2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD Review

There's a New Kid in Town

by Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel

Acronym-crazy folks call the new Kia Seltos a "CUV" and the C stands for "crossover" which I think is a weak and fuzzy term. Let's go with the C standing for "cute" since that was the first word reaction from folks. Kia's reputation for making useful, efficient, and value-driven vehicles with well thought out standard options in their trims will continue to grow with this little cutie.

The upscale SX has a peppy 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 195 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 7-speed automated dual-clutch unit that in this trim includes an all-wheel-drive system and the result is confident handling on diverse surfaces. The 18-inch wheels due their part as well to enhance the handling. The powerplant yields reasonable fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The Seltos interior is not cramped, rather you find unexpected roominess and comfort. The back seat passengers can kick back with its reclining system. And that does not take away the cargo space since you can lower the luggage board to increase room for groceries.

Versatility abounds in seating and cargo adjustments with 26 cubic feet behind the rear seat backs and with everything flattened down, and you get 62.8 cubic feet.

The lengthy 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen provides plenty of connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Navigation, and vehicle controls and menu sets are user-friendly. The ergonomics are fine with a rational use of both touchscreen and buttons and knobs.

Safety features are plentiful with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning & avoidance assist, and blind-spot collision warning & rear avoidance assist. I was amused to see the Driver Attention Warning system pop up on the speedometer suggesting that I "stop for a cup of coffee." So I dutifully asked the Nav to find the nearest Dutch Bros and downed an espresso. I kind of hoped that the system would either congratulate me, but no pat on the back arrived. Maybe in next years version.

This new kid in town is impressive and most worthy of a test drive.