Kia Seltos: When Kia Motors launched the Seltos in 2019, few could have predicted the impact this compact SUV would have on the automotive landscape.
Fast forward to today, and the Seltos has become a familiar sight on roads across the globe, from the bustling streets of Seoul to the highways of America.
But what makes this vehicle so special? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of the Kia Seltos and discover why it’s captured the hearts of drivers worldwide.
A Design That Turns Heads
First impressions matter, and the Seltos makes a strong one. Its design is a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication, with bold lines and a confident stance that sets it apart in the crowded compact SUV segment. The tiger-nose grille, a signature Kia design element, gives the Seltos a distinctive face that’s instantly recognizable.
But it’s not just about looking good. The Seltos’s design is functional too. The high ground clearance isn’t just for show – it provides real-world benefits when navigating rough roads or tackling light off-road duties. Large windows offer excellent visibility, a crucial factor for city driving and parking.
Color choices play a big role in the Seltos’s appeal. Kia offers a range of vibrant hues, including some two-tone options that allow buyers to really express their personality. Whether you prefer the understated elegance of “Gravity Gray” or the eye-catching “Starbright Yellow,” there’s a Seltos to match your style.
Step Inside: A Cabin That Impresses
Open the door of the Seltos, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class. The layout is intuitive, with controls placed within easy reach of the driver. Soft-touch materials in key areas give a premium feel, while harder plastics in less-visible spots keep costs (and weight) down.
The seats deserve special mention. They’re supportive without being overly firm, making them comfortable for both short trips and long journeys. In higher trims, you’ll find options like heated and ventilated front seats – features that were once the domain of luxury vehicles.
Space is another strong point. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Seltos offers impressive room for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate adults, and the flat floor makes the middle seat more usable than in many competitors. Fold those seats down, and you’ve got a cavernous space for hauling everything from groceries to camping gear.
Tech-Savvy: Staying Connected on the Go
In today’s connected world, a car’s infotainment system is almost as important as its engine. Kia understands this, and the Seltos doesn’t disappoint.
The centerpiece is a large touchscreen display (size varies by trim level) that’s responsive and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone.
But it’s not just about entertainment. The Seltos offers a range of tech features that enhance safety and convenience. Depending on the trim,
you might find a heads-up display, wireless phone charging, and a premium Bose sound system. The available 360-degree camera system is a boon for parking in tight spots.
One standout feature is the Kia UVO connected car system. It allows you to remotely start the engine, adjust climate settings, and even track your vehicle’s location – all from your smartphone. It’s the kind of technology that quickly becomes indispensable once you’ve experienced it.
Under the Hood: Performance That Delivers
The Seltos offers a choice of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder provides adequate power for everyday driving, with a focus on fuel efficiency. For those craving more excitement, there’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter option that delivers a significant boost in performance.
Transmission choices include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The CVT pairs well with the 2.0-liter engine, providing smooth and efficient operation. The dual-clutch, available with the turbo engine, offers snappier shifts and a more engaging driving experience.
One of the Seltos’s strengths is its ride quality. The suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections without feeling floaty. Steering is precise, making the Seltos feel nimble in urban environments while still providing stability at highway speeds.
All-wheel drive is available on most trims, adding an extra layer of capability and confidence. While the Seltos isn’t designed for serious off-roading, the AWD system can handle light trails and provides extra traction in inclement weather.
Safety First: Protecting What Matters Most
Kia has loaded the Seltos with an impressive array of safety features. Even base models come with essentials like multiple airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. Step up to higher trims, and you’ll find advanced driver assistance systems that were once the preserve of luxury vehicles.
The available Kia Drive Wise suite includes features like forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control makes highway driving less stressful, while rear cross-traffic alert helps when backing out of parking spaces.
It’s not just about active safety, though. The Seltos’s structure is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, with high-strength steel used in key areas. The result is a vehicle that performs well in crash tests, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
On the Road: The Driving Experience
So, how does all this technology and engineering come together on the road? Quite impressively, as it turns out. The Seltos manages to feel both substantial and agile, a tricky balance to strike in the compact SUV segment.
Around town, the Seltos is a joy to drive. Its compact dimensions and good visibility make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The elevated seating position gives a commanding view of the road, adding to the sense of confidence behind the wheel.
Hit the open road, and the Seltos continues to impress. Highway cruising is relaxed and quiet, with minimal wind and road noise intruding into the cabin. The available turbocharged engine provides plenty of punch for merging and passing, while the all-wheel-drive system adds surefootedness in less-than-ideal conditions.
Fuel efficiency is another strong point, especially with the base engine. The Seltos can achieve impressive mileage figures, making it an economical choice for daily driving and road trips alike.
The Verdict: A Compact SUV That Delivers
In a segment crowded with worthy contenders, the Kia Seltos manages to stand out. It offers a compelling blend of style, technology, and practicality that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Whether you’re a young professional looking for your first new car, a small family in need of versatile transportation, or an empty nester downsizing from a larger vehicle, the Seltos has something to offer.
What’s particularly impressive is how few compromises the Seltos asks of its owners. It’s comfortable without being boring to drive, spacious without being unwieldy, and well-equipped without breaking the bank. The range of trim levels and options allows buyers to tailor the Seltos to their specific needs and budget.
Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the Seltos does have a few minor quibbles. Some might find the base engine a bit underwhelming, especially when fully loaded.
The dual-clutch transmission, while generally smooth, can occasionally feel hesitant at very low speeds. And while the interior is well-designed, some of the materials in lower trims can feel a bit budget-oriented.
But these are minor criticisms in the grand scheme of things. The Kia Seltos represents a remarkable achievement – a compact SUV that feels premium without the premium price tag. It’s a testament to how far Kia has come as a brand, and a sign of great things to come.
In a world where SUVs seem to be taking over the roads, the Seltos proves that bigger isn’t always better. It offers most of the advantages of larger SUVs in a more manageable, efficient package. For many buyers, it hits the sweet spot of size, features, and value.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with electrification and autonomous driving on the horizon, the Seltos shows that there’s still plenty of life left in the conventional compact SUV. It’s a vehicle that meets the needs of today’s drivers while hinting at the possibilities of tomorrow.
In the end, the Kia Seltos isn’t just a great compact SUV – it’s a great car, period. It’s the kind of vehicle that you can buy with your head and your heart, knowing that it will serve you well for years to come. And in today’s automotive market, that’s no small feat.