If you were one of the TV-watching millions who tuned into the Super Bowl this year, you might recall seeing the latest commercial for the 2021 Kia Seltos. This charming little SUV packs a punch and is getting accolades and high marks with the experts. It’s not the Kia Soul, and it’s not the Kia Sportage. It’s the Kia Seltos, and it may command the same respect and attention the Telluride enjoys. The Korean automaker may just have another winning SUV, and you might want one to park in your garage.

What Car and Driver thinks

The expert reviewers at Car and Driver couldn’t wait to sit behind the wheel of the 2021 Kia Seltos. They suggest Kia has ultimate bragging rights when it comes to the SUV segment and shares the current success potential of the midsize Telluride.

The Seltos impresses those who review it with its healthy roster of driver assistance features and cutting-edge infotainment features. Overall, they like the size, performance, capabilities, and extras, and they predict a path of success for this latest Kia SUV offering.

The 2021 Kia Seltos’ best features

You may not have had a chance to drive the latest Kia Seltos, but the Car and Driver reviewers have, and they say that there’s plenty to love about this compact SUV. The interior is spacious and comprised of quality materials. Cargo space is substantial for this vehicle segment as well. Handling is agile, and the style is full of personality. There are tons of standard tech features, but there are even more impressive options for those who want everything with the tap of a finger or vocalized command.

Under the hood, consumers will have two engine configurations from which to choose, including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Both front- and all-wheel drive are available as well. The safety ratings aren’t in yet from the officials with IIHS or NHTSA, but predicted safety is high based on previous models and embedded tech.

It may lack in a few areas, but not many

Based on the first look that Car and Driver experienced along with overall reviews from others, the newest Kia Seltos does fall a little short in a few areas. Some suggest the ride feels firm and even rougher on the highway. The seven-speed automatic transmission seems to hesitate at lower speeds. There are some reviewers who are of the opinion that several of the optional driver aids should be part of the standard suite of assistance features. A few critics say the back seat feels limited to adult-sized passengers.

The SUV supply and demand that Kia embraces so well

The 2021 Kia Seltos is the fifth SUV in the Kia family of SUVs, and it nestles itself perfectly between the Kia Soul and the Kia Sportage. It is designed to meet the needs of consumers looking for a more conventional crossover than the Soul with all-wheel-drive capability. It’s a more substantial version in the subcompact niche space that hopes to attract a younger audience.

Some might wonder if creating yet another variety from which to choose is smart. The experts point out that while consumers keep buying SUVs, the savviest automakers will keep designing them. Kia embraces this buying trend well and has carved out yet another winning SUV for the masses.

Kia knows a thing or two about how to design quality and consumer-loved SUVs. Based on the success of the Telluride alone, some might suggest they’re one of the best SUV brands out there today. The 2021 Seltos will fold right in with the others in the lineup as top-notch choices for individuals and families. The subcompact SUV segment grows with popularity, and the Seltos is positioned perfectly to fit like a glove.