Kia Seltos Buyers Guide (2019-2024)
Kia introduced the Seltos to SA at the exact right time to a market that was moving toward petrol and hybrid drivetrains, and refused to give up its diesel drivetrain ambitions. This is everything you need to know about the Korean compact crossover.
The Kia Seltos made its official South African debut in November 2019. At the time, Kia’s local lineup jumped straight from the small Picanto/Rio hatchbacks to the larger Sportage SUV. The Seltos arrived to fill that gaping hole, aimed squarely at the wildly popular Hyundai Creta and Volkswagen T-Cross. Kia South Africa made a strategic decision to source the Seltos from Kia's then-brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Anantapur, India, rather than from the South Korean domestic plant.
Related: Kia Seltos (2020): First Drive Impression
From its late-2019 debut to its heavily modernised 2024 evolution, the Seltos transitioned from a sporty new newcomer to one of the most trusted family vehicles on South African roads, largely due to Kia SA's brilliant decision to back it with an unlimited-kilometre warranty and be one of the very few auto manufacturers that stuck by turbodiesel power while everyone else was going hybrid or PHEV. If you are in the market for one of these fantastic machines, then this is everything you have to know before signing on the dotted line.
Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX (2020) Review: Hitting the sweet spot?
Common problems and strengths with the Kia Seltos
In South Africa, the Kia Seltos has been a major success story since it landed late in 2019. However, the South African engine lineup and market context are quite different from the North American market—for instance, SA never received the problematic 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that suffered major recalls overseas. Instead, local models were launched with 1.6L petrol, 1.5L turbodiesel, and 1.4L turbo petrol engines (upgraded to a 1.5L turbo for the 2024 facelift).
Known Issues
1. Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Overheating & Jerkiness
This affects the pre-facelift 1.4 T-GDI GT-Line models equipped with the 7-speed DCT.
The Problem: The dry-clutch DCT does not like heavy traffic or riding the brake/creeping on inclines, which are common in SA metro areas. Owners frequently report a jerky, hesitant sensation at low speeds. In severe traffic or when trying to crawl up steep inclines (like a steep driveway or hilly areas in KwaZulu-Natal or Cape Town), the transmission can overheat, triggering a dashboard warning telling you to pull over and let it cool down.
The Fix: Kia resolved this with the 2024 facelift, replacing the 1.4L engine and 7-speed DCT with a new 1.5 T-GDI paired with a far superior, smoother automatic shifter.
2. Suggish performance on the Base 1.6L Petrol
The entry-level 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (found in the EX and LX trims) is incredibly common on SA roads but comes with driving compromises.
The problem: At Johannesburg's high altitude (the Reef), naturally aspirated engines lose roughly 15-17% of their power. Combined with the 6-speed automatic or manual, the 1.6-litre model feels distinctly sluggish when overtaking on the highway or driving with a fully loaded boot. The automatic model also hunts for gears constantly on uphill stretches.
3. Front passenger seat height & minor ergonomics
A frequent complaint in South African owner forums is that the front passenger seat lacks height adjustment on lower and mid-tier trims (like the LX and EX). The seat is mounted relatively high from the factory, which can make taller passengers feel cramped against the roof line.
Strengths
The Seltos is well regarded in the local used and new markets for a few very specific reasons:
The 1.5 CRDi is great: While many global markets phased out diesel, South Africa embraced the 1.5-litre turbodiesel. It is arguably the best engine in the entire local lineup. Paired with a smooth 6-speed torque-converter automatic, it delivers effortless torque (250Nm) perfect for overtaking, and returns astonishing fuel economy—often dropping to a frugal 4.5 to 5.5l L/100km on the highway.
Excellent ground clearance for SA roads: With 190mm of ground clearance, the Seltos handles typical South African road hazards—potholes, severe speed bumps, and gravel farm roads—with absolute ease compared to lower-riding hatchbacks.
Massive practicality & boot space: Families love the packaging. The 433-litre boot is generous for its class, and the rear seat legroom comfortably accommodates tall adults or bulky rear-facing child seats.
Superb local warranty & service plan: Kia South Africa sells these vehicles with a stellar 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. If you are looking at a 2021-2023 model on the used market, a significant chunk of that factory peace of mind transfers over to you.
