KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Seltos facelift has updated LED headlamps.
- Features sleek Star Map LED DRLs and tail lamps.
- Includes advanced ADAS Level 2 safety system.
- Equipped with dual 10.25" displays and dual-zone climate control.
The Kia Seltos is one of the most selling compact SUVs in India. Launched back in 2019, the Seltos was the first product of the South Korean automaker in India. Despite facing stiff competition from other sub-compact SUVs such as the Creta and VW Kushaq, this car still manages to register impressive sales. The model received a facelift upgrade which included some major cosmetic changes and feature additions as well. In this article today, we will be comparing the pre-facelift model with the new facelifted Seltos. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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Kia Seltos Old Vs New: Design
Talking about the design, the facelifted Kia Seltos has received some subtle updates that look evolutionary when compared to the previous gen model. These upgrades provide the sub-compact SUV with a modern look. Some of the major updates include new Crown Jewel LED headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs, and a glossy black radiator grille with chrome trims. In addition to this, the new Kia Seltos also get connected LED tail lamps.
Here's a quick comparison of the Old Seltos with the new facelift model.
| Feature | Kia Seltos (2019) | Kia Seltos (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Distinctive tiger-nose front design | Subtle design updates for a modern appearance |
| Grille | Conventional grille style | Glossy black grille with chrome accents |
| Headlamps | LED headlights | Crown Jewel LED headlights |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) | Unique DRLs running from headlights to the centre grille | Star Map LED DRLs with sweeping LED light guide |
| Fog Lamps | LED fog lights | LED fog lamps |
| Turn Signals | LED indicators | LED |
| Tail Lamps | Wraparound tail lights for a sleek and sporty look | Star Map LED-connected tail lights |
Kia Seltos Old Vs New: Interior
The new Kia Seltos gets a more premium-looking cabin which is more feature-loaded and optimised to provide the highest level of comfort to the driver and passengers. The facelifted Seltos features an 8-way adjustable power driver's seat. Other features on offer with the SUV include dual 10.25-inch displays: one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver's display, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control.
Below you check a quick interior comparison between the old Seltos and the new Seltos:
| Feature | Kia Seltos (2019) | Kia Seltos (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Design | Simplistic interior | Luxurious interior with advanced comfort features |
| Dashboard | Contemporary dashboard with sleek air vents | Elegant dashboard featuring a panoramic sunroof |
| Seating | Standard seating setup | Ventilated front seats with 8-way power-adjustable drivers seat |
| Infotainment & Instrumentation | Integrated upper section with infotainment and instrumentation | 10.25" HD touchscreen with digital cluster and 26.04 cm colour LCD MID |
| Climate Control | single-zone climate control | Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort |
| Boot Space | 433 litres of cargo space | 433 litres (same) |
Kia Seltos Old Vs New: Engine
The facelifted Kia Seltos gets the same engine options- a 1.5-litre petrol NA and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The automaker has now replaced the older turbo unit with a bigger 1.5 litre turbocharged engine which is the same unit on offer with the Hyundai Verna and the Kia's MPV Carens.
Power figures for each engine option:
- 1.5-litre turbo petrol: 160 PS and 253 Nm
- 1.5 litre NA petrol: 116 PS and 144 Nm
- 1.5 litre Diesel: 115 PS and 250 Nm
Check out the quick powertrain and transmission comparison between the new and Old Seltos.
| Kia Seltos (2019) | Kia Seltos (2023 Facelift) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and turbo petrol | 1.5-litre diesel, turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre petrol engine |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16.1 km/l to 21 km/l | 17 km/l to 20.7 km/l |
| Transmission Choices | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch | 6-speed automatic, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed dual-clutch, IVT, 6-speed manual |
Kia Seltos Old Vs New: Safety Features
The new facelifted Seltos gets the same safety suite as its predecessor, but there are some new additions too. The new Seltos features ADAS Level 2 which takes the safety steps ahead of the predecessor. The ADAS suite on offer includes 17 advanced safety features that ensure the comprehensive safety of drivers and passengers. Additionally, you get basic safety features such as electronic stability control, Blind spot Collision warning, all-wheel disc brakes and smart cruise control with stop-and-go and front collision warning.
Here's a quick safety comparison between the old and new Seltos:
| Feature | Kia Seltos (2019) | Kia Seltos (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Rating | Achieved a 3-star rating in GNCAP safety tests. | Retains previous safety features with significant enhancements. |
| Standard Safety Features | Included ABS, ESC, traction control, hill-hold assist, rear sensors, cameras, and hill descent control. | Adds new features like all-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, Blind Spot Collision Warning, smart cruise control with Stop and Go, and front collision warning and avoidance assist. |
| Infotainment System | Equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Bose sound system, and digital-analogue instrument cluster. | Upgraded to a sleek 10.25-inch touchscreen, supporting voice commands in Hindi and English, and offering OTA updates. |
| Sunroof and Seats | Featured a single-pane sunroof and electrically adjustable seats. | Dual-pane panoramic sunroof with ventilated seats and an 8-way power drivers seat. |
Kia Seltos Old Vs New: Price Comparison
The new Kia Seltos starts with a price tag of Rs. 12.71 lakh and goes up to Rs. 24.19 lakh. On the other hand, the previous-gen Seltos used to start at Rs. 9.50 lakh for the base model, going up to Rs. 19.50 lakh for the top-end trim. Notably, there is a significant price difference between the price of the old and new Seltos. However, in my opinion, it is worth paying for this much premium because the automaker has made its offerings more loaded, making it a more premium product and a worthy contender in the sub-compact SUV segment.
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Verdict
The facelifted Kia Seltos, despite its higher price, justifies the premium with enhanced features, modern design updates, and advanced safety technologies like ADAS Level 2. While the older model was already competitive, the new Seltos elevates the driving experience, making it a more refined and premium option in the sub-compact SUV segment, worth the additional investment.
