2021 Kia Seltos
- Largest cargo area in its class
- Wide array of advanced safety features
- Modern tech in a stylish interior
- All-wheel drive with lock mode ensures all-season versatility
- Pricing starts at $21,990 (plus $1,120 destination) | Price yours
- On sale now | See Autotrader listings right here on KBB.com
An impressive batch of new subcompact SUVs arrived for the 2021 model year. One member of this crew, the all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, rocketed to the top of the segment and is KBB’s Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2021. The Kia Seltos has a full roster of modern tech, a choice of two excellent engines, and striking good looks. It also has plenty of space, boasting best-in-class cargo area and excellent rear-seat legroom. And all but the base Seltos come standard with active safety features that include forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor. This is a subcompact SUV that shows that you don’t have to compromise very much when you downsize.
Thinking big
One of the most important things for a subcompact SUV to get right is interior packaging. Is there enough room for people and their stuff? When it comes to the Seltos, the answer is yes. Typically, when you look at the interior dimensions of a small SUV, the trouble spots are rear-seat legroom and cargo space. In the case of the Kia Seltos, the 38 inches of legroom in the second row is comparable to that of a full-size sedan. The front and rear seats – all of which can recline – are quite comfortable, too. And at nearly 63 cu ft. of volume, this Kia can hold more cargo than any other SUV in its class. That cargo area uses a two-level shelf system that you can configure to suit your needs. In the upper position, it’s easier to slide in larger gear. In the lower position, you can create more space while preventing small items from rolling out.
Not only is the stylish interior spacious for a vehicle this size, but it also contains more cool tech and surprising features than you would expect. Most trim levels of the Kia Seltos have an 8-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash, controlled by easy-to-reach knobs. If you want to go further upscale, a vibrant 10.25-inch screen is available. Because these features are user-friendly, they minimize driver distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard, and an available 8-speaker Bose audio system has mood lighting that can pulse with the music. Other upscale goodies, such as a 10-way power driver’s seat, seat heaters, and wireless phone charging, add to the premium feel and convenient comfort of the Seltos.
Driving small
This subcompact SUV is easy to park and light on its feet to drive. There are two engine choices: a 136-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 1.6-liter turbo that puts out 175 hp. The turbo engine has plenty of oomph for a vehicle this size, but many buyers will be quite content with the smooth performance of the base engine. This Kia is nicely responsive, too, with direct steering and taut handling. However, the Seltos doesn’t sacrifice ride comfort, as the suspension is compliant and does an admirable job of absorbing bumps.
Playing it safe
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2021 Kia Seltos is the wide range of standard and optional safety equipment. The lowest-priced Seltos, the S, comes standard with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trim levels add adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and safe-exit assist. Highway-driving assist is also available. This is a semi-autonomous system that controls steering, acceleration, and braking based on cruise control settings.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the LX trim, which has the same low starting price as the S (more on that in a moment). With the rest of the lineup, AWD only costs an extra $1,500, and it comes with a lock mode that adds even more traction. Opting for AWD also means you get independent rear suspension for better ride and handling.
A good value
With the Seltos, Kia has given buyers a unique set of options. As noted above, the S is the lowest-priced version. So is the LX. They both start at $23,100 – a price that includes a $1,120 destination charge. Offering this choice lets buyers decide what is more important. Why get one over the other? The LX comes standard with AWD but lacks some of the safety features that are standard in the S. We like that you can get the S, add AWD, and have many of the Seltos’ available safety features for an MSRP of $24,610. Factor in the tech and Kia’s excellent warranty, and there’s undeniable value here.
All in all, the new 2021 Kia Seltos is an impressive, well-rounded vehicle, and earns the title of KBB’s Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2021.
Photo Tour: 2021 Kia Seltos
More 2021 Kia Seltos
Build and price your own 2021 Kia Seltos to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or See Autotrader listings right here on KBB.com.
