REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOHyundai Motor Group / PexelsOur verdict
7.6 / 10The Kia Seltos punches above its price point in the UAE compact SUV segment by offering standard ADAS on even the base trim and an optional turbocharged engine that meaningfully lifts performance. The 1.4T FOP delivers a genuinely engaging drive for its class, while all variants benefit from Kia UAE's reliable 5-year / 150,000 km warranty backed by Al Majid Motors' extensive nationwide network. The 1.5L naturally aspirated base trims feel adequate rather than exciting, but the value for money is hard to fault.
Who it's for — UAE buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV with modern safety tech as standard, the option of a turbo engine for spirited driving, and strong after-sales support — especially those who cross-shop the Hyundai Creta and want more engine choice.
PROS
- +ADAS suite (AEB, lane assist, smart cruise) standard across all three trims
- +1.4T FOP with 7DCT delivers 0–100 km/h in 9.7 s — the most performance in the class at this price
- +Competitive 5-year / 150,000 km warranty via Al Majid Motors' 9-centre service network
- +Dual 10.25-inch panoramic display on all trims is segment-leading for the price
- +Wide range of prices (AED 80,850–101,500) allows budget flexibility
CONS
- –1.5L CVT base engine (113 hp) feels relaxed rather than responsive at highway speeds
- –No AWD option in the UAE lineup — FWD only across all trims
- –Boot space (433 L) is competitive but not best-in-class
- –Blind spot monitoring restricted to the top FOP trim only
- –FOP price at AED 101,500 approaches entry-level premium territory
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
2 airbags (dual front) on STD; 6 airbags (front, side, curtain) on FOP
Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution on all trims
ESC with traction control on all trims
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection via DRIVE WiSE ADAS suite
LFA maintains lane centre; LKA provides steering correction on all trims
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function on all trims
Rear-facing radar detects vehicles in adjacent lanes; includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines on all trims
Front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors with audible alert on DLX and FOP
TPMS on all trims
Electric parking brake with auto-hold on FOP
COMFORT
Full-auto dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents on all trims
Electric panoramic glass roof with tilt and slide functions on DLX and FOP
Keyless entry and push-button ignition on DLX and FOP
Leatherette-trimmed seats with ventilated front seats on FOP
Cooled driver and passenger seats on FOP
Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad on FOP
17" two-tone alloy wheels with 215/60R17 tyres on DLX and FOP (16" on STD)
Full LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights on FOP; halogen with projector on STD/DLX
Eco / Normal / Sport drive modes on FOP; additional Sand, Snow, Mud terrain modes
Electrically adjustable driver seat with lumbar support on FOP
INFOTAINMENT
Connected 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster + 10.25-inch touchscreen AVN head unit on all trims
Wired smartphone integration via USB on all trims
Bluetooth phone/audio with steering-mounted voice recognition on all trims
Built-in GPS navigation on all trims
8-speaker Bose premium sound system on FOP
USB charging ports in rear passenger area
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 80,850 | AED 88,200 | AED 101,500 |
| POWER | 113 hp | 113 hp | 138 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 11.8 s | 11.8 s | 9.7 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 7.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| DRIVE | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Kia
Long warranty coverage and improving build quality; resale trails the Japanese but is rising.
Hyundai's design-forward sibling — sharp looks and big equipment lists at mainstream money.
In the UAE — Among the longest warranties in the market for peace of mind.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
Toll-free hotline: 800-542823. 10 sales outlets nationwide.
https://www.kia-uae.com ↗RENT FROM
Rental partners coming soon
Warranty — 5 years / 150,000 km · Warranty provided by Al Majid Motors Co. LLC, exclusive Kia distributor in UAE since 1988. Coverage applies to manufacturing defects; consumables covered 12 months / 20,000 km.
Frequently asked
How much does the 2025 Kia Seltos cost in the UAE?+
The Kia Seltos ranges from AED 80,850 (LX AT STD) to AED 101,500 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Kia Seltos worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Kia Seltos 7.6/10. The Kia Seltos punches above its price point in the UAE compact SUV segment by offering standard ADAS on even the base trim and an optional turbocharged engine that meaningfully lifts performance. The 1.4T FOP delivers a genuinely engaging drive for its class, while all variants benefit from Kia UAE's reliable 5-year / 150,000 km warranty backed by Al Majid Motors' extensive nationwide network. The 1.5L naturally aspirated base trims feel adequate rather than exciting, but the value for money is hard to fault.
Who should buy the Kia Seltos?+
UAE buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV with modern safety tech as standard, the option of a turbo engine for spirited driving, and strong after-sales support — especially those who cross-shop the Hyundai Creta and want more engine choice.
What are the pros and cons of the Kia Seltos?+
Pros: ADAS suite (AEB, lane assist, smart cruise) standard across all three trims; 1.4T FOP with 7DCT delivers 0–100 km/h in 9.7 s — the most performance in the class at this price; Competitive 5-year / 150,000 km warranty via Al Majid Motors' 9-centre service network; Dual 10.25-inch panoramic display on all trims is segment-leading for the price; Wide range of prices (AED 80,850–101,500) allows budget flexibility. Cons: 1.5L CVT base engine (113 hp) feels relaxed rather than responsive at highway speeds; No AWD option in the UAE lineup — FWD only across all trims; Boot space (433 L) is competitive but not best-in-class; Blind spot monitoring restricted to the top FOP trim only; FOP price at AED 101,500 approaches entry-level premium territory.
Is the Kia Seltos reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Kia has strong reliability and average resale in the UAE. Long warranty coverage and improving build quality; resale trails the Japanese but is rising.
How fast is the Kia Seltos?+
The Kia Seltos makes 113 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 11.8s (top speed 175 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Kia Seltos?+
The Kia Seltos returns about 7.1 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Kia Seltos have?+
The Kia Seltos seats 5, with 433 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Kia Seltos in the UAE?+
Available from Al Majid Motors Co. LLC. 5 years / 150,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Kia Seltos?+
Cross-shop the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30.