Kia Seltos

Overview: Is the Kia Seltos a Good SUV?

The Kia Seltos, introduced for the 2021 model year, is a stylish and well-equipped subcompact SUV that offers value, practicality, and performance. With its spacious interior, advanced technology features, and available all-wheel drive (AWD), the Seltos has quickly become a strong contender in the highly competitive small SUV segment. This model is Kia’s lowest-priced crossover with AWD. The cheaper Kia Soul is front-wheel-drive only.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Kia Seltos cars for sale.

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Related: How Long Do Kia Seltoses Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Kia Seltos offers:

• Subcompact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Choice of four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged option
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT) (base engine) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (turbo)

Trims

The Kia Seltos is available in five trims: LX, S, EX, S Turbo, and SX. The LX, S, and EX trims have a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the S Turbo (replaced by the Nightfall Edition in 2022) and SX feature a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Kia Seltos interior punches above its class, offering a spacious and well-appointed cabin with a range of comfort and convenience features. The front seats are welcoming, while the second row provides 38 inches of legroom, more than most competitors. The Seltos' infotainment system, accessed through a large touchscreen display, is user-friendly and responsive. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer additional amenities like a wireless charging pad, a premium Bose audio system, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. With up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the Seltos offers notable practicality for its size.

Review: Here Are The Kia Seltos Years To Avoid

How It Drives

Thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering, the Kia Seltos delivers a confident and composed driving experience. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides acceptable power for most driving situations, while the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offers a more spirited performance. The Seltos' optional all-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability, making it ideal for those who have to deal with challenging road conditions. The Seltos' compact dimensions and tight turning radius make maneuvering in tight spaces and urban settings easy.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Kia Seltos a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating.

Reviews

Kia Seltos' reviews on Kelley Blue Book are primarily positive, with consumers giving the car an average rating of 4.1 out of 5. Owners praise its styling, value, reliability, and quality, among many attributes.

Learn More: 7 Great Kia Seltos Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up

Kia Seltos FAQs

Does the Kia Seltos have a good engine?

The jury is still out on engine reliability for the Kia Seltos. NHTSA has received dozens of engine-related complaints involving the 2021 Seltos, its first model year. However, issues appeared to quiet down in subsequent years. Avoiding the first year of an all-new model is often a smart approach, which is something to keep in mind with the Kia Seltos.

Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Sportage?

In a Kia Sportage vs Seltos comparison, the Sportage wins in size. The Seltos is classified as a subcompact SUV, while the Sportage is a compact SUV. The Sportage offers more passenger and cargo space and a range of more powerful engine options, but the Seltos' smaller size makes it more maneuverable and efficient.

Is the Kia Seltos coming with a new model?

Kia updated the Seltos’ styling for 2024, but this edition is still part of the first generation. While Kia has not officially announced plans for a new model or generation of the Seltos, the subcompact SUV is expected to receive updates and refreshes in the coming years to remain competitive in its segment.

Are there problems with the Kia Seltos?

The 2021 Kia Seltos appears to be the most problematic model year so far. Most (almost 75%) of complaints submitted to NHTSA for this model year involve the engine or the electrical system. However, these issues don’t appear to have surfaced at the same level in newer editions. At this point, it’s too early to have a definitive answer about Kia Seltos' reliability.

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