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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2023 Kia Seltos: A Well-Rounded Crossover
What do our experts think of the 2023 Kia Seltos? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Kia Seltos – kia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Seltos on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Kia Seltos?
Kia has added a few more perks to Seltos ownership for 2023. That includes acoustic glass windshields to the entire lineup and more standard safety technology like rear cross-traffic alert to the S trim. Finally, those who do go for the S trim can also add a 10.3-inch infotainment system.
The Breakdown
Excellent infotainment system
Standard advanced driver aids
Unbeatable warranty
Unrefined suspension
Weak base powertrain
Limited seat cushioning
Could use a hybrid
2023 Seltos Specs
- 146 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 26.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 62.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Standard auto emergency braking
- 5-year limited warranty
2023 Kia Seltos Powertrain
Kia offers the Seltos with two distinctly different powertrains. The first is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It sends that power through a continuously variable transmission. Every trim comes standard with AWD except the S where it’s a $1,500 option that also adds heated seats and torque vectoring. As a complete package, it’s an uninspiring but decent combination. Think of it as a silent partner and not as an active participant.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged mill in the Nightfall and SX trims is decidedly more punchy. It develops 175 horsepower and uses a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. From a stop it takes just a moment to get going but once the turbo is spooled up it’s a quick little crossover. The transmission is quick to respond to inputs as well and we really enjoy how communicative the steering wheel and pedals are about what’s going on at the road surface.
If there’s anything to gripe about it’s the fact that the suspension in the Seltos isn’t really up for any sort of passionate driving. Unlike its Hyundai cousin the Kona, the Seltos doesn’t seem to have the same suspension refinements which result in a jarring ride at times and a lack of poise in others.
2023 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy & MPG
According to the EPA, the Seltos gets at best 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. You’ll need the FWD S trim to get that though. When the 2.0-liter engine is paired to an AWD drivetrain those figures drop to 27 and 31 respectively. Still, the turbo engine suffers most with figures of 25 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The Seltos features a cabin that’s got a little bit of new and a little bit of old. The gear knob for instance isn’t groundbreaking but the dash and steering wheel are attractively modern in their design. We’ve praised the switchgear in modern Kia products before and this crossover is no different. Operating the controls here provides satisfying feedback that’s above the experience one might get in a Chevrolet Trailblazer for instance.
As far as downsides go, the seating the in Seltos could be more supportive and comfortable. It’s cushy enough for most everyday travel but we found its adjustments a bit more limited than we’d like for long-distance journeys.
Nevertheless, a family of five can fit without hassle and there’s enough cargo space behind the rear seats for everybody’s gear too. The rear seats fold flat and then the cabin provides more than 62 cubic feet worth of cargo area. That’s well above average for the class.
Entertainment & Technology
Kia offers an excellent package on every Seltos. The base car comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with six speakers and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The S trim has access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen which is standard on all other trims. Regardless of which size you get, we think it’s a winner. The graphics are bright, the menus make sense, and the addition of smartphone connectivity is obviously excellent. Those who pony up for the top of the line SX trim will also get a premium eight-speaker Bose sound system. Standard safety tech is an excellent addition as well.
Safety Features
Standard advanced driver assistance systems include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear occupant alert, and automatic high beams. Lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warning are all available as well. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Seltos a four-star crash test rating and the IIHS gave the crossover a Top Safety Pick award.
2023 Kia Seltos Trims & Pricing
LX – $24,135
The base Seltos gets all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, a USB port, automatic headlights, and an 8-inch infotainment system. As mentioned above it comes with a 2.0-liter engine and a bevy of ADAS technology.
S – $24,185
This trim sticks with FWD but adds a lot of content like roof rails, heated mirrors, optional two-tone paint, fog lights, LED running lights, cloth and simulated leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a rear center armrest.
EX – $27,435
Bump up to the EX and you’ll get AWD again along with heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a sunroof, faux leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and blind-spot monitoring.
Nightfall Edition – $28,335
The Nightfall edition is the first to get the turbo engine but also adds 18-inch wheels and dark trim and wheels.
SX – $29,635
The ultimate Seltos gets LED headlights, a cargo cover, adaptive cruise control, a sport steering wheel, a Bose sound system, and an upgraded driver information display.
Warranties
Every Seltos comes with an outstanding 5-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Only Hyundai’s Kona beats the Seltos in this segment and it does so by offering three years or 36,000-miles worth of complimentary maintenance.
What We Think
2023 Kia Seltos – kia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Seltos on Carsforsale.com
The Seltos is a great value for those who don’t care too much about enthusiastic driving. Beyond that one gap in its presentation, it’s a very well-rounded crossover with excellent materials, great features, and above average cabin space. Sure, other vehicles in the segment can offer a little more in terms of driving prowess or creature comforts but the Seltos is worth consideration for anyone in this market.
