Kia Seltos First Look

What Is The Kia Seltos?  

Kia recently announced the newest edition to its fleet, the 2021 Kia Seltos. The new SUV is a rugged and refined addition to Kia’s already substantial lineup. Slotted to fit directly in between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage. 

The new SUV is built to compete in the subcompact SUV class, competing with giants such as Honda, Ford, and Chevrolet. Currently, Kia doesn’t have a direct competitor in this class and the 2021 Seltos will give them a quality share in the popular class. 

The Kia Seltos is manufactured in Gwangju, Korea.

Get Local Kia Invoice Price

Specs

The Kia Seltos rides on the same platform as the Kia Forte, Hyundai Kona, and several other non-us models. Even though it shares a platform with these vehicles, it is heavily modified and shares only its most basic components. 

The Kia Seltos will be available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive with two engine options available: an entry-level 2.0l naturally aspirated (non-turbo) four-cylinder that produces 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.6l turbo four-cylinder producing a more substantial 176 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines have been heavily used by Hyundai and Kia, most notably the 1.6l in the Hyundai Kona. 

Is The Kia Seltos Coming To The US? 

Yes! Expect to see the Kia Seltos showing up on dealer lots in the first quarter of 2020. 

What Will the Kia Seltos Cost? 

The Kia Seltos is set to start at $21,990. The Seltos will start at a higher price than some competitors, but offers a more complete package at its price point. Kia expects to see most Seltos’s sold to be spec'd in a mid-range level rather than at the base price, around the $23,000-$26,000 range.

How Does The Seltos Compare?

Kia Seltos vs Ford EcoSport and Ford “Baby Bronco”

Get Local Ford EcoSport Invoice Price

The Kia Seltos will be slightly larger than Ford’s small SUV, the 2020 Ford EcoSport, and has a far higher-quality interior. Unfortunately, it does come in at a slightly higher starting price, but is well worth the upgrade. 

Ford’s “Baby Bronco” SUV is still in the works, however, and once released, will become a direct competitor to Kia’s new SUV, and as far as we can tell will put up a tough fight. 

Kia Seltos vs Chevy Trax and Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Get Local Chevrolet Trax Invoice Price

As of right now, the Chevrolet Trax is the only offering from Chevy to compete in this class, however it more closely competes with the Kia Soul than the Kia Seltos. The all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer will directly compete in the Seltos’s class and will put up a tough fight as it is an all-new model as well. Kia has recently had a higher quality fit and finish than Chevrolet, so the comparison will be an interesting one.

Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona

Get Local Hyundai Kona Invoice Price

The Hyundai Kona will be a difficult vehicle for the Seltos to beat. Sharing many components with the Seltos, the Kona is a vehicle that has proven itself to be a tough competitor in this class and is the class-leader in our opinion. At least until the competition releases their new updates. We loved the Hyundai Kona that we tested, and we look forward to seeing how the Seltos stacks up against it. 

Kia Seltos vs Jeep Renegade 

Get Local Jeep Renegade Invoice Price

The Jeep Renegade is aimed at the same rough and ready off-road crowd that the Kia Seltos is directed at. While the Renegades off-road prowess is far less than that of its big brother, the Wrangler, the Renegade still offers some all-terrain capabilities. We doubt the Kia Seltos will boast impressive off-road figures, however, and the Renegade may have it beat in this category. The Jeep is now several years old however, and is quickly starting to show its age. 

Kia Seltos vs Honda HR-V

Get Local Honda HR-V Invoice Price

Honda’s addition to the subcompact class, the Honda HR-V, has taken class-leader multiple times. The stout little SUV features everything we love from Honda; reliability, practicality, and pragmatism, but also the things we don't, such as the cheap, tinny feel Honda’ shave come to be known for. The Kia slots to take the best of both of those worlds.

Kia Seltos vs Toyota C-HR

Get Local Toyota C-HR Invoice Price

Toyota’s excellent small SUV, the Toyota C-HR, has some interesting styling, but practical and utilitarian uses. The fun of the C-HR mostly stops at its looks. The Seltos, with its own use of polarizing styling, will hopefully provide the same amount of reliability, but include some of the “fun” Toyota forgot to include. 

Is The Kia Seltos A Good Car? 

From what we can tell, the all-new 2021 Kia Seltos will be a good car to buy. Kia has proven themselves in recent years to be a high--quality, affordable brand with excellent reliability ratings. Gone are the days of “Buy One, Get One” deals from Kia, and here to stay is a brand that makes class-leading vehicles. Once Dropped, the Seltos is sure to impress.