Kia Seltos: Price, Specs, Features & Review
Base MSRP :~ $25,285
The Kia Seltos is a small SUV positioned between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage. It gives buyers a compact footprint, useful cargo space, available all-wheel drive, modern safety features, and more SUV character than a traditional hatchback or compact sedan.
For shoppers who want a practical SUV without moving into larger and more expensive models, the Seltos is one of Kia’s strongest value plays. It competes with the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Trax, Volkswagen Taos, and Nissan Kicks.
8.4 / 10 — WheelPedia Rating
Every vehicle we review is scored on a 1–10 scale based on how well it delivers on performance, comfort, efficiency, value, and real-world usability. These ratings help show where it stands in its segment.
Key Highlights
- Starting Price: $23,790
- Body Type: Small SUV / subcompact crossover
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Standard Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder MPI Atkinson engine
- Standard Horsepower: 147 hp
- Available Engine: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder GDI engine
- Maximum Horsepower: 190 hp
- Transmission: IVT or 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- Best EPA Fuel Economy: Up to 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined with the 2.0L AWD model
- Cargo Capacity: 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 62.8 cubic feet behind the first row
- Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches
- Best For: Small SUV buyers, commuters, young families, city drivers, weekend travelers, and shoppers who want AWD without buying a larger SUV
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Seltos |
| Vehicle Type | Small SUV / subcompact crossover |
| Segment | Subcompact SUV |
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 doors plus liftgate |
| Standard Engine | 2.0L MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder |
| Available Engine | 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp or 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft or 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT or 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gallons |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in. |
| Length | 172.6 in. |
| Width | 70.9 in. |
| Height | 63.6 in. without roof rails / 64.2 in. with roof rails |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 in. |
| Front Legroom | 41.4 in. |
| Rear Legroom | 38.0 in. |
| Cargo Capacity | 26.6 cu. ft. behind second row |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 62.8 cu. ft. behind first row |
| Main Rivals | Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos |
Expert Tip
For most buyers, the Seltos EX is the best balance. It gives you the 2.0L engine, useful comfort upgrades, available AWD, SynTex seating, wireless charging, a power driver’s seat, and a more complete cabin feel than the LX or S trims.
About the Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is Kia’s small SUV for buyers who want crossover practicality in a size that still works well for city driving. It sits below the Sportage and above the Soul in Kia’s lineup, giving shoppers a more traditional SUV shape than the Soul without the larger footprint of the Sportage.
The Seltos has been one of Kia’s more useful small vehicles because it focuses on space. Many subcompact SUVs look rugged but have tight rear seats or small cargo areas. The Seltos does better here, with 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row.
Another reason buyers consider the Seltos is AWD availability. Front-wheel drive is standard on several lower trims, but AWD is optional on LX, S, and EX and standard on SX.
Price & Trims
The 2026 Kia Seltos lineup includes LX, S, EX, and SX trims. Kia lists pricing from $23,790 for the LX FWD to $31,490 for the SX AWD before destination and other charges. Kia lists the destination charge at $1,495.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Engine / Transmission | Drivetrain | Key Features |
| LX FWD | $25,285 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | FWD | Lowest price, 17-inch wheels, core safety features |
| LX AWD | $26,485 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | AWD | Budget AWD pick, better bad-weather traction |
| S FWD | $26,985 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | FWD | Better styling, more safety features, roof rails |
| S AWD | $28,485 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | AWD | Style-focused trim with AWD |
| EX FWD | $27,985 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | FWD | Best value for comfort and features |
| EX AWD | $30,185 | 2.0L MPI / IVT | AWD | Best all-around AWD value |
| SX AWD | $32,985 | 1.6L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Strongest engine, most complete feature set |
The LX FWD is the cheapest Seltos, but most buyers should not stop there unless price is the main priority. It gives you the shape, cargo space, and basic safety package, but it misses some of the features that make the Seltos feel more modern.
The LX AWD is worth considering for buyers who want the lowest-cost AWD Seltos. It is not the most stylish trim, but it gives budget shoppers a practical small SUV with better poor-weather confidence.
The S trim is the better low-cost choice for buyers who care about design and safety. Kia lists LED daytime running lights, LED Star Map signature lighting, roof rails, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning from the S trim.
The EX is the best trim for most buyers. It adds a stronger comfort and cabin package, including SynTex seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless charging, and available sunroof package.
The SX is the most desirable version if your budget allows it. It adds the 1.6L turbo engine, 8-speed automatic, standard AWD, LED projector headlights, smart power liftgate, advanced driver-assistance features, and available ventilated front seats.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy
2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine
Most Kia Seltos trims use a 2.0L Multi-Port Injection Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine. Kia rates this engine at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission.
| Item | Seltos 2.0L |
| Engine | 2.0L MPI Atkinson inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Best Use | Commuting, lower running costs, daily driving |
This engine is built for practical buyers. It is not fast, but it is smooth enough for everyday use and keeps the Seltos more affordable.
The 2.0L engine makes the most sense in LX, S, and EX trims. If you want a small SUV for errands, commuting, family use, and occasional road trips, it does the job without adding turbo complexity or higher fuel cost.