Running costs of a Kia Seltos
Understanding the running costs of a 2019–2024 Kia Seltos in South Africa comes down to three main buckets: fuel consumption, out-of-warranty servicing, and insurance/tyres. Because Kia South Africa packages all new Seltos models with a 5-year/90,000 km service plan and a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, your immediate out-of-pocket maintenance depends heavily on whether the vehicle has crossed that 5-year or 90,000 km threshold.
1. Fuel costs
Fuel costs vary wildly depending on which engine you choose. Assuming an average driving distance of 15 000 km per year and an inland fuel price of roughly R22.00 to R23.00 per litre, here is what you can expect:
1.5 CRDi (Turbodiesel) — Best fuel economy
Real-world fuel consumption: ~5.0L to 5.8L / 100km (Highway can drop below 4.8L/100km).
Annual fuel cost: ~R16 500 – R19 500
Verdict: Phenomenal fuel economy. It completely ignores high altitude and easily gives you 800+ km on a single 50-litre tank.
1.6 petrol (naturally aspirated) — Middle-of-the-road
Real-world fuel consumption: ~7.2L to 8.2L / 100km (worse at the Reef / high altitude due to the engine working harder).
Annual fuel cost: ~R24 000 – R27 000
Verdict: Decent on flat coastal highways, but thirsty in stop-and-go metro traffic or when heavily loaded.
1.4L / 1.5L T-GDI (Turbo Petrol) — Punchy
Real-world fuel consumption: ~7.5L to 8.5L / 100km (can spike past 9.0L if driven aggressively).
Annual fuel cost: ~R25 000 – R28 500
Verdict: Thirstier than the diesel, but offers the best performance.
2. Servicing & Maintenance Costs
Kia Seltos service intervals are scheduled every 15 000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Under the factory service plan (Under 90 000 km / 5 Years)
If the vehicle is still within its parameters, scheduled service costs are R0. However, the service plan does not cover "wear and tear" items. You will pay out of pocket for:
Front brake pads: ~R1 800 – R2 500 (incl. labour at dealership).
Wiper blades: ~R400 – R700 a set.
Out of the Factory Service Plan (Over 90,000 km or Older than 5 Years)
If you are looking at early 2019/2020 models that have timed out or high-mileage examples, you bear the costs. Cash rates at franchised Kia dealers generally average:
Minor service (Oil, oil filter, cabin filter): ~R2 000 – R3 000.
Major service (Spark plugs, fuel filters, brake fluid flush, etc.): ~R4 500 – R6 500.
Extended service plans: Kia Financial Services sells pre-packaged extended service plans starting from roughly R420 per month for 36 months to cover 4 post-warranty services.
3. Insurance & Tyres
Tyres
Depending on the trim level, the Seltos uses either 16-inch tyres (LX/EX) or 17-inch/18-inch profiles (EX+ and GT-Line).
16-inch (205/65 R16): Mid-tier brands (e.g., Kumho, Hankook) cost around R1 500 to R1 900 per tyre.
17/18-inch (215/60 R17 or 215/55 R18): Low-profile premium tyres cost around R2 200 to R3 500+ per tyre.
Monthly car insurance
Kia is generally viewed favourably by South African underwriters because the Seltos is considered a family crossover rather than a high-risk theft target (unlike a Toyota Fortuner or Hilux).
According to comparative data from aggregators like Hippo, the average monthly comprehensive insurance premium ranges between R1 300 and R2 000 per month, heavily dependent on your location (Gauteng is typically more expensive than the Western Cape), your age, and your claim history.
Total estimated monthly running cost (Excluding car finance payment):
If you drive 1 250 km a month in a 1.5 Diesel, your combined monthly out-of-pocket cost (Fuel + Insurance + saving a bit for tyres/wipers) sits at roughly R3 200 to R4 000. In a Turbo Petrol, expect that figure to hover closer to R4 200 to R5 000 due to higher fuel bills.
General car buying advice
- Tyres: Ensure the tyres are a reputable brand, as this is usually a sign of how well a car is treated. If the owner/dealer cut corners by purchasing cheap tyres for a performance or off-road vehicle, where else did they cut corners?
- Modifications: A modified car is a far greater risk than a used car, especially a standard model. A person who modifies their performance vehicle generally drives it harder, creating a double whammy.
- Service history: The Jolion will provide you with many years of reliable service, provided it has been serviced regularly with high-quality oil. Therefore, ensure your vehicle has a comprehensive service history.
