Entry Crossover Hitting Above Its Weight
Made To Do More. Explore The Possibilities. Rugged and Ready. A Penchant for Adventure.
These are just a few of what Kia wants you to experience with the all-new 2021 Seltos. Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the highly optioned Seltos SX Turbo AWD, and came away with a smile and satisfaction of having experienced much on Kia’s wish list.
Smooth Operator
The all-wheel drive (AWD) Kia Seltos SX has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that, running on 92 octane, produces 175 horsepower (hp) and 195 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.). Our zero-to-60 times were around 9.0 seconds, which was plenty peppy for the 3,317-pound Seltos. For best performance, the seven-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) automatic has three driver-selectable drive modes–Normal, Smart and Sport. For fuel economy we stayed in Smart, while turning the selector wheel all the way to the right, we found Sport for more spirited driving.
The EPA rates the 1.6L turbo at 25 mpg city/30 highway/27 combined. In 260 miles driving throughout Southern California we averaged 28.1 mpg. But on a 175-mile all-freeway run, with the smart cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged a stout 33.5 mpg.
Driving Experience: On the Road
There is a slight bit of hesitation when accelerating from a stop, but it is not to be confused with turbo lag. When launching the Seltos SX there seems to be a momentary turbo lag, but what is felt is the DCT automatic engaging. The DCT is a manual transmission at heart and, for some additional fun, place the shift lever into the manual setting and shift through the seven gears manually. If you are not a fan of a DCT, Kia offers the Seltos with its version of a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), called an ITV, for Intelligent Variable Transmission. A CVT/IVT has no gears and no shifts, so it is smooth accelerating or decelerating.
The 18-inch machined alloy wheels, which are unique to the SX trim, are shod with Kuhmo 235/45 all-season tires. On certain paved surfaces there was noticeable road noise transmitted to the cabin. The wider tires not only help with handling, but also with stopping.
The Seltos SX AWD makes use of torque vectoring, which increases traction by predicting which wheel will best utilize power in a given road situation. This enhances stability in corners and gives the vehicle more connection to the road. The good steering feel and the AWD system gave a solid, stable command of the road, with high-speed freeway ramps able to be attacked over the posted speed limit. There was little affect by passing big rigs, and the body roll when pushing corners a bit too fast was minor and nothing that wasn’t predictable or manageable.
For additional traction on snow-covered or icy roads, there is a Lock button that locks the center coupling, offering sure-footed traction up-to about 25 miles per hour. This is a handy feature when the roads get sloppy and tricky.
The Seltos SX is composed, and for a subcompact crossover, the overall ride was pleasant, encouraging long road trips. While not sporty, the Seltos SX is fun and easy to drive.
All-New: In and Out
The 2021 Kia Seltos slots between the Soul and Sportage, carving-up Kia’s crossover offerings with even a sharper knife. The Seltos shares the platform with the Hyundai Kona (which Clean Fleet Report really liked), but the Seltos has been stretched by one inch in the wheelbase and eight inches in length. The exterior of our test Seltos was painted in Starbright Yellow with a black roof, a color combination that brought out its personality. Small crossovers can blend together, but not the Seltos as its styling is unique.
Available in five trim levels of LX, EX, S 2.0L, S 1.6T, and SX, the Seltos has a smooth exterior with a few well-placed sharp angles. Clean Fleet Report’s SX model had LED headlights with a stacked design separating the daytime running lights and fog lights that are located on the outer corners in the bottom fascia. For a cool factor, the SX upgraded the signature tiger nose grille with a horizontal LED light bar that runs nearly the complete length of the grille.
The appealing side view has a gently sloping windshield with chrome rack rails, black rear view mirrors with slim LED turn signals, a black color-keyed shark fin antenna and an integrated spoiler over the rear hatch window. The sides have minimal chrome, with the strip below the windows ending in an attractive design element on the rear pillar. The horizontal LED taillights are connected by a chrome eyebrow strip, which houses the slim back-up lights. The concave design of the hatch includes the Seltos and SX badges. The black bumper has a chrome strip with simulated exhaust ports that looked odd, but the flat silver plate on the bottom of the rear fascia looks sharp.
Climbing inside, the cabin includes ample leg and headroom for two six-footers up front with the rear seat providing good space and comfort for two adults–three for short trips. Clean Fleet Report was driving the 2020 Seltos SX, which came with what Kia calls Sofino leatherette seats. The driver seat was heated and 10-way power adjustable with lumbar, while the passenger gets manual adjustments. We like that the outlook on the road, with 7.3 inches of ground clearance, was higher than a sedan, but not as high as a SUV. The rear seat center armrest has cup holders, and if there are no passengers out back, fold down the 60/40 split rear seat for additional storage area. With the rear seat folded flat, at 5’9”, I was able to lie down, so being able to sleep in the Seltos in a pinch is an added benefit. The rear storage area has a convenient feature where the floor panel can be dropped-down about two inches, producing additional space for taller items.
