2023 Kia Seltos pricing: Facelift brings tweaked look, upgraded powertrain

UPDATE, November 25: Updated 2023 Kia Seltos driven

Kia's updated 2023 Kia Seltos range is now in Australia, and we've driven it. Get the full story, and video, at the link below. Or, keep scrolling to continue reading this story!

Story continues: 2023 Seltos pricing and features

The 2023 Kia Seltos small SUV range is now on sale in Australia

JUMP AHEAD

• 2023 Kia Seltos pricing list
• Styling updates
• Interior tech
• Powertrain
• Safety
• When is it on sale?

Headlining the changes to the 2023 Kia Seltos is an updated version of the Hyundai group's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is also now mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission in place of the seven-speed dual-clutch auto it used previously.

Buyers are also treated to an upgraded safety features list and updated technology in the cabin – with the standout feature being the remote-connectivity and control app, Kia Connect, which debuted in July with the new-gen Kia Niro range.

Like with the Niro, Seltos buyers will get a complimentary subscription for the first seven years.

On the styling front, the facelift brings a revised front and rear look, subtly updated for the new model year.

All of this comes at a price, however – meaning the complimentary Kia Connect is arguably built into the price increase. Pricing is up by at least $2000 across the range, as outlined in the table below.

2023 Kia Seltos pricing

NOTE

• '2.0 CVT FWD' means 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) petrol engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
• '1.6T 8A AWD' means 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission (not dual-clutch), and all-wheel drive.

9

Styling updates

A facelift of the current 2019-launched model, the 2023 Seltos wears a revised front-end design, with a new bumper, grille, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and Kia's updated emblem on its upper portion.

Despite being called a facelift, it's the rear of the Seltos which has changed the most, now incorporating T-shaped tail-lights running horizontally across the boot lid, and its lower bumper has also been restyled to feature a more prominent silver 'bash plate' and fog lights.

Other exterior changes include a set of new-look 18-inch alloy wheels, similar to the design of those on some of its updated Kia SUV stablemates, and a choice of seven paint colours – with Mars orange taking over from starbright yellow as the standard offering, and pluton blue being added as one of the premium option.

Two two-tone paint choices can be had on the top-spec GT-Line, combining either clear white or pluton blue with a black roof.

The small SUV will continue to be offered in four grades: S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line.

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Interior tech upgrades

Stepping inside the cabin, the Seltos has been given a significant equipment upgrade with the addition of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on all grades except the entry-level S, which gets a 4.2-inch unit.

Just like the current GT-Line, all upcoming Seltos grades look set to feature a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen – angled towards the driver as a carryover from the EV6, Niro and Sportage – while also ditching the traditional gear selector, now adopting a rotary shift-by-wire dial.

Rear occupants also gain air vents and USB-C charging points across all variants, while the GT-Line benefits from an electronically-adjustable driver's seat (with memory function) and a powered tailgate.

9

Powertrain

Kia has upgraded the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and swapped out the current seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) for an eight-speed torque converter.

Power outputs are currently unconfirmed for Australia, however, Korean models have received a power boost from 130kW to 148kW (and 265Nm) for 2023.

The new powertrain option, which continues to drive all four wheels, is available exclusively on the Sport + and GT-Line variants.

Meanwhile, the existing 112kW/180Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is carried over as standard across the range, and remains mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels.

9

Safety

Kia has also upped the level of safety equipment found in the Seltos, which now includes features such as; intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist integrated as standard, even on the base S trim.

When is the 2023 Kia Seltos on sale?

The new Seltos is on sale now.