This post was sponsored by KS Autoplan.
Will the 2025 Seltos owner evaluation affect sales before the full change release?
Hello, I’m Double View, an automotive influencer.
Recently, I visited the Kia Motors showroom in Apgujeong with a friend,
and I got a firsthand look at the Kia Seltos Gasoline Turbo 1.6 Signature 2WD model.
This model matched my friend’s desired trim, options, and color perfectly,
and it offered a unique and stylish charm compared to the more common white and gray colors.
The 2025 Seltos enjoys immense popularity, earning the title of the people's SUV.
From January to November 2024, sales reached 56,385 units,
placing it 6th overall in the domestic car segment,
and particularly ranking 1st in the compact SUV category with no competitors.
The compact SUV segment has become a stronghold for Kia Motors, thanks to the Seltos.
The full change for the 2025 Seltos is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
While I can’t pinpoint an exact month yet,
numerous media outlets have shared images of camouflaged vehicles, suggesting a launch before the end of the first quarter.
Given its popularity, rumors suggest it may debut at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show in early April 2025.
I will share more details around February 2025.
What changes can we expect with the Seltos full change release?
Amidst challenges faced by electric vehicles regarding fire risks and market saturation,
hybrids have gained traction as the preferred choice.
At this pivotal moment, the Seltos is set to introduce a Gasoline Turbo 1.6 Hybrid engine with its full change.
However, a significant price increase is expected upon the release of the full change model.
Considering the growing trend towards larger body types, we anticipate more spacious interiors.
To boost profit margins, Kia will likely enhance the options, resulting in a price increase of about 10%.
Additionally, while everyone looks forward to the hybrid engine,
the anticipated higher price may make it challenging for buyers to commit.
Looking at the recent release of the Palisade, we see that introducing a hybrid engine has sparked ongoing discussions about high pricing.
While the Seltos is a compact SUV and won’t see price hikes as steep as the Palisade, it still poses a financial burden, especially for first-time buyers if the price increases by 2,000 to 3,000 USD.
So, unless you’re keen on the new exterior design or interior features,
I recommend purchasing the currently available model at a lower price.
The Kia Seltos enjoys high popularity due to its spacious headroom and legroom.
As a compact SUV, it serves as an excellent family car for adult families, and it seems to maintain steady demand even with a new model on the horizon.
I gathered feedback from three Seltos 2025 owners in my circle.
They preferred it over the Gasoline 2.0 due to its higher output, which provides greater stability and acceleration during high-speed driving.
This led them to choose the Gasoline Turbo 1.6 model.
Buyers can choose between 2WD and 4WD based on their driving environment.
If off-road driving is not frequent, I recommend the more fuel-efficient 2WD option.
Existing owners highlight the spacious interior as a significant advantage.
They appreciated the dial shifter that enhances space efficiency between the driver and passenger seats,
and the ample headroom contributes to a more open feel, resulting in positive owner reviews.
The trunk capacity is 498 liters, and the second-row seats can fold in a 60:40 ratio, making it ideal for camping trips with friends, family, or partners.
A junior colleague who joined the company just over a year ago also purchased a Seltos,
and now enjoys spontaneous trips anywhere in the country with three close friends every weekend.
If you’re planning domestic travel with friends or a partner,
I recommend buying before the price increase that will coincide with the full change release of the Seltos.
If the 2025 Seltos full change launches, we can expect significant design changes.
As the overall size of compact SUVs has increased with recent releases,
the Seltos full change model is also expected to approach the dimensions of the Sportage.
Personally, I currently like the existing design, but I believe the full change will incorporate Kia’s design identity extensively.
If the new K8 or Sportage's star map signature lighting gets applied, how will it look?
The new 2025 Seltos full change model will feature a 12.3-inch cluster and monitor connected horizontally in a curved display format.
The powertrain, consisting of the existing Gasoline Turbo 1.6 and Gasoline 2.0, has already recorded sales of over 5,000 units.
Starting in the first half of 2025, a hybrid engine will join the existing lineup, which could lead to even higher sales figures.
The 2025 Seltos garners significant interest as a first car for young professionals,
and for those still saving money, the initial costs can be daunting.
For these individuals, I recommend the long-term rental and leasing options from KS Autoplan, which allow you to use a vehicle without the financial burden of a down payment.
Moreover, for those who are not confident in their driving abilities, using a long-term rental or lease can prevent personal insurance premiums from increasing in the event of an accident.
From December to January, KS Autoplan is running a special pricing event. If you have any interest in the Kia Seltos or other models, please request a quote.
You can easily apply for a quote on the website,
and it would be beneficial to compare the lowest prices and terms from other companies before making a decision.
