2025 Kia Seltos X-Line Review: Off-Roadable Urban SUV?

I’ve always had a soft spot for small crossovers that try to do more than just grocery runs. That’s why I was curious about the 2025 Kia Seltos X-Line—a subcompact SUV that, on paper, blends city slicker style with light trail chops. But does it really deliver on both fronts?

I took a close look at the new X-Line trim to see if it’s more than just a badge and a roof rack.

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What Makes the X-Line Different?

The X-Line sits between the mid-level EX and the top-end SX trims. It’s got some visual upgrades—chunkier bumpers, matte black cladding, and a beefy roof rack that makes it look like it belongs on dirt roads. There’s also a raised ride height compared to the base model.

Under the hood, though, it’s the same 1.6L turbocharged engine as the SX, delivering 195 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on the X-Line.

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How It Handles in the City

I live in a crowded metro area, so city driving is my daily norm. The Seltos X-Line is actually perfect for it:

• Compact dimensions make it easy to parallel park.
• Turbo torque gives it some real pep for merging or zipping through traffic.
• The suspension feels just stiff enough to remind you it’s ready for uneven surfaces but still smooth on pavement.

Inside, visibility is solid, the backup camera helps a ton, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto comes standard, which I love.

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Is It Actually Trail-Capable?

This isn’t a rock-crawling SUV, but I tested it on some fire roads and mild dirt paths outside town. Here’s what stood out:

• Ground clearance is better than a lot of its rivals, which means you won’t scrape on minor ruts or rocks.
• AWD traction management with a Snow Mode helps distribute torque more intelligently than I expected.
• Approach/departure angles aren’t Jeep levels, but fine for camping, forest roads, and weekend getaways.

It’s the kind of light off-roading most people actually do—not crawling Moab.

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Interior: Better Than I Expected

Kia has really stepped up its interior game. The cabin feels modern, with soft-touch materials and a 10.25″ infotainment screen that’s super responsive. There’s a digital instrument cluster too, and the layout is clean and intuitive.

The cargo space surprised me—almost 63 cubic feet with the seats down. I managed to haul camping gear, a cooler, and a fold-up chair without playing Tetris.

Rear seat space is decent for adults on short trips, and the two-tone trim in the X-Line gives it a more adventurous vibe.

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Fuel Economy and Value

The turbo engine gets about 27 mpg combined, which is respectable for something AWD with a higher ride height. And the price? The X-Line starts at around $30,000, which feels like a sweet spot for what you’re getting in terms of features, capability, and looks.

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Who This SUV Is Really For

The 2025 Kia Seltos X-Line is perfect if:

• You live in the city but love spontaneous weekend trips
• You want something that looks adventurous but still handles tight urban streets
• You value AWD confidence without sacrificing fuel economy

It’s not going to replace a Subaru Outback or Bronco Sport if you’re hitting tough trails every weekend, but for 90% of drivers? It nails the balance.

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• Best SUVs for Dogs Under $30K
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• Used Hybrid SUVs Under $25K for College Students

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Final Verdict

After spending some time with the 2025 Kia Seltos X-Line, I can confidently say it lives up to the promise of being an “off-roadable urban SUV.” It won’t take you to the top of a mountain, but it will get you to the trailhead, the beach, or the cabin with style and ease—and then squeeze into that tight parallel spot when you get back downtown.

It’s practical, bold-looking, and well-equipped for both sides of your lifestyle. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs one car that does a little bit of everything.