Big Value in a Right-Sized Package
Ed note: Clean Fleet Report consists of many contributors with diverse viewpoints. When possible, we like to present alternate views in road tests of a vehicle from divergent viewpoints. Hence, our second look at the 2021 Kia Seltos, which was first presented here by John Faulkner.
Kia continues to expand its high quality and value proposition across its product line with the addition of the 2021 Seltos. It’s a not too big and not too small, just-right SUV. The Seltos sits between little brother Soul and its class champion, big brother Telluride.
The 2021 Kia Seltos price and exterior dimensions are in-between a subcompact and compact SUV segments. Still, it boasts a midsized interior and features and quality details that best the competitors’ smaller offerings. Take that value and combine it with Kia’s comprehensive standard features and warranty, and the Seltos is a top SUV contender for your consideration.
It’s a very competitive product that will compare well with alternatives from other manufacturers like Mazda, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, and Honda.
The Seltos is perfect for urban use and big on the inside for a long-distance hauler.
The Seltos is sold worldwide but is new to the United States for 2021. It’s offered in five different trim levels with a price range from about $22,000 for the Seltos S to $28,000 for the top of the line Seltos SX.
Inside the Seltos
Because of the full range of trims, Kia decided to focus on innovative features and save on some of its interior materials. There are many hard-plastic trim pieces in all of the Seltos models, but most are unobtrusive unless you happen to bang your knee on the lower driver’s dashboard.
What does catch your eye are stylish interior details. Items like the silver trim around the start button or air vents or the dash trim or the stitched leatherette and cloth that make the Seltos look very classy. Overall, the Seltos carries over the Kia SUV design language, which has a very luxurious look and feel.
There is lots of tech inside the Seltos too. Every Seltos has an impressive 8.0-inch high-resolution LCD touch screen with six speakers. The top-tier SX upgrades to a 10.25-inch widescreen display from the Telluride. The SX adds wireless smartphone charging and Bose premium audio with speakers that can be set to give a light show in sync with the music. Power outlets (12V) and multimedia USB ports, as well as Bluetooth, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, are standard on the Seltos too.
Outside the Seltos
The 2021 Kia Seltos’ unique in-between size gives it an advantage for urban use, with a 103.5-inch wheelbase, 172-inch overall length and 70.9-inch width, making it perfect for parking in tight spaces. The Seltos weighs in between 2,948 and 3,317 pounds, depending on its trim level. Despite its small size, it’s still up to eight inches longer than similarly-priced subcompact SUVs.
Despite its subcompact outside, it still manages compact to midsize interior space that can seat five adults comfortably. It’s not claustrophobic at all sitting in the rear and has excellent rearward visibility for the driver. Depending on the trim level, there are either a six-way manual or 10-way power driver seat; the rear seats recline on all models.
Cargo space is on par with many midsize sedans and SUVs with 26.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and a whopping 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. We were able to stuff 15 bags of garden groundcover in the back with room to spare. If you have to haul stuff, but need a small SUV, this one is for you.
Seltos power and handling
The 2021 Kia Seltos is available with two engines that are tied to the trim level. The S, LX, EX trims are powered by a 2.0-liter 146 horsepower (hp), 132 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque normally aspirated Atkinson cycle inline-four. That gives the Seltos enough power to get around, but it’s no barnstormer. The upgraded S Turbo and SX Turbo trims get a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI direct-injection inline-four. That engine boasts 175 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, which gives it power and performance that is like larger and pricier crossovers.
The entry-level S is FWD standard with AWD an option, while all of the other trim levels are AWD only. The 2.0 engine is available only with a continuously variable transmission called the “IVT.” The turbos get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DST) and all-wheel-drive with a locking center differential.
The 2.0 engine fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city/31 highway/29 combined with AWD and 29/34/31 with FWD. The turbo fuel economy is a bit less with 25/30/27.
What’s the Seltos like to drive?
The 2021 Seltos that Kia provided us was the top of the line SX turbo model, so we didn’t get to test the 2.0 base engine. Still, previous test Kia vehicles with that engine were as expected. Not a barnstormer, and feeling underpowered when it came to acceleration. It is better said the 2.0 “gained speed” rather than accelerated. The IVT transmission performs like most CVTs in compact vehicles, hanging on high RPMs as it gained speed before settling down to cruise.
The 1.6 turbo in the SX was quite different and very pleasant. The Seltos turbo has three console-selected drive modes–Economy, Sport and Smart–that tweak throttle response and shift points. In Sport, the Seltos is quite competent with a turbo that is initially slow to come on, but once it is spun up, combined with crisp shifts from the DST, is fun to drive.
The overall handling experience is good, but it’s no Kia Stinger. The suspension features MacPherson struts in the front and multilink rear suspension in the rear, except for the FWD with a rear torsion beam axle. Steering is power rack and pinion, with power disc brakes on all wheels. The 2.0 engine models are equipped with 17-inch tires while the Turbos get 18-inchers.
The ride quality is good with reasonable chassis control, but with noticeable wind and road noise.
Seltos safety equipment
Kia is known for its extensive standard safety, security, and driver-assist systems, and the Seltos is no exception.
Every 2021 Kia Seltos has front, rear and side curtain airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, a rear-camera display and rear-occupant alerts.
Adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning systems and forward collision assist with pedestrian detection are standard. On the higher trim levels, rear cross-traffic and blind-spot collision avoidance, lane departure warning and lane following and keeping assistance are included. The Seltos has yet to get its crash testing done, but Kia’s other crossovers are all top safety picks.
Seltos Pricing
S FWD – $21,990
LX AWD – $21,990
The S FWD has more standard equipment than the LX AWD, but the LX includes AWD
S AWD – $23,490
S AWD Turbo – $25,490
EX AWD – $25,290
SX AWD – $27,890
Destination Charge – $1,120
Our SX AWD test car included optional Starbright Yellow/Black roof Paint @$345.00 and floor mats @$130.00 for a total, including destination charges, for an MSRP of $29,485.
Overall, we enjoyed our time in the Seltos. It’s the newest addition to Kia’s crossover offerings, and is one to consider if you are in the market for a small to midsize crossover.
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
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