The 2021 Kia Seltos S Turbo AWD is an ideally sized and rugged SUV.
2021 Kia Seltos S Turbo AWD OVERVIEW
Kia has added yet another dimension to their already diverse SUV lineup. It’s the all-new 2121 Kia Seltos It’s not the smallest SUV in the lineup, nor is it the largest the large. It falls in between the popular Kia Soul and Sportage models and is a five-door, five-passenger small SUV or crossover. The inspiration for the name comes from Greek mythology according to a Kia spokesperson – Celtos, was supposedly a son of Hercules and Kia changing the “C” to an “S”, suggestive of speed to tie in with Soul and Sportage.
A VARIETY OF CHOICES – 6 Trim Levels
The Kia Seltos comes in six levels of trim, with two engine choices, two transmission choices, and a choice between FWD and AWD, all depending upon the trim level chosen. The all-new Seltos is based closely on the Soul platform, has a great deal to offer, promising to be a serious contender in what is one of the fastest-growing industry segments.
The trim levels are as follows: LX 2.0L AWD, S 2.0L FWD, S. 2.0L AWD, EX 2.0L AWD, S 1.6T AWD and SX 1.6T AWD. The 2.0-liter engines are naturally aspirated in-line 1,999 cc four-cylinders that generate 146 horsepower at 6,200 rpm along with 132-pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 1.6-liter 1,591 cc four-cylinder models are turbocharged with gasoline direct injected engines (GDI) that produce 175 horses at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.
Pricing starts at $21,990 plus destination for the LX AWD and S FWD and rises to $29,010 for the SX trim.
The Seltos’s EX trim is representative of the best value, while the SX model comes loaded with virtually everything; The EX is well equipped but considerably cheaper. All-wheel drive elevates the price of all four versions.
BOLD ALLURING EXTERIOR STYLE
The design theme is really quite similar to the Kia Telluride, although it is more than a miniature version of its full-size sibling, but blending related sophisticated details. Its stance is tall and upright. The tall front end and 7.2-inch ground clearance equate to a serious attitude with an adventurous spirit.
Kia’s familiar tiger-nose grille and aggressive persona leads off with a diamond-like theme. Sculpted surfaces and well-executed lines lead to a distinctive profile that’s highlighted by a chrome beltline (available on S, EX and SX) that blends into the D-pillar for an aerodynamic effect. An optional two-tone roof gives Seltos an added appeal.
Other key design features include a long wheelbase and hood, grille and headlamp design with full LED “Beat” pulsed lighting, a lower front bumper design that serves up a sharper approach angle for off-road sojourns, front and rear skid plates and black wheel arch cladding, Sleek and tapering greenhouse, red wheel center caps, tailgate garnish connecting rear lamps, sculpted dual exhaust outlets connected by chrome trim, and stylish 17-, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Seltos COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Accommodations boast of both spaciousness and versatility. The seating for five is comfortable as well as supportive. The cabin offers noticeably more space for passengers and cargo than found in the Kia Kona and the materials used throughout the cabin are on a par with the Telluride SUV. As in the Soul, interior ambient lighting is standard on the upscale SX trim level and can be set to pulse along with the beat of the music. Cargo space is adequate for a substantial amount of gear.
2021 Kia Seltos INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
In terms of Infotainment and Connectivity, every Seltos model provides a touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but there’s an optionally available 10.3-inch unit that comes with navigation and the ability to split the screen display for viewing the map and directions simultaneously, while making entertainment changes is the one to get. It offers navigation and the capability to split the screen so you can view the map and directions at the same time you’re making changes to the radio station.
The Seltos SX may also be equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad, up to three USB ports, a head-up display, and a 7.0-inch color display in the gauge cluster. A Bose audio system with eight-speakers is another option featuring fractal-textured speaker grilles. Seltos is equipped with the UVO Link telematics system introducing a number of innovative vehicle features.
SAFETY IS KEY
Kia offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features on the Seltos, as an option. Key safety features include available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection; available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; and available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
The Seltos AS TESTED
During the National Press launch, I tested a 2021 Kia Seltos that came in the top-level SX trim powered by the 1.6- liter turbocharged four-banger with Gasoline Direct Injection mated to the seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. The exterior body paint finish was Starbright Yellow metallic capped by a black top, while the interior was executed in Black with seating in a combination of Premium Sofino Leatherette and cloth. The base sticker was set at $27,890., while the paint scheme, carpeted floor mats, and inland freight and handling elevated the final count and amount to $29,485. A bargain considering the standard content level. The only options were: the two-tone paint treatment and carpeted floor mats.
Later, on my home turf, I was able to experience seat and wheel time in an S Trim level model with an exterior finish of Neptune Blue metallic with a Black interior. It came with fewer features and equipment than the earlier SX version and was base-priced at $25,490., with a final price tag of $26,740., after factoring in the carpeted floor mats and inland freight and handling fee.
2021 Kia Seltos S Turbo AWD PERFORMANCE
The all-new Kia Seltos performs admirably on all levels. First of all, it is visually appealing; next, it is exceptionally comfortable and versatile. While the base 2.0-liter engine connects to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in our test vehicles came with a seven-speed DCT automatic and AWD. The Seltos ride quality was firm but smooth and the handling characteristics delivered exceptional agility for an SUV. The DCT transmission, while preferable to a CVT for most drivers, delivered an acceptable but not really well-defined gear change transition at lower speeds.
OUR CONCLUSION
Essentially, there is nothing about the 2021 Kia Seltos S AWD to find fault with. It is a totally desirable small SUV that is superior to many of its competitors in every way. Unfortunately, it came with no Nav system.
Kia’s warranty continues to be the best in the industry offering a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage on its models matched only by SUVs from its sister company Hyundai.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2021 Kia Seltos S Turbo AWD
Base Price: $25,490.
Price as Tested: $26,740.
Engine Type and Size: 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI inline 1591 cc four-cylinder engine.
Horsepower (bhp): 175 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 195 @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed DCT automatic
Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / AWD with torque vectoring.
Suspension: Front – MacPherson Strut with gas shock absorbers.
Rear – Multilink with gas shock absorbers.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS and DAW.
Tires: Kumho Majesty 235/45 R 18 mounted on 5-grooved “Y”-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length Overall: 172.0 inches
Width: 70.9 inches
Height: 63.6 inches–W/O roof rails/64.2” with.
Curb Weight: 3,317 lbs.
Turning Circle: 34.8 ft.
Approach Angle: 28.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 28.0 degrees
Min Ground Clearance: 7.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 25 mpg city /30-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