Our Seltos SX came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen housing Kia’s UVO telematics and navigation. The eight-speaker Bose sound system, with a subwoofer, produced excellent sound for AM/FM//MP3/and Sirius/XM. Android Auto Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, complete the audio system. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and cruise control. Big thanks to Kia designers for the knobs and wheels to control the radio and automatic temperature control. A note about the Bose system. First, the grilles are multi-dimensional, giving a unique look compared to a basic flat speaker cover. Second, the Bose system has sound-connected mood lighting that pulsates with six color themes that change colors and intensity based on volume level. You will need to visit your Kia dealer at night to check-out this cool feature.
Other features are heated and power side mirrors with turn signals, USB ports, wireless charging, sliding front center armrest, cargo cover, rear passenger vents and USB ports, automatic climate control, remote and push button start.
Safety and Warranties
The Seltos comes with an extensive list of standard and optional safety features. Make sure to speak with your Kia sales rep for what safety features come with which trim level. If you are looking to save a few dollars on your Seltos purchase, don’t skimp on the advanced driver safety assistance systems (ADAS).
Safety items include front, side and curtain airbags, forward collision avoidance, stability control, smart cruise control with stop and go, blind spot collision warning and collision avoidance, park assist with front and rear sensors, vehicle stability management, traction control, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer, lane keeping assist and departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert.
Since the 2021 Kia Seltos is new, it has not been rated by the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA) or The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Seltos comes with these warranties:
- Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
- Basic – Five years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles
Pricing
The 2021 Kia Seltos comes in five trim levels with base prices, including the $1,120 destination charge, ranging from $23,110 to $28,990. Clean Fleet Report’s Seltos SX with the 1.6L turbocharged engine, AWD and with $475 in options, had a MSRP of $29,485.
Observations: 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
Kia has designed the 2021 Seltos to appeal to buyers looking for something a bit larger than smallest crossovers and a bit smaller than midsize crossovers. Sort of a Goldilocks kind of thing.
For versatility, ride, style, fuel economy, and standard and available safety equipment, the 2021 Kia Seltos is hard to beat. But does it meet everything Kia pointed out made the Seltos so special? Did it make us want to do more? Explore the possibilities? Was it rugged and ready? And did it have a penchant for adventure? Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes. We can easily see an owner using the Seltos for commuting, weekend errands and filling it with camping gear and heading off into the vast unknown. The AWD inspires confidence for on road driving and mild off-roading.
In January 2020, Kia announced it will be offering 11 electric vehicles by 2025, with the first model hitting showrooms in 2021. With the Seltos being all-new for 2021, it is too early to speculate on future changes. But since Kia currently sells two electric vehicles (the Soul and Niro), as well as two plug-in hybrids (Niro and Optima) and two hybrids (Niro and Optima), don’t be surprised if the Seltos gets some sort of electrification in the coming decade. Since it shares the Kona platform and the Kona already has an EV, it’s not too much of a stretch. One advantage of the Seltos being at least a hybrid, would be fuel economy that would easily pass the magic 40 mpg mark. Until then, visit your Kia dealer and test drive what Clean Fleet Report feels is one of the best entry-level crossovers on the market. We don’t think you will be disappointed.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!
Related Stories You Might Enjoy—It’s a Small SUV Stampede
Road Test: 2020 Toyota CH-R
Road Test: 2016 Honda HR-V
Road Test: 2019 Hyundai Kona (non-electric)
Road Test: 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric
Road Test: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid
Flash Drive: 2020 Mazda CX-30
Road Test: 2015 Chevrolet Trax
Road Test: 2017 Jeep Renegade
Road Test: 2020 Fiat 500X
Road Trip: 2018 Ford EcoSport
News: 2018 Nissan Kicks
Road Test: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
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.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class. We also feature those that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
re: “Our zero-to-60 times were around 9.0 seconds” — was this in normal, smart, or sport mode?
@Scott,
Thanks for asking, the best times we could squeeze out of the Seltos were using Sport mode, but honestly there wasn’t that much differene in rapid acceleration between Sport & NOrmal. Smart does slow down the shifts. Remember, this isn’t a “sport” SUV, but it aquits itself well in the real world. –ed.