History/Overview
Kia joined the subcompact crossover class in 2021 with the Seltos, which, true to form for this Korean brand, combines handsome-yet-straightforward styling with strong value for the money. The Seltos shares its platform with the Hyundai Kona, but is a little bit larger.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
There are no changes to the Seltos for 2023.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Seltos in LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX Turbo trim levels. As its name suggests, the SX Turbo uses a turbocharged 1.6L engine that powers the car through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All other trims get a 2.0L four-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is standard in all trims but LX, where it’s optional.
Standard Features
Outside, LX FWD trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, roof rails, and heated side mirrors. Inside, there are heated front seats, air conditioning, six-speaker audio, an 8.0-inch touchscreen. LX’s safety kit includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
LX AWD adds 17-inch wheels.
EX adds LED taillights, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, automatic A/C, passive keyless entry, blind spot collision intervention, lane keep/follow assist, forward collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic braking.
EX Premium gains LED headlights/fog lights, a power driver’s seat, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, an upgraded gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and advanced forward collision avoidance assist.
SX Turbo gets 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, upgraded audio, and a head-up display.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates are 8.2/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for 2.0L/FWD models, and 8.8/7.6 L/100 km with AWD. The SX Turbo is rated for 9.4/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The subcompact crossover field is wide and deep, pitting the Seltos against the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Crosstrek, Fiat 500X, and Buick Encore GX.
