Motor Trend - USA (2020-05)

SPECS 2021 Kia Seltos

Base Price $23,110 Vehicle Layout Front-

engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV

Engines 2.0L/146-hp/132-lb-ft DOHC

16-valve I-4; 1.6L/175-hp/195-lb-ft turbo

DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmissions Cont

variable auto/7-speed twin-clutch auto

Curb Weight 3,300 lb (mfr) Wheelbase

103.5 in L x W x H 172.0 x 70.9 x 63.6 in

0-60 MPH 6.5-8.5 sec (MT est) EPA City/

Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 25-27/30-31/27-

mpg (est) On Sale in U.S. Currently

T

he 2021 Seltos represents the fifth

member of Kia’s SUV family and will

slot between the Soul and Sportage.

It offers a more conventional crossover

design than the Soul, but it stays on the

larger end of the subcompact SUV range.

Familiar engines are employed: a

2.0-liter four-cylinder with 146 hp and 132

lb-ft of torque and a 1.6-liter turbo that’s

good for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. The natu-

rally aspirated engine is coupled to a CVT;

the turbo gets a seven-speed dual-clutch.

What’s odd is the structure of the trims,

as there are two base models—one with

less equipment and standard all-wheel

drive and another with more features and

front-drive, but both can be upgraded.

The first thing I noticed is how well the

steering was weighted on the SX 1.6-liter

turbo. There’s such responsive feedback

and balance that the Seltos can challenge

Mazda for the best-handling small SUV

title. Unfortunately, only the 1.6-liter has

that steering feeling. We had a chance to

drive the base 2.0-liter and didn’t notice

the same kind of balance, feedback, or

weight that we saw on the SX 1.6.

The Seltos keeps body vibrations to a

minimum. AWD adds independent rear

suspension, and we saw exceptional body

control on the twisty parts of our drive

route, keeping us planted at all times.

(FWD models come with a torsion beam.)

I prefer the 2.0-liter for its balance, but

the 1.6-liter feels far quicker. The CVT

on the base engine is quiet and refined,

whereas the seven-speed with the 1.

turbo is jerky at low speeds.

Regardless of engine or trim, you’ll

hear some wind noise at high speeds, but

tire noise is minimal. Most folks will drive

the Seltos on pavement most of the time,

but the AWD system includes a center

locking differential that can split the

power equally between the front and rear

axles for better off-asphalt traction.

Inside, the Seltos is spacious for a

vehicle of its size. With the driver’s seat

adjusted to my 6-foot frame, there’s still

enough legroom in back. The rear seat

backs also recline and can fold flat. The

cargo floor can be lowered about 3 inches.

The 10.3-inch screen looks premium

for an entry-level SUV, though it’s only

for the top-trim SX. Other trims get an

8.0-inch screen with Apple CarPlay,

Android Auto, and SiriusXM. All Seltos

models arrive with at least two USB

ports; EX and SX trims add another USB

port, air vents for rear passengers, and

a one-zone automatic climate control

system. A slew of active safety systems

are available.

Kia is pricing the Seltos at $23,110 for

the LX AWD and S FWD base models.

Miguel Cortina

2021 Kia Seltos FIRST^ DRIVE

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