Yahoo Autos 2023 Kia Seltos Review: Side effects include great tech, good looks
Pros: Loads of space; great technology; exuberant acceleration with turbo engine; clever design throughout; strong safety ratings
Cons: Weak base engine with unusual transmission; plenty of hard plastics
Kia Seltos may sound like a prescription drug advertised during Jeopardy! that may cause 3 minutes worth of side effects, but in actuality, it’s a terrific little SUV that’s equal parts sensible and stylish. As a member of the growing midcompact SUV segment, and one of the best available, the 2023 Kia Seltos slots in between smaller and cheaper subcompact models (like Kia’s Soul), and bigger, pricier compact ones (like Kia’s enlarged Sportage). You’d think that might slice the pie too thin, but thanks to smart interior packaging and ample feature content, the Seltos should be the right size and offer more than enough equipment for a price tag that stays well below $30,000.
Now, there are numerous hard plastics throughout the interior that betray its price (especially compared to the new, similarly priced Honda HR-V), but an abundance of interesting design elements and a large central touchscreen help draw the eye away from them. The base engine is also a bit of a sad trombone, but the available turbo delivers truly surprising acceleration that rivals SUVs that can cost $10,000 more. Basically, there’s not much to complain about. The Seltos may not sound like a car you’d boast about buying to your friends, but you totally could.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2023?
The S trim levels gain blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, leaving the LX AWD as the only trim without it. Otherwise, the Seltos carries over into 2023 unchanged.
What are the Seltos interior and in-car technology like?
If there's one area where the Seltos betrays its relatively low price, it's the quality of its interior materials. The door sills, dash tops, center console and cargo area are all hard plastic – there's far more throughout than you'll find in the new Honda HR-V and Kia’s bigger and pricier Sportage. To be fair, this isn’t unusual for the segment and Kia's designers cleverly made up for its accountants' dictates by elevating several key areas with upgraded materials and distinctive design elements. The 3D geometric pattern of the speaker grilles, the metal-look passenger grab handle, the sleek silver trim piece surrounding the air vents and starter button, and optional upgrades that include handsome heather-gray upholstery and the dash trim that can be glossy black, bright blue or stitched faux leather.
There's also plenty of user-friendly technology. Standard on the Seltos LX is an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen packing standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while every other trim gets access to the same 10.25-inch touchscreen as pricier Kias, which enhances functionality with its widescreen layout (it’s a $400 option on the S, standard on everything else). We also like the two-tiered storage solution intended for smartphones: the smaller tray above meant to grip and store a phone (it's also a wireless charger in upper trims) and the deeper bin below with two USB ports that can store another phone or whatever you want.
So while Kia pinched pennies in certain areas, it ends up with a net positive by delivering in areas that ultimately matter more.
How big is the Seltos?
The Seltos is one of a growing number of what we call midcompact SUVs. On the outside, it's 4 inches shorter in length than Kia's Sportage, which is itself one of the smallest SUVs in its segment. Yet, the Seltos is between 2 and 8 inches longer than various subcompact SUVs.
What really matters, though, is the amount of space you get inside, and the Seltos manages to make the most out of its modest footprint. Its boxier roofline helps in this regard, granting plenty of headroom throughout with an airier overall feeling. Many small crossovers can feel claustrophobic, especially for rear passengers, and have poor rearward visibility. The Seltos is better. The eight-way power driver seat found in the EX and SX trim levels provide an abundance of adjustability and space, while the rear seatbacks recline to an extra-comfy angle. Rear legroom is also sufficient for four adults of above-average height.
Cargo space is very good. There's a generous 26.6 cubic feet back there, which allowed us to secure five suitcases with room to spare. While not best in its midcompact class (the Ford Bronco Sport and VW Taos are bigger), it’s right up there. Its maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cubic feet is generous as well and speaks to its boxier dimensions that should make hauling bulkier items easier.
What are the Seltos fuel economy and performance specs?
The Seltos is available with two engines, which are tied to trim level.
