What's New
Two years after its debut, Kia’s Seltos gains a new model and extra safety kit across the range. Every model bar LX now has a 10.25-inch display and remote start, while the new Nightfall Edition beefs up this SUV’s appearance with side sills and roof rails.
Choosing Your Kia Seltos
There are five models in the Seltos range, alongside a choice of drivetrains and engines.
AWD LX models cost $23,665 including destination, while FWD S models are just $200 more expensive. S is the only model available with a choice of front or all-wheel drive – the latter is a $1,500 upgrade.
Mid-range EX costs $26,965, while the Nightfall Edition and SX models are exclusively powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive. They cost $27,865 and $29,165 respectively.
Engine Choices
More affordable Seltos models are powered by a four-cylinder two-liter gas engine, generating 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This is supplied to either the front or all four wheels through a variable automatic transmission. FWD models return an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 combined, dropping to 27/31/29 in AWD guise.
Flagship models feature a 1.6-liter GDI turbo gas engine, delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission feeds power to all four wheels, with fuel economy dropping to 25/30/27 MPG.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) |
2.0 MPI | 146 hp | 132 lb-ft | 29/35/31 MPG |
1.6 GDI | 175 hp | 195 lb-ft | 25/30/27 MPG |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the five-seater Seltos stands at 26.6 cu ft with the rear seats in place, and 62.8 cu ft once they’re dropped.
Safety Features
For 2021, the Seltos is equipped with a suite of new safety aids including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and departure warning, high beam assist and a driver attention warning system.
Other across-the-range safety features include downhill braking control and hill start assist, a rollover sensor, six airbags and torque vectoring. EX trim and above receive blind spot assistance and cross-traffic alerts, but only flagship SX gets smart cruise control with stop and go, or highway driving assistance.
Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is offered in LX models, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay baked in alongside Siri Eyes Free and a six-speaker audio system, 12V and USB power outlets. S trim receives a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with voice-command navigation and satellite radio, while EX adds wireless phone charging. Again, SX is unique in having a Bose premium audio system with sound-connected mood lighting.
Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, AWD LX models have metal-effect skid plates, rear privacy glass and a rear spoiler. There’s cruise control and air conditioning, remote keyless entry plus power windows and mirrors. However, this is the only Seltos to receive an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and the only one without heated mirrors.
There are no options on any Seltos model.
Available as either front or all-wheel drive, S models benefit from chrome internal and external detailing, and turn signals in their heated outside mirrors. The cabin receives a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled navigation and satellite radio, while push button start and automatic climate control are standard. The cabin has LED lighting, with leather across both the steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Seltos Nightfall Edition – From $27,865
The starting price for Nightfall Edition is higher than EX models due to the inclusion of a different engine, but specifications are a step down. Even so, Nightfalls ride on 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, with roof rails and a black front grille. Independent multi-link rear suspension improves roadholding, while blind-spot and rear cross-traffic avoidance systems boost safety.
EX sheds some of Nightfall’s aesthetic flourishes but gains a number of welcome specification upgrades. Foremost among these is a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar, alongside heating elements in both front seats. Other upgrades include a power sunroof with sunshade, solar control glass and wireless phone charging.
By the time you reach the most expensive Seltos, its spec extends to half-chrome door handles, LED lights and 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. There’s a Bose audio system, a seven-inch LCD instrument display behind a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and safety aids ranging from smart cruise control to safe exit assistance.
Compare Seltos Trims Side-By-Side
The LX’s infotainment system is a bit last-decade, while the SX’s price is hard to justify. Optimal value comes midway up the Seltos range, with front-wheel drive S models especially well-priced, and equipped with all the basics SUV buyers expect nowadays.