- Accident damage: Inspect the paint and check key weld points under the bonnet and in the vehicle's boot to ensure the car has not been in a major accident. Some spray work on front and rear bumpers is standard, but walking away is better when the vehicle's structure has been damaged.
Which Kia Seltos model should I buy?
If you are looking to buy a used or new Kia Seltos in South Africa, navigating the options comes down to one golden rule: avoid the base petrol if you live inland, and buy the diesel if you want the absolute best ownership experience.
The ideal model to buy depends on your budget and driving needs.
Best overall choice: 1.5 CRDi (Turbodiesel) EX or EX+ Automatic
If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: buy the diesel. Available across both the pre-facelift (2020–2024) and the facelifted versions, the 1.5-litre turbodiesel is the undisputed crown jewel of the South African Seltos lineup.
Why it’s the best: It produces $85\text{ kW}$ and a robust $250\text{ Nm}$ of torque. Because it is turbocharged, it does not suffer from "altitude sickness" (sluggishness) at the Reef (Gauteng). It is paired with a traditional 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, which is incredibly smooth and robust compared to the jerky DCT found in early petrol turbos.
Fuel economy: It routinely delivers between $4.8\text{L and }5.8\text{L/100km}$ on a trip, giving you over 800 km on a single tank.
EX vs. EX+: Go for the EX if you prefer higher-profile 16-inch tyres (which handle potholes better and are cheaper to replace). Move up to the EX+ if you want 17-inch wheels, leatherette seats, and electronic stability control.
Best performance pick: 2024 Facelift 1.5 T-GDI GT-Line
If you want something punchy, fast, and packed with cutting-edge tech, look exclusively at the facelifted GT-Line.
Why it’s the best: Kia dropped the older 1.4L turbo engine and replaced it with a brilliant new 1.5-litre turbo petrol 118kW/ 253N. Crucially, they replaced the problematic, jerky 7-speed dry-clutch DCT with a silky-smooth 8-speed torque-converter automatic.
The cabin: It features a massive, seamless dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic glass screen across the dashboard and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Caveat: Avoid the older, pre-2024 1.4 T-GDI GT-Line if you sit in heavy stop-and-go metro traffic daily, as that 7-speed DCT transmission is known to overheat and shudder in local traffic.
The Ones to Avoid
1. The Pre-Facelift 1.6-litre Petrol (naturally aspirated) — Avoid if you live in Gauteng
This engine 90kW / 151Nm is highly reliable and very common on the used market, but it lacks a turbocharger.
The issue: At high altitudes like Johannesburg, it loses roughly 15% of its power. If you load up the family and luggage for a holiday trip, it struggles significantly on inclines, hunting for gears constantly and driving up your fuel bill.
When to buy it: It is perfectly acceptable if you live at the coast (e.g., Cape Town or Durban) and just need a reliable, mechanically simple city runabout.
2. The pre-facelift 1.4 T-GDI GT-Line — Avoid for heavy commuting
While stylish, the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) in this specific model does not handle South Africa’s bumper-to-bumper traffic well. It tends to get jerky at low speeds and can trigger overheating warnings if forced to creep up inclines or sit in gridlock.
Summary Shopping Cheat Sheet
| Budget / Need | Best Exact Variant to Look For | Why it fits |
| Tight Budget (Used) | 2020 - 2022 Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Auto | Bulletproof engine, great ride quality, extremely fuel-efficient. |
| Mid-Range / Best Value | 2021 - 2023 Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+ Auto | Adds stability control, leather seats, and still has remaining factory warranty. |
| Buying Brand New / Demo | 2024+ Seltos 1.5 T-GDI GT-Line (8-speed) | Incredible tech, vastly improved engine, and the smooth new gearbox. |
Final Tip
Kia South Africa provides a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. If you buy a used 2021 or 2022 model, ensure the previous owner kept the service book stamped up-to-date by a franchise Kia dealer, so the remaining balance of that warranty successfully transfers to your name!
