The 2021 Kia Seltos SX pairs style with substance

Joel Feder , September 2, 2020, thecarconection.com

Kia’s on a roll. The Korean automaker can’t build the Telluride three-row SUV fast enough, and now its pint-sized Seltos crossover brings some slick European design to a usually utilitarian segment.

The 2021 Kia Seltos small crossover SUV fills a void between the subcompact Niro and the popular Soul. Count the Soul as its competition as well as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek.

With a TCC Rating of 5.8 out of 10 the 2021 Kia Seltos wins us over with distinct style, a good value, and great packaging.. But it’s loud on the highway, the upgraded stereo is atrocious, and the transmission doesn’t like certain situations.

Here’s what I learned after a week with the Kia Seltos getting groceries, running errands, and taking a road trip with the family.
 

Kia did it again

The Telluride is a sharp ride, but it looks as if it hails from America (which it does) while the Seltos could hail from Europe with crisp creases on the hood, sharp LED headlights, and chrome trim spanning the taillights. My tester’s 18-inch alloy wheels had center caps that almost gave the appearance of center-lock wheels like a supercar.

Great packaging

Honda has long been the king of packaging, but South Korea’s Hyundai and Kia brands are really hitting their stride. The Seltos can comfortably haul a family of four and their cargo for a weekend up north at the lake with the ability to swallow 26.6 cubic feet of gear, and there are creative little slots to insert the rear seat belts into when not in use so they can’t move around. That’s nifty.

Infotainment done right

Kia could show some competitors a thing or two on how to design an infotainment system. My tester’s 8.0-inch touchscreen featured an easy-to-use interface along with real buttons and knobs for quick functions such as moving from the radio to climate control pages. It’s quick, responsive, and attractive.

Comfortable

Regardless of where you sit in the Seltos it’s a comfortable experience. The front seats are wide and supportive, though my tester’s synthetic leather won’t be fooling anyone. The rear bench seat has good leg and toe room. Headroom isn’t an issue, and the rear seatback reclines for added comfort. That is rare in this segment.

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