2023 Kia Seltos Changes: If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it
The Kia Seltos is a small crossover SUV with very few problems. As a newer model, it’s going through a few growing pains but is already considered a well-rounded subcompact SUV option. However, the 2023 Kia Seltos didn’t get enough changes. In short, the problems from 2022 aren’t going away anytime soon.
2023 Kia Seltos changes
Kia isn’t changing much about the 2023 Kia Seltos. Although experts didn’t like a few things about the subcompact SUV, it isn’t a formula worth changing. Kia likes where the Seltos is, and changing too much will ruin the new model. That’s why the Kia Seltos received a slight price increase ($260 or less for each trim). In addition, Kia engineers made “minor feature enhancements in the areas of noise reduction” to reduce the amount of cabin sound while driving. According to KBB, its drivers didn’t notice the Seltos was particularly loud before, so it must be dead silent now.
Lastly, the new Seltos has blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic alert for every trim level. As a result, all the safety features are included no matter what you pay for a 2023 Kia Seltos. Moreover, it’s excellent news for those who want to pay for the cheapest S FWD model because you’ll be just as safe as owners of the SX AWD model.
New Kia Seltos price
As with most vehicles, the 2023 Kia Seltos has new pricing for the new model year. Although not much has changed regarding features, the Seltos, like every other car, is dealing with supply chain problems. Thanks to these problems, everything needs to be more expensive just to make up for materials and additional rising production costs. Thankfully, $260 is the most significant change for a single trim. Unfortunately, Kia’s delivery charge is now $1,295, up $40 from 2022.
| 2023 Kia Seltos trim | Price |
| S FWD | $22,890 |
| S AWD | $24,390 |
| LX AWD | $22,840 |
| Nightfall Edition AWD | $27,040 |
| EX AWD | $26,140 |
| SX AWD | $28,340 |
What problems did the 2022 Seltos have?
According to some experts, the Seltos didn’t have many issues for 2022. As a result, the 2023 Kia Seltos isn’t much different from the previous model year. However, there are a few things we wish Kia would’ve changed. For example, Edmunds named uncomfortable front seats and non-athletic handling as two cons of driving the subcompact SUV.
Next, KBB didn’t enjoy the base engine, a 146-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It’s not until the Nightfall Edition trim level that customers can upgrade their Seltos to the 175-horsepower turbocharged version, which still isn’t impressing many. Additionally, the same publication didn’t like the DCT transmission and called it “unrefined.”
Unfortunately, the new model year’s engine, transmission, handling, and comfort did not change. As a result, long drives will continue to be uncomfortable, and the engine remains underwhelming. Although most subcompact SUV buyers aren’t overly worried about performance, many will choose a model with a more peppy engine over the Seltos.
Should you buy the new 2023 Kia Seltos?
Is the new 2023 Kia Seltos worth buying? If the 2022 model year version wasn’t for you, this one won’t be either. However, it got a little better if you were on the fence about the Seltos. With more safety features throughout the lineup for even the cheapest model, plus noise-reduction changes, the Seltos is a little more safe and quiet. Most people loved the 2022 Kia Seltos, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