Test drive checklist
| Area | Item to check | Seltos specific focus | Status |
| Exterior | Paint, body panels | Check panel gaps, particularly around the rear hatch and bonnet, for signs of accident repair. | ☐ |
| Tyres & wheels | Look for curb rash/scratches on alloys. Check tyre wear: excessive wear on the inner/outer edge can indicate poor alignment or suspension issues. | ☐ | |
| Suspension check | Push down firmly on each corner of the car; it should rebound smoothly once, not bounce repeatedly. | ☐ | |
| Engine bay | Oil/coolant levels | Crucial: Check the coolant reservoir for a white/pink/red powdery residue around the cap or hoses—this is a common sign of a failing water pump/thermostat housing (a known Golf issue). | ☐ |
| Oil condition | Dipstick oil should look clean, not excessively dark or gritty. Check for any sludge under the oil cap. | ☐ | |
| Interior | Seat bolsters | Check the driver's seat side bolsters for excessive wear/tearing, which indicates heavy use. | ☐ |
| Sunroof (if fitted) | Test the open/close operation. Important: Pour a small amount of water into the drain channels (if possible and safe) to ensure they aren't blocked and to prevent leaks inside the cabin. | ☐ | |
| Service history | Confirm that the DSG fluid (every 40k miles/60k km) has been serviced on schedule. | ☐ |
| Test | Action | Expected result | Status |
| Brakes | Perform a gentle stop and a firm, quick stop (safely). | Smooth, straight stopping. No grinding, squealing, or pulsing through the pedal. | ☐ |
| Steering | Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary. | Smooth, quiet operation. No clicking or heavy effort, which could indicate power steering or worn suspension joints. | ☐ |
| DSG (Automatic) | Engage drive (D) and reverse (R). | Engagement should be immediate and smooth, without excessive clunking or hesitation. | ☐ |
| Tight turns | Drive slowly in a full-lock circle (left and right). | No clicking or knocking sounds from the front wheels (could indicate worn CV joints). | ☐ |
Reliability of the Kia Seltos
The reliability of the 2019–2024 Kia Seltos in South Africa is distinctly better than what you will read about on global or American forums. If you search for Seltos reliability online, you will immediately find horror stories about massive engine recalls, piston ring failures, and engine fires. None of those applied to South Africa. This is because South African models are sourced primarily from Kia’s plants in India and feature a completely different engine lineup than the US-market vehicles. Here is a breakdown of the Seltos' real-world reliability in South Africa, covering what lasts, what breaks, and what to keep an eye on.
The good
Overall, the Seltos is considered highly reliable by local mechanics and automotive bodies (consistently scoring high marks in JD Power and local ownership surveys).
The 1.5 CRDi Diesel Engine: Mechanically, this is the most reliable engine in the entire SA range. It is simple, highly durable, and doesn't break a sweat at high altitudes. Paired with a robust 6-speed torque-converter automatic, it rarely suffers from major mechanical failures if serviced on time.
The 1.6L Petrol (Naturally Aspirated) Engine: It is sluggish in Johannesburg, but mechanically under-stressed and incredibly simple. There is no turbocharger to fail, and the old-school 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes are practically bulletproof.
Chassis and suspension: Built using advanced high-strength steel, the Seltos handles South Africa’s notorious potholes and corrugated gravel roads exceptionally well. Suspension bush wear and shock absorber failures are very rare before the 100 000 km mark.
The caution zones
While the engines are solid, the pre-facelift petrol-turbo models have a few known operational reliability quirks.
1. Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) wear (1.4 T-GDI GT-Line)
The pre-facelift (2020 to early 2024) GT-Line uses a 7-speed dry-clutch DCT.
The Risk: If the previous owner drove it like a traditional automatic—constantly creeping forward in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic or holding the car on an incline using the accelerator instead of the brake—the clutch packs wear out prematurely.
Signs of Trouble: Look out for shuddering when pulling away from a dead stop or a dashboard warning light indicating transmission overheating.
2. Infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity
By far the most common fault reported by South African owners involves the electronics rather than the mechanical components.
The risk: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are prone to disconnecting randomly, especially on 2020–2022 models. The screen can occasionally freeze or lag.
The fix: This is rarely a hardware failure. Dealers usually fix it with a free software flash during a routine service.
3. Interior plastics
The large piano black plastic panel stretching across the pre-facelift dashboard looks premium initially but scratches incredibly easily.
Some owners have noted minor cabin rattles from the plastic door trim or around the sunroof mechanism on older, high-mileage models driven extensively on rough roads.
