Kia’s roomy new Seltos SUV delivers style, value
In just the right lighting, the new 2021 Kia Seltos can evoke a certain small SUV from a high-brow British brand — until you lay eyes on the Kia’s blue-collar sticker price.
The Korean automaker’s newest small SUV starts at $23,110. That single price point covers two different entry-level models and types of consumers. The Seltos LX has standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive but lacks Kia’s most advanced driver assistance and safety technologies. The LX has standard features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch touch screen, 60/40 reclining rear seats and privacy rear glass. The EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings are 27/31 mpg.
The Seltos S is for buyers seeking the latest safety bells-and-whistles and/or don’t need all-wheel-drive. The S comes with lane-following/keep/departure assist, driver attention warning, automatic high beams and a forward collision avoidance-assist camera. The S also gets LED taillights, a center console/armrest and armrest with cup holders for the rear passenger. The steering wheel and gearshift knob are leather-wrapped. When it comes to fuel, the S is the most miserly Seltos: 29 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
The Seltos EX ($26,410) is for those who must have power seats or need blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. They’ll also get a power sunroof whether they want it or not. Other upgrades: leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, front and rear USB charging ports, smart key with remote start, automatic climate control with de-fog, rear ventilation ducting, LED interior lighting, dual vanity mirror with illumination, and the one-touch down power windows close with one-touch. The EPA rates the Seltos EX fuel economy at 27/31.
The LX, S and EX...