Compact SUV · 2025
Kia Seltos 2025 Philippines
₱1,098,000 — ₱1,348,000
62
Expressway Score
16
km/L highway
6
Airbags
Class 1
Toll Class
Expressway Score
62/100GOOD
Score Breakdown
Overview
The 2025 Kia Seltos is a feature-packed compact SUV that distinguishes itself in the Philippine market with its bold Tiger Nose design, premium cabin appointments, and a larger 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine than most direct competitors. The Kia Seltos price Philippines ranges from ₱1,098,000 for the EX IVT to ₱1,348,000 for the SX IVT, with the top variant adding a Bose 8-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, and an 8-inch head-up display — features typically reserved for vehicles costing ₱500,000+ more. The 2.0L Smartstream engine produces 149 hp and 180 Nm of torque through Kia's IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), providing adequate performance for both city commuting and expressway cruising. Standard cruise control on all variants and a generous 433L trunk make it practical for families, while the 190mm ground clearance and 6 airbags deliver confidence on Philippine roads. The Seltos shares its platform with the Hyundai Creta but positions itself as the more feature-rich, premium-feeling option for buyers who prioritize cabin experience and lifestyle features over outright driving dynamics.
Expressway Driving Review
The Kia Seltos is a comfortable and composed expressway cruiser that excels in cabin comfort and feature content, even though it lacks the ADAS technology offered by its platform-sibling Hyundai Creta. The 2.0L Smartstream engine provides adequate highway power at 149 hp and 180 Nm, maintaining 80-100 km/h cruise on NLEX and SLEX without strain, and the IVT keeps engine RPMs low and refined during sustained cruising. Standard cruise control on both variants is a genuine advantage for long expressway drives on TPLEX and SCTEX, helping maintain consistent speed and reduce driver fatigue. At sustained highway speeds, the Seltos achieves 14-16 km/L, which is average for its class but the trade-off for its larger, more refined 2.0L engine over competitors' smaller 1.5L units. The Bose sound system on the SX variant transforms the expressway experience, providing audiophile-quality entertainment during long drives. NVH insulation is above average, with the cabin remaining composed at 100 km/h, though tire noise on concrete expressway surfaces is more noticeable than on the Tucson. The 190mm ground clearance handles uneven toll plaza transitions without concern, and the 433L trunk accommodates a family's weekend luggage comfortably. As a Class 1 vehicle, toll from Balintawak to Dau on NLEX is ₱411. The notable absence of any ADAS features — no adaptive cruise, no lane keep, no AEB — is the Seltos's biggest expressway shortcoming.
Driver Assistance Features
Kia Seltos 2025 Price & Variants
| Variant | Price | Transmission | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| EX IVT | ₱1,098,000 | CVT | gasoline |
| SX IVT | ₱1,348,000 | CVT | gasoline |
Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Displacement
- 1,999 cc
- Power
- 149 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque
- 180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission
- IVT (CVT)
- Fuel Type
- gasoline
Dimensions
- Length × Width × Height
- 4370 × 1800 × 1630 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2630 mm
- Ground Clearance
- 190 mm
- Kerb Weight
- 1,355 kg
- Trunk Capacity
- 433L
Fuel Efficiency
16
km/L Highway
10
km/L City
Pros & Cons for Expressway Driving
Pros
- ✓Standard cruise control on ALL variants — available from the ₱1,098,000 EX
- ✓433L trunk capacity — spacious and among the largest in the compact SUV segment
- ✓190mm ground clearance handles rough toll plaza approaches and expressway transitions
- ✓Bose 8-speaker premium sound system on SX variant transforms the highway driving experience
- ✓6 airbags standard across both variants for comprehensive passive safety
- ✓8-inch head-up display on SX keeps speed and navigation info in the driver's line of sight
- ✓2.0L engine is larger and smoother than competitors' 1.5L units for more refined cruising
Cons
- ✗No ADAS features on any variant — no adaptive cruise, no lane keep, no AEB despite ₱1.1M-1.35M pricing
- ✗2.0L naturally aspirated engine lacks the turbo punch of the Coolray (175 hp) and HR-V (175 hp)
- ✗Kia dealer network with approximately 25 locations — fewer service options than Toyota and Honda
- ✗IVT transmission feels rubber-bandy under hard acceleration during expressway overtaking maneuvers
- ✗Resale value trails Toyota and Honda by approximately 8-12% after 3 years
- ✗No diesel or hybrid option for those wanting better highway torque or improved fuel range