
2021 Kia Seltos
The brand new Kia Seltos is introduced as a latest compact SUV from Kia. Kia itself knows SUV’s and has made incredible strides to making that know, see the larger Kia Soul and Kia Telluride. The Seltos is on the same play field as the popular Hyundai Kona. In contrast the Kia Seltos offers more tech, responsive handling, and a taller ride height with a roomier cabin. Their are two engines that are offered by Kia Seltos – a 2.0L four cylinder and a 1.6L turbocharged four cylinder. Optional are a laundry list of driver-assistance features, including an adaptive cruise control system with lane-centering assist and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Seltos appears to be an excellent addition to the already impressive Kia lineup.
The Seltos offers a smooth and responsive drive. The two different four-cylinder engines are capable enough to appease consumers. The 2.0-liter four banger produces a sufficient 146 horsepower. Those seeking a little more get-up, the 2.0-liter turbocharged bumps up the horses to 175. While the base engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the turbo comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Note that all-wheel drive is optional with both engines. The drive of the Seltos is a lot more smooth and composed than its rivals. As far as subcompact SUV’s go, this Kia was actually enjoyable to get around.




The Kia Seltos Pricing:
S = $22,995
LX = $22,995
EX = $27,595
SX = $32,595
The best value lies with the Seltos’s EX trim. The SX model will come loaded with all the bells and whistles, but the EX is well-equipped in its own right but at a much cheaper price point. All-wheel drive will also stretch the price obviously; depending on where you live or how you use the Seltos, this may not be needed.
Valuing the fuel economy of the Seltos stacks it on par with its counterparts. The combined 8.2L/100km keeps the Kia competitive at best.
Inside, the Seltos offers noticeably more space for people and cargo than the rival Kona. The interior materials used throughout the cabin are thoughtful and refined enough to mirror the brand’s excellent Telluride SUV. Interior ambient lighting is standard on the upscale SX model and can be set to pulse along with the music like the system found in the smaller Soul SUV. Interior wise, it looks like the Seltos has picked and choose select highlights from its siblings to standout in its own right.





All Seltos models will have a touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but the optional 10.3-inch unit is the one to target. It offers multitasking capability to split the screen so you can view the map and directions at the same time you’re making changes to the radio station. Depending on which model you choose, the Seltos can also be equipped with a wireless smartphone-charging pad, up to three USB ports, a head-up display, and a 7.0-inch color display in the gauge cluster. An eight-speaker Bose audio system will also be optional and features fractal-textured speaker design, which sound fantastic.
The Seltos noticeably stands taller for being a subcompact. The front grill and led light accents are strikingly pleasant. The true highlight is the Seltos at night. Kia had designed the headlamp to cascade across the hood to give the LEDs a rope lighting look along the hood. While functionality wise, they may not be the most effective option, but I appreciate the aesthetics. The body has artful creases in combination with fender flares, satin chrome roof rails, C-pillars, and a front and rear skid plate to give it a more unique look.
As the newest member of the Kia family, the Seltos enters the subcompact arena with an impressive debut. A small vehicle chalked full of features and terrific warranty is just what everyone is looking for. Kia has established an competitive lineup along all segments of SUV’s where a consumer best not overlook the Korean automaker.
2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$29,485 (base price: $29,010)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
97 in3, 1591 cm3
Power
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91, 235/45R-18 94V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.5 in
Length: 172.0 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 64.2 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Cargo volume: 27 ft3
Curb weight: 3271 lb
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 8.7/9.4/7.8 L/100km