2021 Kia Seltos

There is no doubt that this sleek and stylish new crossover SUV is one of the most stylish vehicles available. It has a solid, smooth drive, with enough power to get you where you want to go in style. With cutting-edge technology and a comfortable interior, it offers you the best in luxury accommodations. A Kia Seltos is a vehicle that offers the right mix of style, comfort, and convenience. It faces stiff competition from Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Chevrolet Trax. 

A total of five trim levels are offered by Kia Seltos for the 2021 model year, namely LX, S, EX, S Turbo, and SX. The least expensive 2021 Seltos start at just $21,990 MSRP while the top-of-the-line SX Turbo is exactly $27,900. LX, S, and EX trims feature naturally aspirated inline-4 engines, while the S Turbo and SX Turbo trims feature turbocharged inline-4 engines. With regard to driving, all the trims come standard with an All-Wheel Drivetrain. Owners of the S models can choose between an AWD or FWD option.

Among the features of the 2021 Seltos LX are an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, and keyless entry. Additionally, a pricier S trim has more safety features than an LX trim, so trims with S or higher features are more desirable. In addition to this, the S also comes with roof rails, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights, plus an armrest for the center console that slides aft and forward, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. On the SX trim level, you get an immersive Bose audio system with 8 speakers and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Which trim should you buy? 

With a satisfying array of standard features across its entire lineup, the 2021 Kia Seltos is a better value in the crossover SUV segment. With more features than any other trim and a powerful turbocharged engine, the SX trim offers a complete and efficient SUV experience, so we recommend it though it is on the expensive side. 

With the Kia Seltos of 2021, you have the opportunity to choose between two efficient powertrains. With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the LX, S, and EX models are capable of making 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine is capable of cruising around town, but struggles when going up to higher speeds. Power is evenly distributed to all four wheels when equipped with the standard AWD, with a FWD option available on the S trim. 

For those who choose to upgrade to the S Turbo and SX Turbo, you can enjoy the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. An automatic transmission with seven gears pairs with this engine.It takes the 2021 Kia Seltos 10.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph and 17.5 seconds to complete the quarter mile. In contrast, the top of the line is capable of 0-60 in just 8.1 seconds with the help of the available turbocharger. 

Competitively, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is the only car that can match the performance offered by the 2021 Kia Seltos. In the same vein as the Seltos, the Chevy Trax also comes with a turbocharged engine that produces only 138 horsepower.

How well does the 2021 Kia Seltos handle?

The Seltos' handling is not particularly impressive, and the road feedback is minimal, so its dull. This limited-wheelbase SUV is punchy once it gets rolling, though it accelerates slower from a stop. Changing gears is smooth and quick. But once you end up in bends, the Seltos is less impressive. Despite the solid steering and tight suspension tuning, the Seltos displays a large amount of nose-heavy and unsuitable grip when driven enthusiastically. However, drivers of the Seltos with turbos will enjoy a sporty driving experience. In the AWD Seltos, the rear is handled better by an independent suspension, since torsion beams are replaced with springs.

2021 Kia Seltos Braking Performance

A ventilated disc brake is standard on all trim levels of the Kia Seltos. It is paired with a solid disc brake system at the rear. All trims come with 12-inch antilock brake rotors in the front and 11.2-inch ones in the rear. This allows the 2021 Kia Seltos to stop from a speed of 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

As far as braking goes, the Kia Seltos ranks best in the field. While the Honda HR-V weighs more than the Hyundai Kona, they perform similarly. In comparison with other cars, the Chevrolet Trax takes longer to stop.

In the subcompact SUV class, the 2021 Kia Seltos ranks among the best with regard to fuel economy. The Seltos returns 29 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the combined drive with the base engine and front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive reduces fuel economy and highway mileage estimates to 27 mpg and 31 mpg, respectively. With the turbo engine, drivers can expect 25/30 mpg in the city and on the highway.

There isn't much that separates the Honda HR-V and the Seltos in terms of its mpg figures. In typical conditions, the Kona has slightly better highway economy than the Seltos. Despite having the largest fuel tank, the Chevrolet Trax doesn't fare well when it comes to MPG.

As part of the company's forward-looking design language, the 2021 Kia Seltos offers an elegant, contemporary cabin that offers comfort and practicality for everyday driving. A push-button start and a dual-zone automatic climate control system keep things comfortable inside the Kia Seltos. While you enjoy heated front and rear seats, you can keep your hands warm with the heated steering wheel. Three rich interior hues are available in addition to the five exterior colors. It is equipped with modern materials that surpass expectations.

Although it is classified as a subcompact SUV, its interior is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers very comfortably. The cargo hold of this Kia is the largest in the subcompact SUV class, even beating some compact SUVs. Behind the rear seats, you get 26.6 cubic feet of storage space, and when required those rear seats fold flat for 62.8 cubic feet of storage space behind them. 