1.6L Turbocharged Engine
The SX trim uses a 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine. Kia rates it at 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
| Item | Seltos SX Turbo |
| Engine | 1.6L turbocharged GDI inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 190 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Best Use | Stronger acceleration, highway passing, premium small-SUV feel |
The turbo engine makes the Seltos feel much more confident. It has better passing power, stronger mid-range torque, and a more natural transmission feel than the IVT in hard acceleration.
The SX is the better choice for drivers who regularly use highways, carry passengers, or want the Seltos to feel less like an economy vehicle. It is also the only trim with the turbo engine in the 2026 U.S. lineup.
Driving Experience
The Kia Seltos is easy to drive and easy to place on the road. Its compact size works well in cities, parking lots, narrow streets, and busy traffic. The driving position is higher than a sedan, which gives buyers the SUV visibility many shoppers want.
The 2.0L engine is calm and predictable. It works well at low speeds and during normal commuting, but it can feel strained when merging quickly or passing at highway speeds. The IVT helps efficiency, but it can make the engine sound busy under hard throttle.
The turbocharged SX feels more confident. Its 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque give the Seltos better response, especially from low and mid-range speeds. The 8-speed automatic also feels more traditional than the IVT, which many drivers will prefer.
Ride comfort is generally good for a small SUV, but the Seltos can feel firm on rough pavement, especially with larger wheels. The SX has a more controlled feel because of its standard multi-link rear suspension, while AWD versions also use a multi-link rear setup. Kia lists front-drive versions with a coupled torsion beam rear suspension and AWD/SX versions with multi-link rear suspension.
The Seltos is not a sporty crossover like a Mazda CX-30 Turbo, and it is not as outdoorsy as a Subaru Crosstrek. Its strength is everyday usefulness. It feels practical, upright, easy to live with, and more spacious than its footprint suggests.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy depends on engine and drivetrain. FuelEconomy.gov lists the 2026 Seltos AWD with the 2.0L engine at 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 1.6L turbo AWD model is rated at 24 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| Seltos 2.0L AWD | 27 | 31 | 29 |
| Seltos 1.6L Turbo AWD | 24 | 27 | 25 |
The 2.0L engine is the better fuel-economy choice. It is the right pick if you want a lower-cost commuter SUV and do not need quick acceleration.
The turbo engine is less efficient, but it gives the Seltos a much stronger driving feel. Buyers who want the SX should accept that the extra power comes with higher fuel use.
If fuel economy is your top priority, compare the Seltos with hybrid rivals or step up to Kia’s hybrid SUV options, depending on your market. The current U.S. Seltos does not offer a hybrid powertrain.
0–60 MPH Acceleration
Tested under real-world driving conditions.
| Version Tested | Estimated 0–60 MPH | Notes |
| Seltos 2.0L FWD | Around 9.0–9.5 seconds | Adequate for commuting |
| Seltos 2.0L AWD | Around 9.7–10.3 seconds | More traction, slower acceleration |
| Seltos SX 1.6L Turbo AWD | Around 8.0–8.6 seconds | Strongest and most confident version |
Kia’s official specification sheet lists 0–100 km/h at 9.3 seconds for the 2.0L FWD version, 10.1 seconds for the 2.0L AWD version, and 8.4 seconds for the 1.6L turbo AWD version.
The 2.0L Seltos is quick enough for normal city driving but not strong enough to feel sporty. The turbocharged SX is the version to buy if highway confidence and acceleration matter.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
The Kia Seltos has one of the more practical cabins in the small SUV class. It feels upright, roomy, and easy to use. The dashboard layout is simple, visibility is good, and the cargo area is more useful than what many subcompact SUVs offer.
Passenger space is a clear strength. Kia lists 41.4 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches of rear legroom. That makes the Seltos practical for adults in both rows, especially compared with smaller city-focused crossovers.
| Interior Measurement | Kia Seltos |
| Front Headroom | 40.0 in. without sunroof |
| Rear Headroom | 38.4 in. |
| Front Legroom | 41.4 in. |
| Rear Legroom | 38.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 in. |
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 26.6 cu. ft. |
| Cargo Behind First Row | 62.8 cu. ft. |
Cargo space is one of the Seltos’ biggest advantages. Kia lists 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.8 cubic feet behind the first row with the dual-level cargo floor in its low position.
The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding layout with two-way recline on all trims. That makes the Seltos more useful for passengers and cargo flexibility.
Interior features depend heavily on trim. The LX keeps things simple with cloth seating and a manual driver’s seat. The S adds cloth and SynTex trim, smart key, and a more stylish cabin. The EX adds SynTex seating, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and wireless charging. The SX adds the richest equipment, including an electrochromic mirror, smart power liftgate, and available ventilated front seats through the SX Sunroof Package.
| Feature | Availability |
| Dual-level cargo floor | Standard |
| 60/40 split-folding rear seat with recline | Standard |
| Heated front seats | Optional on S, standard on EX and SX |
| Ventilated front seats | Available on SX |
| Wireless charging pad | Standard on EX and SX |
| Smart key with push-button start | Standard from S |
| Smart power liftgate | Optional on EX, standard on SX |
| Sunroof | Optional on EX and SX |
| 10.25-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster | Standard on EX and SX |
The EX is the best interior value because it adds the features most buyers notice every day. The SX feels more upscale, but its higher price makes it better for buyers who also want the turbo engine.
