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The 2021 Kia Seltos is the latest SUV by the Korean carmaker. Surprisingly, the manufacturer brought this subcompact vehicle while everybody was talking about its new Telluride and possible pickup truck. Still, the new Seltos is a pretty important member of the squad, since we see that some upcoming models will find inspiration for a redesign in this mini crossover.
The 2021 Kia Seltos is already available for the purchase. You can build the vehicle at the official site and it offers five trim levels. The unique “First Edition” is not available, but there are still a few cool packages. Plus, there are two levels of power. However, the high-output turbo-four unit is coming only with the S or SX trims. The hybrid unit might appear but after the 2021 season.
The first impressions are positive. The new Seltos will offer excellent power and mileage combination. Safety is pretty high right from the start and AWD is standard for many configurations. On the other hand, the entry-level LX is not worthy of consideration, since it is very poor with equipment. Rear seat and cargo area offer plenty of space, and Kia comes with the best warranty in the market. But, since the crossover is new, the resale value is questionable at this point.
2021 Kia Seltos Two Engines
The base offer for the new Seltos starts with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine. It won’t provide too much fun if you are after a powerful unit. Still, for the subcompact class, 146 hp and 132 lb-ft are slightly above the average. The engine is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox and returns 29/35 mpg. All-wheel drive is optional and comes with significantly lower gas mileage – 27/31 mpg. But, the AWD will offer an IRS, which will improve the handling and durability of this model. Plus, the crossover becomes capable of some off-road adventures.
The optional engine is a 1.6-liter turbo drivetrain with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is available with the two high-end versions and all-wheel drive. It makes Seltos consume more fuel – 25 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 mpg on the open roads. The company mates the engine with a seven-speed DCT gearbox and it doesn’t require premium fuel. The efficiency gets a boost from a start/stop system, which can be annoying for some, and you can switch it off.
Diesel Units Are Available in Other Markets
The new subcompact crossover is also coming out in the rest of the world. That means diesel engines are a part of the lineup. The vehicle is going to use a 1.5 and 1.6 displacements. However, these editions won’t come to the US. There is also a lighter petrol unit – a 1.4-liter displacement with 140 horsepower. Diesel units are capable of delivering 115 and 136 hp.
Five Trim Levels
Let’s try to figure out which 2021 Kia Seltos is the best. The base trim level is LX and it won’t stun you with its offer. Still, the package has its highlights, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability, huge touchscreen display, and 17-inch wheels. A 2.0-liter engine is the only option for the LX and EX models, while the Seltos S is the mid-range offer which also comes with an optional turbo unit. The S package upgrades the base model with many safety equipment which costs extra on the LX. For example, buyers will get emergency braking and lane-keep assistance with LDW, LKA, and LFA. Plus, the interior surfaces are covered by leatherette in combination with a cloth.
The EX is top of the range version with a 2.0-liter powerplant. Everything is at another, higher level. Safety is enhanced with blind-spot monitors, leatherette upholstery is replaced with Sofino leather, and front buckets are getting heating options and power-adjusting systems. The sunroof is another cool upgrade. The SX is boosting the power output and infotainment system. Instead of an 8-inch screen, there is a 10-inch display, while Bose delivers premium audio with more speakers. LED lamps and fog lights are standard. So, definitely this is the best model, but also the most expensive.
2021 Kia Seltos Price
The carmaker made the subcompact crossover available in the Asian market. Initial success is making Kia more ambitious. Best sales are achieved in the homeland and India. Also, Australian buyers found this model very interesting, while the Seltos arrived late in 2019 to the Chinese market. The US edition has debuted and we will see the offer start from $22,000. At the same price, you can find the S package. But, if you are about to upgrade it with a turbocharged engine and AWD, then you must spend $2,500 more, which is not a bad option. The most expensive edition with a petrol engine costs $25,300 before the destination, while turbocharged SX reaches $28,000. Optional features can increase the price by $2,500 for the special sunroof package, ambient lighting, and a few other protective items.
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