Is the Kia Seltos a Good Buy?
The 2023 Kia Seltos is South Korean automaker Kia’s subcompact SUV model. The Seltos competes with some of the best models in its segment. Is the Kia Seltos a good buy, or should drivers go with an alternative?
Is the Kia Seltos a good buy?
The Kia Seltos starts at $22,840. It comes in five different trim levels: the LX, S, EX, Nightfall, and SX. The Seltos uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 146 horsepower. It achieves 29 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The Kia Seltos is a good buy for many drivers, but it isn’t a segment leader.
The Seltos is praised for its handling and roomy interior. Most automotive publications place the Kia Seltos under models like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and Mazda CX-30.
The best Kia Seltos model to buy is the Seltos EX. The Kia Seltos EX comes standard with SynTex seating trim, a sunroof, and a wireless phone charger. It also includes all-wheel drive, a smart key with push-button start and remote start, and heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals.
The 2023 Kia Seltos EX features auto emergency braking technology, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning. It also comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, heated front seats, and rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance technology.
What’s the best subcompact SUV on the market?
Automotive publications can’t decide on the best subcompact SUV. U.S. News & World Report calls the 2022 Hyundai Kona the best subcompact SUV for 2022. The publication also features the Kona on a list of best cars for the money.
Car and Driver calls the CX-30 the best subcompact SUV because of how similar it is to the popular Mazda 3 sedan. Kelley Blue Book lists the Seltos as the best subcompact SUV of 2022 and 2023.
The Subaru Crosstrek has been making noise in its segment as well. The Hyundai Kona is most likely to be the real top dog because of how affordable it is.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $21,990. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The subcompact SUV achieves 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Buyers love the Kona because it’s quirky-looking and fun to drive.
Should you skip the Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is very similar to the popular Hyundai Kona. It has a similar power output and similar fuel economy. The Seltos was first produced back in 2019.
Recent Kia Seltos models have been shaking up the subcompact SUV vehicle segment. The Kona and CX-5 still have the edge over the Seltos in the eyes of many consumers, critics, and experts, but that could change in 2023.
Read more about the Seltos’ cousin and rival, the 2023 Hyundai Kona, in the next article below.
