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Overview
Kia has been eyeing a new entry into the small SUV market. As one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive industry, Kia understands how important it is to not just push a new vehicle but to make sure it's done right. This is the only way any new entry can stand out of the pack. The 2021 Kia Seltos does just that. With countless features and a low entry price point, there's much to love about this new offering in the world of small SUVs. And with the paint not yet dried on the upcoming release, now is the time to dive deeper into what exactly makes the Seltos unique and what helps separate it from the rest of the small SUVs currently sold.
The starting MSRP for the 2021 Kia Seltos is $21,990. This is for both the LX and the S trims. There are a handful of features between the two trims. The LX comes standard with all-wheel-drive while the S trim comes standard with front-wheel-drive, yet offers some additional sporty features, a luggage rack, and other additions. The top trim will start at an MSRP of only $27,890. As you'll come to learn, this is a great price for everything that is included.
146 - 175
Horsepower (HP)
Available
All-Wheel Drive
26.6 - 62.8
Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.)
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Performance
Two Great Engines
The majority of the 2021 Kia Seltos trims come with a 2.0L I4 engine. The engine produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you're looking for a different standard engine option, you can go with the S Turbo or the SX Turbo trims. These trims take advantage of a 1.6L I4 Turbo engine. This engine ups the performance to 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The jump in torque will make a big difference when it comes to any kind of towing or gear you want to haul. While Kia does offer larger SUVs that will provide more aggressive towing numbers, having the additional 63 lb-ft of torque will make a substantial difference.
Towing with the Seltos
With regards to towing, Kia has not yet officially released what kind of towing numbers you can expect from the 2021 Seltos. It is not specifically built to be a towing SUV (for that, you'll want to check out the larger SUVs on the lot). However, even the smallest SUVs do have some towing ability once a hitch is installed. So if you're interested in possibly towing a small cargo carrier when heading off to college or something along these lines, make sure to check back when the vehicle has officially launched.
Fuel Economy
With the smaller engine size, you'll get a vast improvement in fuel economy specs. While a number of other manufacturers are unnecessarily squeezing in oversized engines that won't do much for a small SUV, the 2021 Kia Seltos allows you to have a nice engine with solid fuel numbers.
All-wheel drive will give you a solid 27 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon while on the highway. If you were to go with front-wheel drive the fuel economy jumps even further to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cargo Space
One reason you're probably eyeing an SUV is for the cargo space. While the 2021 Kia Seltos isn't the size giant of other SUVs, it is still beneficial to know what kind of cargo volume it offers. This will make it easier to directly compare the Seltos to other small SUVs on the market.
You will find all of the trims offer similar numbers regarding cargo volume. When the rear seat is upright in its fixed position, the SUV will offer 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space. When you fold down the rear seat, the cargo volume will increase to 62.8 cubic feet.
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Safety
Standing Safety Features
Kia doesn't skimp when it comes to safety features on the entry-trim level. Kia doesn't think you should be forced to purchase the higher-tier trims just to land safety features. That is why you will find even the LX and S packages come packed to the bring with the latest in safety technology.
This includes dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. In the event of an accident, the entire interior cabin will be blanketed with airbags, protecting those inside.
Additional Features
Other features found on the standard trims include a rear occupant alert, a rollover sensor, anti-lock brakes, and four-wheel disc brakes. You'll also have electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist control, downhill brake control, and a high line tire-pressure monitoring system.
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Technology
Vehicles across the boar have become more and more tech-driven in recent years. With the ability to jam all vehicle controls into a monitor, it allows for additional room inside of the vehicle. This way, you'll receive more interior features and tech upgrades now than you've ever received on vehicles from just a few years prior.
Standard Technology
All of the 2021 Kia Seltos come standard with an 8-inch touch-screen, AM/FM stereo, MP3 player compatible, hands-free Bluetooth pairing, plus a system that syncs with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A rear-camera display, steer-wheel mounted controls, 12-volt power outlets, USB audio input/charging, and interior lighting with a delay-off are also standard features you'll find on the LX and S trim packages.
Top-Tier Technology
Several additional upgrades come standard and optional on the top-tier SX Turbo. This includes a larger 10.25-inch touch-screen display. This display provides you with all the same features as the smaller 8-inch touch-screen (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), plus voice-command navigation, SiriusXM Radio, and remote connectivity. The standard six-speaker setup is upgraded to a Bose Premium Audio with a sound connected mood lamp. Because if there is anything that takes your true listening experience up to the next level, it is mood lighting.
It also features both front and rear USB charging ports, wireless phone charging (as long as you have a phone that will accept wireless charging), plus a 7-inch Supervision Meter Instrument Cluster. This is what appears behind the steering wheel and will allow you to adjust what is displayed on the fly. All of this makes it easier to monitor your vehicle performance.
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Exterior
Exterior Features You'll Love
You want your SUV to stand out. That's why Kia comes with a number of eye-catching features on every trim option available. Even on the base LX, you will land all kinds of design features that will give you the look you're interested in.
On the LX, it comes with metal-look skid plates for that rugged, outdoors look. You can opt for a rear spoiler plus rear privacy glass. The tinted rear windows will not only keep prying eyes out of your vehicle, but it will help with regulating your vehicle's internal temperature as well. This way, when you climb into the SUV, you won't feel like you just hopped into the middle of the sun. The LX also features 17-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, and a rear windshield wiper.
Top-of-the-Line Features
On the SX Turbo package, the small SUV features an upgraded front grille of both black and chrome (the LX's grille is just black). It also features a number of chrome highlights and touches. It offers heated outside mirrors for those days you forget to scrape ice off the mirrors, and it has a power sunroof with shade, plus solar control glass. There is also a protective layer of sound-absorbent applied to the windshield. This will help keep the interior of the SUV that much quieter. Combined with the Bose audio system and you'll be able to enjoy your drive that much more. The SX Turbo uses 18-inch machined alloy wheels, and LED lighting throughout the exterior of the vehicle (including headlights, daytime running lights, front fog lights, and rear tail lights). It also has a locking fuel-filler door.
