A New Small Crossover!
Kia starts its 2021 model year with the introduction of the All-New Seltos Crossover. In true Kia fashion, the Seltos proves you do not have to spend a lot of money to fill your garage with a well-equipped and stylish crossover. The overall dimensions of the Seltos falls in between the subcompact and compact SUV categories. Kia created an excellent balance of quality levels and packaging allowing for the low price of the Seltos.
Pricing and Trims
The 2021 Kia Seltos is available in multiple trim levels: S 2.0 FWD ($21,990), LX AWD ($21,990), S 2.0 AWD ($23,490), EX AWD ($25,290), S 1.6 AWD ($25,490), and SX AWD ($27,890).
What’s New for 2020?
The 2021 Seltos is a new kid on the block. All but the S 2.0 come standard with all-wheel drive as standard equipment, which could be pro or con if you like AWD. Kia claims the Seltos has class-leading cargo room and has an adult-size rear seat. The LX trim level, the base trim, lacks some active, safety features. The Seltos fits in Kia’s lineup between the Soul and the new Telluride and some criteria could consider it a more competitive vehicle over the Sportage, which carries an older design.
Interior Highpoints
The cabin area of the Seltos is clean and comfortable. There is a mix of soft material and hard plastic touch areas — as would be expected in this price range. The top-of-the-line SX trim receives a class-leading 10.25-inch touchscreen display with a 7-inch LCD screen. All other trims are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display with a 3.5-inch LCD screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features and can be split screen with the native infotainment system.
The seats in the front and back are comfortable and seats 5 passengers. There are plenty of storage areas including a shelf with an optional wireless charging pad. The Seltos is Kia’s first model to offer a Bose stereo system, that delivered a rock concert sound. The rear seats which can fold down, also recline for a more relaxing driving experience. Those passengers also benefit from the Seltos’ air vents to help keep them warm or cool. The rear cargo area delivers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space that can be expanded to 62.8 cubic feet.
Exterior Highlights
Comparing the Seltos with its sister-vehicle the Soul, the Seltos is much less boxy which is a major selling point for those buyers who are not into the squared-off box profile. Speaking of profiles, the Seltos blends a BMW with a Land Rover and generates a distinctive style that looks great. There are eight color choices that can be ordered with a two-tone black or white roof option.
From the front, the Seltos is dressed in Kia’s signature tiger grille flanked by sophisticated looking headlamps that flow into the fenders. The wheel wells are slightly flared providing ample space for the AWD off-road performance and the 17-inch wheels with 215/55 tires. The roof is slightly angled downwards as it meets the rear tailgate, which opens manually and is embedded with stylish taillamps.
Performance Specs
There are 2 engine options available on the Seltos. The LX, S and EX trims are powered by Kia’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor that generates 146 horsepower and is matted to a CVT transmission. This combo earns 27 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway by the EPA. The S 1.6T and the SX are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4- cylinder that increases the fun factor with 175 horses and 195 lb. ft of torque synced to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and produces 25 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway.
Cool Features:
- Optional wireless charging pad
- Touchscreen display
- Bose premium sound system
Safety & Integrity
Kia loaded the Seltos with what they call “Kia Drive Wise” advance Driver-Assistance Systems which include: Blind Spot Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Froward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Smart Cruise Control with stop & go, and Safe Exist Assist.
In Summary – There are several good choices in the subcompact crossover arena and the 2021 Kia Seltos is entering this category at or near the top. If you are looking for driver safety assist features, then you might want to forgo the base model. Also, if you are looking for a vehicle with zip, then the 1.6 turbo is the better choice. Overall, Kia has another hit that is stylish, fun to drive, and well-equipped. The 2020 Kia Seltos is definitely worth taking a look at and its priced just right.
Specifications.
2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
| Base price: | $27,890 as driven: $29,485 (including destination & optional features) |
| Engine: | 1.6-liter Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower: | 175 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque: | 195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm |
| Transmission: | 7-speed automatic transmission |
| Drive: | All Wheel Drive |
| Seating: | 5-passenger |
| Cargo Volume: | 26.6 cu. ft. |
| Curb weight: | 3317 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity: | 13.2 gallons |
| Fuel Economy: | 25 MPG City, 30 MPG Highway |
| Turning Radius: | 34.8 feet |
| Wheelbase: | 103.5 inches |
| Warranty: | 10 years/100,000-miles |
| Also Consider: | Buick Encore, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek |
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