Kia Seltos: A Subcompact SUV Offering Value and Choice

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Although it sometimes feels like automakers have all but abandoned everything other than high-end luxury model vehicles, it’s not universally true. While some car companies have lobbied the government, terrified, asking to build protective walls to fend off cheap Chinese competition, others have looked at the problem from a different angle, trying to meet the moment. One such effort is the new Kia Seltos, a small SUV that takes inspiration from the Telluride but with a starting price of just $24,990 plus delivery charge.

The US almost didn’t get the Seltos in the first place; the first-generation model was designed with China in mind. Seltos take two is more considered, and also a little more substantial. The new body with its Telluride-like design cues has been stretched, mostly in the wheelbase. That said, at 174.4 inches (4,430 mm) long, 72 inches (1,829 mm) wide, and 64.9 inches (1,648 mm) tall, it’s still a subcompact, one segment smaller than something like a Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5.

Kia is offering a choice of three different powertrain variants. The 1.6 L hybrid is the one we’re most interested in. But that version won’t be in showrooms until Q4 this year; don’t expect an Ars first drive of the hybrid Seltos until early next year. Or any other details in this first drive report—the hybrid Seltos is still undergoing its EPA certification, and Kia isn’t prepared to talk power, torque, or efficiency until that’s done and dusted.

Most will come with a 2.0 L four-cylinder under the hood that generates 147 hp (110 kW) and 132 lb-ft (180 Nm). You can have that engine with either front-wheel drive and a combined 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km), or all-wheel drive and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) combined. This engine is available in various trims, from the sub-$25,000 entry-level FWD Seltos LX to the $30,090 AWD Seltos EX.

The other alternative at launch finds a 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine up front. This powertrain is only available with AWD, the SX trim level, and the X-Line package, which gives the car some glossy black exterior accents and bigger wheels, and commands a more substantial though still competitive $32,790 MSRP. The turbocharged Seltos generates 190 hp (142 kW) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) averaging a combined 26 mpg (9 L/100 km).

That’s plenty of power and torque for the added extra equipment of the SX trim, not to mention the all-wheel drive mechanicals, which can push the SX X-Line’s curb weight to 3,715 lb (1,685 kg); opt for the basic FWD LX Seltos and it tips the scales at just 3,109 lbs (1,410 kg). Compared to Ars’ usual diet of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that regularly weigh more than two tons, the Seltos feels svelte by comparison. (The much lower curb weight of the LX should go quite a long way to making up for any shortfalls from the engine, in practice.)

On the road

From the Seltos’ driver’s seat, you will see a pleasing array of real buttons, dials, and controls, all within reach; the only touchscreen is the 12.3-inch infotainment system. Kia’s system is one of the less frustrating OEM offerings and also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, where most people will spend most of their time. There’s also a useful amount of storage in the door bins plus three USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, although the LX does without the last of these convenience features.

Things aren’t bad in the back seat either; thanks to the wheelbase there’s 39 inches (991 mm) of rear leg room, and the occupants have another couple of USB-C ports to keep their gadgets charged. And Kia says the 27.8 cubic feet (787 L) of cargo space—which increases to 64.2 cubic feet (1,818 L) with the seats folded flat—is class-leading. It has also been thoughtfully designed, with removable cargo hooks that more cars should provide.

On the road, you have the choice between normal and sport modes; the latter changes the shift points for the turbo Seltos’ eight-speed automatic transmission. (The naturally aspirated Seltos makes use of a continuously variable transmission instead.) It’s not an unpleasant car to drive, and it will handle a curve without surrendering to body roll, but the suspension does communicate every expansion gap or rut in the road surface through to your butt, and you’ll hear a fair bit of road noise, although less from the passenger seat than the driver’s side, interestingly.

The most budget-conscious should consider the Seltos LX, which can be had with AWD for an extra $1,700. You’ll have to do without a few of the advanced driver assists that come as standard from the SX trim and beyond—blind spot monitors that alert you to cross traffic or a car in the path of a door you’re about to open, mostly. At the other end of the price spectrum, the SX can get up toward $38,000 if you also spec the prestige package that adds stuff like ventilated front seats and a more advanced adaptive cruise control. Between those two poles, there’s plenty of choice.