2023 Kia Seltos facelift previewed ahead of July launch

Updated Jul 01, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The Seltos just got even more stylish.

Kia previewed the facelifted version of the Seltos for the 2023 model, which comes with a striking exterior design and few updates on the interior. It was in 2019 when the Korean automaker debuted its stylish-looking subcompact crossover model, which means that a mid-cycle refresh is just right on track.

Kia Seltos front view

2023 Kia Seltos

To the untrained eye, the front end might look similar to the outgoing model. But the design team revised the grille which is flanked by the new daytime running light (DRL) layout. The front bumper is also revamped, extending the chrome bits upward for a shinier-looking finish.

The design updates are more prominent at the back as the new Seltos now sports a full-width LED light bar. Along with the new light bar is a redesigned tail lamp which appears to be sharper. Other rear-end changes include a larger skid plate, relocated reflectors, and a new tailgate.

Kia Seltos interior view

Interior of the facelifted version

Moving to the cabin and you will notice that the standard shift lever has been removed in favor of a rotary gear selector. It provides a cleaner finish along with a new driver-centric center console layout. Like the styling of the new Sportage, the dashboard holds two combined 10.25-inch screens, one for the infotainment and the other for the instrument cluster.

Kia has yet to unveil the specifications of the refreshed Seltos in terms of powertrain, but we can expect that the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine will be carried over. Also, reports suggest that a hybrid option will be offered which will complement the brand’s vision for the fast-approaching electric vehicle (EV) era.

Kia Seltos rear view

The subcompact crossover just got even more stylish

The 2023 Kia Seltos is slated to be launched at the 2022 Busan Motor Show on July 15. By then, more details will be disclosed including specifications and pricing. Kia Philippines made the Seltos available in the local market so one can only hope that it will bring in the sleeker-looking version once exports start rolling.

Catch the latest cars in the market at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Kia Seltos 2024

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos 2025 is a subcompact crossover that is designed to appeal to young car buyers. It is available in the Philippines in three variants, with a price ranging from Php 1,198,000 to Php 1,688,000. Under the hood, this model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC D-CVVT gasoline engine capable of generating 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Only an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is paired to the engine.

When it comes to the dimensions, the Seltos spans 4,370 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height (1,610 mm excluding roof rails). It also gets a wheelbase and Kia Seltos ground clearance rated at 2,630 mm and 170 mm, respectively. In the local market, this Korean subcompact crossover competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Mazda CX-3, and MG ZS.

>>> New and used Kia Seltos 2025 for sale in the Philippines

WHAT'S NEW in KIA SELTOS? | Philkotse Quick Look

Kia Seltos Launch

The Kia Seltos got its name from “Celtos,” Hercules’ son in Greek Mythology. Kia Motors developed this car for millennials who want a head-turning automobile that perfectly merges modern and striking looks with innovative features.

Globally, it was launched in South Korea in July 2019, in India in August 2019, and in Indonesia in January 2020. Kia Motors is known as one of the pioneers in introducing crossover-type automobiles in the Philippines. With this, the Kia Seltos was made available in the Philippines in November 2019.

Kia Seltos Exterior

This athletic and stylish crossover measures 4,370mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,610mm tall. On the front, the Kia Seltos 2025 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps. Its bold, dark tiger-nose grille looks aggressively modern, providing the vehicle an edge among competitors. Its beefy body has subtle lines designed to enhance its overall aerodynamic capabilities.

Kia Seltos

On the front, the Kia Seltos bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps

At the top, higher variants are designed with a contrasting roof color with a pair of sturdy rails. The rear, on the other hand, is affixed with modern-looking LED taillights. To complete the overall look of the Kia Seltos, it wears a set of 17-inch 215/55R17 alloy wheels.

Kia Seltos Interior

Seltos Interior

As it is made for young professionals, you can expect a youthful and classy vibe inside the Kia Seltos Philippines. Its all-black interior looks premium. Highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, 60:40 rear seats that can be reclined, and a heads-up display. In terms of cargo loading, it can carry a maximum of 433 liters and can be doubled when the rear seats are folded.

Technology and Safety Features

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Top-spec models are equipped with cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front proximity sensors, and a  reverse camera.

Seltos touchscreen

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system.

Safety is guaranteed as the Kia Seltos comes with a good number of SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, three-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher variants are furnished with hill-start assist, stability control, and dynamic brake control.

Platform and Chassis

For suspension, it is built with a Macpherson Strut and coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring at the back. The Kia Seltos is manufactured using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It is designed to provide the utmost protection to its riders, efficiently control the vehicle, and guarantee excellent performance on roads and tough terrain.

Engine and Drivetrain

Kia Seltos engine

This five-door, five-seater subcompact crossover runs using a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with Continuous Variable Transmission. The Kia Seltos can produce 147 hp with a torque of 179 Nm.

Available colors for the Kia Seltos 2025 Philippines are Starbright Yellow, Gravity Gray, Iron Gray, Dark Ocean Blue, Mars Orange, two-tone Starbright Yellow with Cherry Black, and two-tone Clear White with Cherry Black.

The Kia Seltos is a well-rounded subcompact crossover thanks to its various features. One can say that it has the best color package locally as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Geely Coolray.

Kia Seltos 2025 Price List

Let's check out the Kia Seltos 2025 price in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX AT ₱1,198,000
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX AT ₱1,288,000
Kia Seltos 1.4 SX AT ₱1,688,000

Kia Seltos Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Well-integrated tiger nose grille
  • A wide array of flashy color options
  • Refined powertrain

Cons

  • Only one engine option is brought locally
  • Not many amenities are available for second-row passengers
  • Interior is not as plush as exterior

Kia Seltos FAQs

1. How many seats does the Kia Seltos 2025 have?

The Kia Seltos 2025 provides a two-row vehicle with 5 seats.

2. What is a highlight of the Kia Seltos 2025?

One of the highlights of the Kia Seltos 2025 provides outstanding inside space and practicality for moving cargo for such a small, inexpensive SUV.

3. Is the Kia Seltos Philippines a reliable car?

Yes, the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

4. Is the Seltos worth buying?

Yes, it absolutely is. Because the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

5. Is the Kia Seltos automatic?

Yes, all Kia Seltos variants come with automatic transmission.

6. What type of vehicle is the Kia Seltos 2025?

Type of the Seltos 2025 is SUV.

₱ 1,208,000 - ₱ 1,580,000

Explore
Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexsanchez09

View more