2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos is a SUV priced from $24,690 to $31,190 with 7 available trims. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
5-star safety. A fuel cost. 4.0/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2025 Kia Seltos among budget SUVs. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Kia Seltos are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating.
- fuel cost
- safety
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,400. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2025 →
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $24,690 - $31,190
- EPA Combined MPG
- 25-31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,400 - $1,750/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $750 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 8 on file
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2025 Kia Seltos?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2025 Kia Seltos received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.1%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard & Optional |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard & Optional |
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2025 Kia Seltos Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2025 Kia Seltos but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | M Marginal |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | P Poor |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | A Acceptable |
| Seat Belt Reminders | M Marginal |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2025 Kia Seltos Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Seltos. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.8. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Seltos. This is below the average of 29 complaints for 2025 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · 4 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-01-21
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical3
- ADAS / Safety Tech3
- Visibility2
- Brakes1
- Steering1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2025 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy?
At up to 31 combined MPG, the 2025 Kia Seltos's fuel costs are estimated at $1,400 per year, near the $1,460 average for budget SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 25 to 31 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| S FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $1,400/yr |
| EX FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $1,400/yr |
| S AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| EX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| X-Line AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 27 | $1,750/yr |
| SX AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 27 | $1,750/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2025 Kia Seltos Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Kia Seltos ranges from $67,320 to $91,335 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Subcompact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.66/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 7 options side by side.
How Do the 2025 Kia Seltos Trims Compare?
7 trims are available for the 2025 Kia Seltos, spanning $24,690 to $31,190. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX AWD GAS | $24,690 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $83,585 |
| S FWD GAS | $25,190 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | FWD | 146 hp | 2,970 lbs | $67,320 |
| EX FWD GAS | $26,190 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | FWD | 146 hp | 2,970 lbs | $68,320 |
| S AWD GAS | $26,690 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $85,585 |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,390 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $87,285 |
| X-Line AWD GAS | $29,390 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | AWD | 190 hp | 3,363 lbs | $89,535 |
| SX AWD GAS | $31,190 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | AWD | 190 hp | 3,363 lbs | $91,335 |
The entry price has increased $200 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- SX AWD GAS $30,090 (2024) → $31,190 (2025) +$1,100
- X-Line AWD GAS $28,790 (2024) → $29,390 (2025) +$600
- EX FWD GAS $25,890 (2024) → $26,190 (2025) +$300
- EX AWD GAS $28,090 (2024) → $28,390 (2025) +$300
- LX AWD GAS $24,490 (2024) → $24,690 (2025) +$200
- S FWD GAS $25,090 (2024) → $25,190 (2025) +$100
- S AWD GAS $26,590 (2024) → $26,690 (2025) +$100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX AWD GAS | $24,490 29 MPG | $24,690 29 MPG | $24,990 29 MPG |
| S FWD GAS | $25,090 31 MPG | $25,190 31 MPG | $25,490 29 MPG |
| EX FWD GAS | $25,890 31 MPG | $26,190 31 MPG | $26,490 29 MPG |
| S AWD GAS | $26,590 29 MPG | $26,690 29 MPG | $26,990 29 MPG |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,090 29 MPG | $28,390 29 MPG | $28,690 29 MPG |
| X-Line AWD GAS | $28,790 26 MPG | $29,390 25 MPG | — |
| SX AWD GAS | $30,090 26 MPG | $31,190 25 MPG | $31,490 25 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Kia Seltos scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for budget SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Kia's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia Seltos Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Seltos. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia Seltos Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2025 Kia Seltos as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 146 - 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 - 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Length | 172.6 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.9 in |
| Height | 63.4 - 64.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,970 - 3,363 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Kia Seltos?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2025 Kia Seltos based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
2025 Kia Seltos FAQ
How does the 2025 Kia Seltos compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2025 Kia Seltos has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2025 list.
Which 2025 Kia Seltos trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the S FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $67,320, starting at $25,190 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $91,335. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2025 Kia Seltos insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2025 Kia Seltos. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2025 Kia Seltos maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2025 Kia Seltos depreciate?
AAA estimates the Subcompact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $24,690, that represents about 72% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2025 Kia Seltos?
The most efficient 2025 Kia Seltos trim costs an estimated $1,400 per year in fuel, or about $117 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia Seltos?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2025 Kia Seltos include 2025 Hyundai Kona, 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and 2025 Mazda CX-30. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 SUVs.
What changed on the 2025 Kia Seltos from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $200 for the Kia Seltos lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Kia Seltos cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Kia Seltos include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $117 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $974 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2025 Kia Seltos safe for families?
The 2025 Kia Seltos earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2025 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.