signature of the Seltos. On the GT-Line, the LED lights now swing all the way into the tiger grille. Behind, the vertical lights are connected by a horizontal bar that runs the length of the trunk. For extra value, the base wheels are larger, giving the Kia a more premium look.

For those looking for more fun in their SUV, the Seltos can be bought with two-tone exterior paint, altering the colour options for the roof and the body separately.

INTERIOR

The cabin will be familiar to the Kia faithful. Given how well-appointed the Seltos in GT-Line trim is, there was very little to change, just an update to the available technology, like a wireless charger. Otherwise, its comfortable sporty cooled leather seats, soft-touch materials at key touch points, and plenty of space given its exterior dimensions. Those looking for it to pull SUV duties, storage and practicality are easily found.

Main functions are powered, and a few can be set to operate automatically. The Seltos inherits some of the whimsy from the Soul, with its Sound mood lighting system. Inside, the 8-inch infotainment touch screen, there is the option to light the interior up like a club by syncing the music to lights behind several panels.

ON THE ROAD

The driving dynamics have moved towards the fun side of things as well. There are no drive modes, but the Seltos has a very sporty edge. The 1.5-litre engine is punchy, revving cleanly to the higher RPMs when required. Instead of noise, like many of its class rivals, those behind the wheel will feel some actual acceleration, due to an actual automatic transmission, not a whiney CVT.

The suspension picks up right where the engine leaves off. It’s firm but compliant enough not to annoy. When pushed along at pace the Seltos has a more car-like ride quality than a soft crossover SUV. This gives the driver confidence in most conditions.

The 2025 Seltos GT-Line continues on the path that has made it a local success. It continues to be more than a value option, offering a bit more refinement and driving chops than others in the segment with this model update.