Kia Seltos

Name: 2021 Kia Seltos
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The all-new Seltos offers roomy versatility for a small SUV, along with excellent fuel economy and an affordable price. Unfortunately, it is let down by a stiff ride and loud cabin.

2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Seltos

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Encore GX

Chevrolet TrailBl...

Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Chevrolet Trax

Ford Bronco Sport

Ford EcoSport

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2021 Subcompact SUVs Ratings

2021 Kia Seltos

$12,200 - $16,425

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Buick Encore GX

$13,950 - $17,275

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$13,175 - $18,000

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Trax

$10,775 - $12,900

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Fiat 500X

$12,125 - $15,025

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

$16,250 - $20,125

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Ford EcoSport

$11,225 - $14,950

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Honda HR-V

$15,425 - $18,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Hyundai Kona

$10,625 - $16,075

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Jeep Renegade

$12,600 - $15,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Mazda CX-3

$14,600 - $15,750

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Mazda CX-30

$13,475 - $17,750

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$11,975 - $13,925

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Nissan Rogue Sport

$13,600 - $16,950

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

$15,275 - $20,575

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

$15,275 - $20,575

17 miles

35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Subcompact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (175 hp)
2-liter 4 (146 hp)

7-speed sequential
CVT

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2027

2027 Redesign Year

Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation Seltos expands slightly in most dimensions, including adding a bit more elbow and cargo room. It is also adding to its list of amenities, with an interior that looks more inviting than some larger, more expensive models, and a long roster of comfort, convenience, and active safety technology. In addition to traditional four-cylinder engines, the Seltos gains a hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive remains optional. And to provide more flavors for buyers, it is expanding on the LX, EX, and SX trims to add a sporty GT-Line and off-road-inspired X-Line. The modern-looking interior features a wide, panoramic display comprised of three screens. A head-up display is available. The digital voice assistant is powered by ChatGPT. All told, the “entry-level” descriptor may no longer apply to Kia’s smallest and most affordable SUV.

2021-Present

Current Generation

The new for 2021 Seltos slots below Kia's Sportage and offers versatility at an affordable price. It has a roomy interior for its small footprint, easy access, clear visibility, and good fuel economy. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission, provides unobtrusive acceleration. The uplevel 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine suffers from non-linear acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The stiff ride and loud cabin are two significant drawbacks. Handling is responsive and secure. Controls are easy to use, and the rear seat is roomy for the class. The base LX trim does not include any advanced safety features. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, come with the higher trims. For 2022, these safety features became standard.