If you’re in the market for a subcompact SUV that blends style, practicality, and value without very costly, the Kia Seltos might have caught your eye. But you’re probably wondering: are Kia Seltos good cars? This article dives deep into everything you need to know about the Seltos, from its design and performance to safety and ownership costs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the Kia Seltos fits your needs and expectations.
Overview Of The Kia Seltos
Design And Styling
The Kia Seltos features a bold and distinctive design that stands out in the crowded subcompact SUV segment. With sharp lines, a tiger-nose grille, and aggressive LED headlights, the Seltos presents a modern, urban-friendly look that’s equally sporty and refined. You’ll notice the sleek roofline paired with rugged lower body cladding, giving it a confident stance whether parked or on the move.
Performance And Engine Options
Under the hood, the Seltos offers two main engine choices, tailored to different driving preferences. The base is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing about 146 horsepower, perfect for daily city commutes. For more spirited driving, there’s a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering around 175 horsepower, which gives you quicker acceleration and more highway confidence. Both engines come paired with efficient transmissions, including CVT and a 7-speed dual-clutch, depending on the trim.
Fuel Efficiency And Driving Experience
The fuel economy of the Kia Seltos is competitive for its class, expect roughly 27-30 MPG city and 31-35 MPG highway depending on engine and drivetrain. On the road, the Seltos strikes a nice balance between comfort and agility. Its suspension soaks up bumps without sacrificing handling, and it feels composed when cornering. Whether you’re navigating busy streets or cruising on open roads, the driving experience is smooth and predictable.
Interior Comfort And Features
Space And Seating Capacity
Inside, the Kia Seltos punches above its weight with generous space for both driver and passengers. It comfortably seats five adults, with ample legroom and headroom in the rear seats, a rare plus in many subcompact SUVs. The cargo area is quite versatile too, featuring split-folding rear seats that expand storage capacity for luggage or large gear.
Technology And Infotainment Systems
Kia has equipped the Seltos with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a standard 8-inch touchscreen, some trims bump this up to 10.25 inches. You’ll get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. Additional tech features include satellite navigation, a premium Bose sound system on higher trims, wireless charging, and USB ports. The controls are logical, and the display is crisp, making it easy to interact with while driving.
Safety Features And Ratings
Standard And Advanced Safety Technologies
Safety is a strong suit for the Kia Seltos, which comes well-equipped with a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features typically include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, giving you extra peace of mind on all your journeys.
Crash Test Results And Reliability
When it comes to crash safety, the Kia Seltos has earned solid ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It performs especially well in front and side impact tests and has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick in recent years. Reliability-wise, Kia’s warranty coverage, which we’ll discuss next, is among the best, supporting the vehicle’s reputation for dependable ownership.
Maintenance And Ownership Costs
Warranty And Customer Support
One of the most compelling reasons you might consider a Kia Seltos is its industry-leading warranty. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty alongside a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. This can save you substantial money on repairs during your ownership. Also, Kia’s customer service is known to be responsive, with a growing dealer network making maintenance appointments and access to parts convenient.
Resale Value And Depreciation
Compared to many competitors, the Seltos holds its value reasonably well, though like all cars, it depreciates most steeply in the first three years. Its reputation for reliability and comprehensive warranty coverage help bolster resale value. If you maintain your Seltos properly and stay on top of service schedules, you can expect a competitive trade-in when the time comes.
Comparing Kia Seltos With Competitors
Key Differences With Other Subcompact SUVs
When sized up against popular rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V, the Kia Seltos stands out with its combination of space, features, and warranty. While some competitors edge it in sporty handling (Mazda CX-30) or fuel economy (Honda HR-V), the Seltos offers a more rugged design and a more generous interior for the price. It also typically provides more tech and safety features at comparable trim levels, giving strong value.
Choosing the Seltos means you’re getting a versatile SUV that performs well across daily tasks, with less compromise than many peers. The turbocharged engine option in particular adds a fun-to-drive element that some rivals lack.
Pros And Cons Summary
Pros:
- Bold, attractive design that stands out.
- Spacious and comfortable interior with good cargo versatility.
- Strong safety features and high crash test ratings.
- Excellent warranty coverage and dependable reliability.
- User-friendly infotainment with smartphone integration.
- Competitive pricing relative to features and space.
Cons:
- Base engine can feel underpowered, especially with a full load.
- Optional turbocharged engine adds cost but improves performance.
- Ride quality is firm: some might find it less cushy than rivals.
- Fuel efficiency is solid but not class-leading.
- Some interior materials feel less premium compared to higher-end competitors.
Conclusion
So, are Kia Seltos good cars? If you prioritize a stylish, spacious, and well-equipped subcompact SUV with strong safety credentials and a standout warranty, then yes, the Kia Seltos is a smart choice. It’s especially appealing if you want an SUV that feels more upscale than its price suggests, without overcomplicating things.
While no car is perfect, the Seltos strikes a solid balance among performance, comfort, and value, making it a worthy contender in its class. Whether you’re commuting through the city, heading out on weekend adventures, or simply seeking a dependable ride, the Seltos is well worth considering.