The SA Warranty & Service Advantage
One of the reasons the Seltos enjoys great reliability representation locally is Kia South Africa’s backup package:
5-year / Unlimited km warranty
5-year / 90 000 km service plan
Because of the unlimited mileage warranty, most owners take their vehicles strictly to franchise Kia dealers. When buying a used model, a clean franchise service history book is your ultimate guarantee that any minor technical bulletins or software updates were performed.
Reliability verdict
If you buy the 1.5 CRDi (Diesel) or the 1.6 Petrol, you are getting a highly reliable, low-maintenance crossover. If you buy a used 1.4 T-GDI petrol turbo, test-drive it extensively in stop-and-go scenarios to ensure the DCT gearbox shifts smoothly without slipping or shuddering.
How much should you be paying for a used Kia Seltos?
The used market for the Kia Seltos in South Africa has stabilised nicely, offering a distinct price split between early pre-facelift models (2019–2023) and the significantly upgraded 2024 facelift models. Here is a breakdown of current realistic dealership and private-buyer pricing across the key trims helping map out what you should be paying.
Pre-facelift pricing (2019 – 2023 Models)
These models generally have between 40,000km and 100,000km on the clock. Early 2019 and 2020 models are nearing the end of their 5-year factory service plans, which lowers their prices.
The entry level: 1.6 EX (Manual or Automatic)
Target price range: R220 000 to R265 000
What determines the price: Mileage under 80 000km sits closer to R250k. Manuals are harder to resell and should be pushed closer to R220k.
The sweet spot: 1.5 CRDi (Turbodiesel) EX or EX+
Target Price Range: R250 000 to R310 000
What determines the price: Because the diesel is highly sought after for its fuel economy, it holds its value better than the 1.6 petrol. A clean 2021/2022 Diesel EX+ with around 70 000km realistically changes hands for roughly R280 000.
The top spec: 1.4 T-GDI GT-Line
Target Price Range: R290 000 to R330 000
What determines the price: Despite being the most expensive when new, the pre-facelift GT-Line experiences higher depreciation due to market weariness regarding its 7-speed dry-clutch transmission. Do not overpay here—R300k is a fair price for a clean 2022 model.
2024 facelift pricing (Late 2024 models)
If you are looking at a newer, facelifted 2024 model (featuring the single seamless digital dash layout and tweaked front grille), you are paying a premium because these vehicles still have almost their entire 5-year/90 000 km service plan intact.
2024 Seltos 1.6 EX / 1.5 LX (New Shape Base Petrol): R300 000 to R345 000
2024 Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX / EX+ (New Shape Diesel): R360 000 to R410 000
2024 Seltos 1.5 T-GDI GT-Line (The new 8-speed automatic petrol turbo): R430 000 to R470 000
Negotiation & Price Check Cheat Sheet
Before signing an offer to purchase, make sure the price accounts for these specific South African factors:
The R15 000 "Service Plan" discount: If you are buying a 2019 or early 2020 model that has breached either 5 years from its original registration date or 90 000km, its factory service plan has expired. Use this to negotiate the price down by at least R10 000 to R15 000 to compensate for your future out-of-pocket servicing costs.
Tyre wear (R10k hit): Check the tyres on EX+ and GT-Line models. They use larger 17-inch and 18-inch rims. Replacing a full set of premium tyres will cost you between R8 000 and R12 000. If the tread is low, insist on a price drop or a fresh set thrown into the deal.
The Gauteng advantage: Seltos models are often priced R10 000 to R15 000 cheaper at large wholesale dealerships in Johannesburg and Pretoria than at dealership lots in Cape Town or Durban, due to sheer volume. If you live at the coast, it may be worth browsing inland stock.
Verdict
The 2019–2024 Kia Seltos in South Africa earns a "Highly Recommended" buyer's verdict, with one critical condition: you must choose the right engine for where on South Africa you live. In a market saturated with cheap, feature-packed Chinese newcomers (like Chery and Haval) and long-standing Japanese favourites (like the Toyota Corolla Cross), the Seltos positions itself as the grown-up, incredibly sensible middle ground. It offers superior mechanical refinement and build quality over its budget rivals, without the eye-watering price tag of premium German crossovers.
Final Score
Refinement & Build Quality: 8.5/10
Practicality & SA Road Suitability: 9/10
Value for Money (Used market): 8/10
Overall Verdict: 8.5 / 10 — Skip the base petrol, buy the diesel or the 2024 turbo, and you'll have one of the best compact SUVs on South African roads.