On balance, you can see that the 2021 Kia Seltos offers the most space in both the first and rear rows. The Honda HR-V is the only other vehicle that offers cabin and cargo space comparable to that of the Seltos. 

Standard interior features of the 2021 Kia Seltos include:

• 3.5-inch/7-inch Supervision Meter Instrument Cluster
• 10-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat
• Heated Front Seats
• Automatic climate control
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Tilt and Telescopic adjustment
• Power Windows w/ Driver One-Touch Auto-Down
• Chrome Inside Door Handles
• Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start, Remote Start
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• LED Interior Lighting
• Leather-Wrapped Gearshift Knob
• Front and Rear USB Charging Port
• 12-Volt Power Outlets

How intuitive is the 2021 Kia Seltos Infotainment System?

2021 Kia Seltos infotainment and entertainment system is a game changer. Everything you need for a top-tier driving experience is included in this vehicle. The 2021 Kia Seltos' infotainment and entertainment system boasts a large 8-inch touch screen, easy-to-use interface, compact size, and broad compatibility with other devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available for easy integration of smartphone services such as music, navigation, and communication. Hands-free calling is available with Bluetooth as standard. Bose premium sound system with eight speakers and 10.25-inch touch screen is also available. 

All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

• 8-inch Touchscreen
• Bluetooth Calling and Music Playback 
• Voice Recognition Compatibility 
• Apple Carplay & Android Auto Compatibility
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• USB Audio Input
• Available 10.25-inch Touchscreen
• Available 8-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Symbolizing the bold, refined, and confident attitude of this new model is the exterior of the 2021 Kia Seltos. The roof's sculpted lines and dramatic wraparound roofline create a dynamic silhouette. Modern design details are incorporated in this car, like its triple-angle grille and windshield surround. Combined, these attributes create an eye-catching shape that makes the Seltos stand out among other vehicles. 

The Seltos features Kia's signature tiger nose grille, which projects a sleek and powerful presence. The beautifully styled LEDs provide additional illumination and make your vehicle more visible to drivers around you. On the design front, we see elements and aesthetics similar to Land Rovers. Those 18-inch wheeled alloys are fully displayed and draw attention to themselves. It is undeniable that Kia did a commendable job in its styling department.

With a curb weight range of 2,948 to 3,317 pounds, the Kia Seltos is lighter than most of its competitors. In all regards, the 2021 Kona is much smaller even though it shares the same platform as the Seltos. As far as dimensions go, the Honda HR-V continues to be the closest competitor.

Some standout exterior features of the Kia Seltos include:

• 17/18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Projector Beam LED headlights
• LED DRLs
• LED Taillights
• Power-Adjustable Outside Mirrors
• Heated ORVMs with turn indicators
• Roof rails
• Front fog lights
• Shark-fin antenna

As reported by NHTSA, the 2021 Kia Seltos received four stars out of five on its overall safety score while IIHS gave the car Good ratings across all six crash test categories. For the 2021 Seltos, Kia has included a number of advanced active and passive safety features to make it one of the most safe subcompact SUVs on the market. All the safety and driver-assistance features are mentioned below: 

Standard and available safety features include:

• Smart cruise control
• Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist
• Driver Attention Warning 
• High Beam Assist 
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Lane Keeping Assist 
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear 
• Rear Occupant Alert 
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Speed limit recognition
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind spot monitoring
• Automatic emergency braking

2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Hyundai Kona

Choosing a subcompact SUV model from the glut of options available can be challenging, as the Hyundai Kona is a worthy competitor. The two subcompact SUVs that make this list definitely excel in several key purchasing factors. Both the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos will not let you down. When you compare performance, safety, and price, the 2021 Hyundai Kona has the edge. The Kia Seltos is the right pick if comfort, luxury, and looks are your priorities. 

2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Kia Seltos is a bigger car in comparison to the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. Although the 2021 Kia Seltos comes with a base MSRP of $21,990, it is slightly more expensive than the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. Its interior and cargo capacity are certainly larger and it has far superior performance compared to the 2021 Chevy Trax, not to mention impressive acceleration figures and excellent gas mileage. Additionally, it gets much more standard interior and safety features.

2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Honda HR-V

Honda's HR-V has been a popular contender in the compact SUV segment for several years now, offering practicality to customers. Kia's recent entry, the Seltos, supersedes the HR-V on all fronts except handling and acceleration. After all, Honda's handling and acceleration are known for being agile even through the toughest terrain. 

The 2021 Kia Seltos might be your best bet if you're looking for a midsize that's as stable as it is comfortable. As with the Kia brand itself, this vehicle strikes the right balance between price, capability, and design. However, there are few performance shortcomings with the Seltos that might tempt you to experiment with the Honda HR-V. With the Kia Seltos, however, you have the possibility of enjoying a comfortable city commute.