2025 Kia Seltos: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2025 Kia Seltos scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $24,690 - $31,190
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29-31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,950 - $2,050 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,000 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 8 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,019 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2025 Kia Seltos is a SUV priced from $24,690 to $31,190 with 7 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- Avg repair cost $216 per year below SUV average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
- Ranked #21 of 258 gas SUVs in fuel cost
2025 Kia Seltos at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,950. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2025 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2025 →
Similar vehicles to compare
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 |
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2025 Kia Seltos Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2025 Kia Seltos across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Kia have identified since the 2025 Seltos went on sale.
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 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2025 Kia Seltos Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Seltos. This is below the average of 32 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 · 3 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 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2025 Kia Seltos's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
What Is the 2025 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy?
At up to 31 combined MPG, the 2025 Kia Seltos's fuel costs are estimated at $1,950 per year, near the $1,906 average for budget SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 29 to 31 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| S FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $1,950 per year |
| EX FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $1,950 per year |
| S AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| EX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| X-Line AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| SX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $9,750 to $10,250 depending on trim.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows 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 | $2,050 per year | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $83,585 |
| S FWD GAS | $25,190 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 146 hp | 2,970 lbs | $67,320 |
| EX FWD GAS | $26,190 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 146 hp | 2,970 lbs | $68,320 |
| S AWD GAS | $26,690 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $85,585 |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,390 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 146 hp | 3,186 lbs | $87,285 |
| X-Line AWD GAS | $29,390 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 190 hp | 3,363 lbs | $89,535 |
| SX AWD GAS | $31,190 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | 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 29 MPG | $29,390 29 MPG | — |
| SX AWD GAS | $30,090 29 MPG | $31,190 29 MPG | $31,490 29 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
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
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.
Kia backs the 2025 Seltos with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Kia Seltos Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Seltos. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2025 Kia Seltos Specs?
Core specifications for the 2025 Kia Seltos as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Subcompact crossover SUV
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 146 - 190 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 91.7 - 113.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $155 - $194 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 409 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Kia Seltos FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Kia Seltos competes with 2025 Hyundai Kona, 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and 2025 Mazda CX-30 based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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 $163 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,020 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is headquartered in South Korea. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our South Korea-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2025?
Kia offers multiple models for 2025. Our Kia models page lists every available Kia vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2025 Kia Seltos safety rating?
The 2025 Kia Seltos earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.