Safety Features & Ratings
The Kia Seltos has a strong standard safety package for the class. Kia lists dual front advanced airbags, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front thorax and pelvis airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, tire-pressure monitoring, LATCH anchors, rear-view camera, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Following Assist, and High Beam Assist as standard.
| Safety Feature | Availability |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Lane Following Assist | Standard |
| Driver Attention Warning | Standard |
| High Beam Assist | Standard |
| Rear Occupant Alert | Standard |
| Rear-view camera | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning | Standard from S |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist | Standard from S |
| Safe Exit Warning | Standard from S |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Standard on SX |
| Highway Driving Assist | Standard on SX |
| Forward Collision Avoidance with Junction Turning | Standard on SX |
IIHS ratings are mixed but useful. The 2026 Seltos has Good driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front ratings that apply to 2021–2026 models. IIHS says the Seltos was introduced for the 2021 model year and is based on the same platform as the Kia Soul.
The updated side test is weaker. IIHS lists the updated side test as Marginal overall for 2024–2026 Seltos models, with a Marginal structure rating and Poor driver pelvis injury measure.
For official crash-test ratings and safety evaluations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Excellent cargo space for a small SUV
- Available all-wheel drive across most trims
- Turbo engine gives the SX real punch
- Practical rear-seat space
- Good standard safety equipment
What We Don’t Like
- Standard engine is only adequate
- Turbo fuel economy is not great
- Ride can feel firm
- Best features are concentrated on SX
- Updated IIHS side rating is only Marginal
Should You Buy the Kia Seltos?
You should buy the Kia Seltos if you want a small SUV with good cargo space, available AWD, a practical rear seat, strong standard safety features, and a price that stays below many larger compact SUVs.
The best trim for most buyers is the EX. It gives you the comfort features people use every day while keeping the efficient 2.0L engine. Choose the EX AWD if you want the best all-around version for mixed weather and daily family use.
The S trim is the best budget-friendly choice. It adds important safety and style upgrades without moving too high in price.
The SX is the right choice if you want the best engine and the most complete feature set. It is the most enjoyable Seltos to drive, but it costs more and uses more fuel.
You should skip the Seltos if you want hybrid-level fuel economy, the softest ride, or the strongest crash-test results in every IIHS category. In that case, compare it with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, or Kia Sportage Hybrid.
FAQs
How much does the Kia Seltos cost?
The 2026 Kia Seltos starts at $23,790 for the LX FWD and reaches $31,490 for the SX AWD before destination, options, taxes, and dealer fees. Kia lists the destination charge at $1,495.
Which Kia Seltos trim is best?
The EX is the best trim for most buyers because it offers a strong mix of comfort, features, value, and available AWD. The SX is best if you want the turbo engine.
Is the Kia Seltos a small SUV?
Yes. The Kia Seltos is a small SUV, often grouped with subcompact crossovers. It sits below the Kia Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup.
Does the Kia Seltos have all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD is optional on LX, S, and EX trims, and standard on the SX trim.
What engine does the Kia Seltos have?
The Seltos has a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 147 hp and an available 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 hp on the SX trim.
Is the Kia Seltos fuel efficient?
The 2.0L AWD Seltos is rated at 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 1.6L turbo AWD model is rated at 24 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Is the Kia Seltos good for families?
Yes, the Seltos can work well for small families. It has five seats, 38.0 inches of rear legroom, and 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Kia Soul?
The Seltos has a more SUV-like shape and available AWD, while the Soul is more of a boxy hatchback-style crossover. The better choice depends on whether you want AWD and a more traditional SUV look.
Is the Kia Seltos better than the Hyundai Kona?
The Seltos is usually better for cargo space and rear-seat practicality. The Kona may appeal more to buyers who want sharper styling or a smaller urban crossover feel.
Is the Kia Seltos better than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Seltos offers stronger turbo performance in SX trim and a more youthful cabin feel. The Corolla Cross has a strong reputation and available hybrid efficiency, which the current U.S. Seltos does not offer.
Is the Kia Seltos safe?
The Seltos has many standard safety features and Good IIHS small-overlap front ratings, but its updated IIHS side-test rating is Marginal for 2024–2026 models. Buyers should review current NHTSA and IIHS ratings before purchase.
Should I buy the Kia Seltos SX?
Buy the Seltos SX if you want the turbo engine, standard AWD, stronger tech, and the most complete feature package. Skip it if fuel economy and price matter more than performance.
Summary
Overall, the Kia Seltos is a smart small SUV for buyers who want SUV practicality without moving into a larger or more expensive model. Choose the S for budget value, the EX for the best daily balance, and the SX if you want the strongest and most feature-rich Seltos.