Kia Seltos (2020) Updates

I've been tracking my 2020 Kia Seltos GTX+ with the 1.5L turbo-petrol and 7-speed DCT closely over these six years in India, and at nearly 90,000-100,000 km, it's proven remarkably durable for our demanding roads. The gloss black paint with red accents still shines without rust, despite weekly highway runs to hills, beaches, and cities, though swirl marks from urban grime show if you skip regular washes. Interiors remain premium, with seats holding up beautifully even after hauling cargo—the fabric resists stains and wear far better than expected. That turbo engine delivers ample shove for family overtakes and triple-digit cruising, feeling planted at 180 kmph on uneven highways, but the DCT gets jerky in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and Eco mode's sluggish throttle lag demands patience for its 19-20 kmpl highway efficiency. City shifts are smooth otherwise, AC chills fast even in peak summer with five aboard, and ventilated fronts are a godsend. No major rattles, ventilated seats offer great support, and high ground clearance tackles potholes confidently, making it a reliable all-rounder that punches above its weight for Indian conditions.

After nearly six years on Indian roads, my 2020 Kia Seltos GTX+ with the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has clocked over 90,000 km, primarily as a highway hauler hitting cities, hills, and beaches weekly, even doubling as a cargo carrier without major breakdowns. The gloss black paint with red accents shows scratches and swirl marks from inevitable urban scrapes, but remarkably, there's zero rust even underneath, proving its resilience to our monsoon and dust bowl conditions. Inside, the seats and materials have held up beautifully despite heavy use and dirt from loading gear—the fabric remains sturdy, AC blows ice-cold consistently, and the cabin feels premium without sagging or peeling. On the drive front, the turbo delivers ample shove for family overtakes, staying planted at 180 kmph on bumpy expressways, though it feels maxed out there; the DCT shines in city flows but gets jerky in bumper-to-bumper chaos, especially in Eco mode, which prioritizes 19-20 kmpl on cruises at the cost of sluggish emergency responses. Sport mode adds fun without sacrificing comfort on 18-inch wheels, and visibility aids like blind-spot monitors make parking effortless. Overall, it's aged gracefully for the average Indian buyer, blending reliability, space, and punch that still competes.

Owners of the 2020 Kia Seltos have reported positive experiences with the vehicles comfort and features. The cabin is well-appointed with good-quality materials, and the dashboard design is sleek and premium. Features like electric ORVMs, push-button start, and an 8” infotainment system make it a comfortable city cruiser. I think the attention to detail in the interior is one of the Seltos strongest points.

The Kia Seltos has been praised for its stylish design, with bold front grilles, sleek lines, and striking LED headlights. The exterior design has been a major attraction, making it an attention seeker on the roads. I think the design has played a significant role in the Seltos popularity.

There have been some concerns about the build quality and safety of the 2020 Kia Seltos, particularly in terms of structural integrity. The Indian version of the Seltos is lighter than its counterparts in other markets, which might affect its safety ratings. Despite scoring only 3 stars in Global NCAP, the Seltos remains popular due to its overall package. I believe Kia should focus more on enhancing safety features in future updates.

Despite its popularity, the 2020 Kia Seltos has some minor complaints, such as issues with the sunroof and some electronic features. However, these are overshadowed by the vehicles overall performance and feature set. I believe that Kia has done a good job in addressing most of the user concerns through regular updates.

Kia has been working on enhancing the technology in the Seltos, including the possibility of future software updates to enable features like wireless Android Auto and CarPlay. While no specific timeline is available, this move indicates Kias commitment to keeping the Seltos up-to-date with the latest tech trends. I think this will be a welcome addition for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Kia Seltos offers a range of powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. These engines are paired with various transmission options such as six-speed manual, CVT, and seven-speed DCT. This variety caters to different driving preferences and needs. I think the engine options are well-suited for the Indian market.

The top variants of the 2020 Kia Seltos, such as the HTX Plus and GTX Plus, now come with remote engine start via the key fob, adding to the convenience and luxury of the vehicle. Other features like metal scuff plates, metal garnish on the AC control panel, and BOSE speakers enhance the overall driving experience. I believe these features make the Seltos a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV.

The 2020 Kia Seltos has seen a price hike, but it also introduces new powertrain options, such as the diesel variant with an iMT transmission. The HTK Plus trim now features a leatherette gear knob and a gloss black dashboard, while the GTX Plus trim boasts a black interior with red stitching. These updates make the Seltos a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The Kia Seltos, updated for the 2020 model year, now comes with several new features, including an emergency stop signal and front and rear USB charging as standard across all variants. The HTX and HTX Plus trims also receive an electric sunroof and LED room lamps, enhancing the vehicles comfort and luxury. I think these additions make the Seltos even more appealing to buyers looking for a feature-packed SUV.