The 2021 Kia Seltos is one of the best subcompact SUVs with better fuel economy than most of its competitors of the same segment. Two engines are offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder as is either front or all wheel drive. It comes with both a manual and automatic transmission. According to the EPA, The Seltos gets fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the base engine and front-wheel drive. When you drive all-wheel drive, you’ll get mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 1.6-liter turbo-four, which comes standard with AWD, is rated at 25/30 mpg.
The Kia Seltos is packed with excellent features, including better fuel economy. It competes in one of the most fiercely contested classes around with a top alternative that includes the Subaru Crosstrek. The Seltos has a higher mileage of 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, whereas the Crosstrek returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Adding the manual transmission drops fuel economy to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Models with the larger flat-four engine and the CVT get 27/34 mpg city/highway.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a bold, sleek, feature-packed vehicle with a number of market firsts. Overall, it makes a compelling case for itself as a serious competitor in the compact SUV segment. Kia Seltos models come with a 2.0-liter gas engine or a 1.6-liter gas engine, both of which produce up to 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available on the 2021 Kia Seltos. The Creta SUV is loaded with features, provides numerous drivetrains and technological advancements, and sets new standards in terms of equipment and performance according to its trims.
The latest Seltos cars are available in five different variants: LX, S, EX, S Turbo, SX Turbo. The Seltos has its price range starting from $21,990 to $27,990. All -wheel drive is standard in all the trims, and Front -wheel drive is only available with Seltos S as AWD is also an option for it. As on May 15, The Seltos LX and Seltos S come with the same price of $21,990 which can be considered as the base trim levels. And talking about the upper level trims, the Seltos EX comes with the price of $25,390, Seltos S Turbo at $25,590 and SX Turbo at the price of $27,990. Even though the price range is less than that of other SUVs, The KIA Seltos also provides the best fuel economy as well as the features.
Specifications & features of Kia Seltos
The all-new Kia Seltos for 2021 is the most versatile or athletic subcompact SUV on the market, and does have a large cargo hold, comfortable seating, and a high-quality interior. It comes with several segment first offerings with a range of smart and connected features. Two four-cylinder engines are available in the Kia Seltos for 2021. A 2.0-liter engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque is available in the LX, S, and EX trim levels. This engine is only available with Kia’s in-house CVT automatic transmission. A turbocharged1.6-liter engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is standard on the SX grade and optional on the S trim. The Kia Seltos comes with an air purifier, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, UVO connects, an 8-inch screen, and ambient lighting. It also has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a sunroof, and a 7-inch multi-function panel. The 2021 Seltos is one of the best subcompact SUVs for small families considering these features and an elegant look.
Fuel Economy:
| Kia Seltos variants | FWD (mpg in city/highway) | AWD (mpg in city/highway) |
|---|---|---|
| LX | – | 27/31 |
| S | 29/34 | 27/31 |
| EX | – | 27/31 |
| S Turbo | – | 25/30 |
| SX Turbo | – | 25/30 |
Specifications:
| Specs: | LX | S | EX | S Turbo | SX Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1-speed direct-drive Continuously variable-speed automatic | 1-speed direct-drive Continuously variable-speed automatic | 1-speed direct-drive Continuously variable-speed automatic | 7-speed Automated manual | 7-speed Automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD/AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Engine | 2.0 Liter, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, In-line 4-cylinder | 2.0 Liter, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, In-line 4-cylinder | 2.0 Liter, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, In-line 4-cylinder | 1.6 Liter, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, In-line 4-cylinder w/Turbocharger | 1.6 Liter, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, In-line 4-cylinder w/Turbocharger |
| Capacity | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 175 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm | 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm | 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm | 195 lb.-ft. @ 1,500-4,500 rpm | 195 lb.-ft. @ 1,500-4,500 rpm |
Kia Seltos, is a well-rounded small crossover worth considering as it outperforms nearly all competitors in terms of cargo capacity, and it has two rows of adult-friendly seating. It has plenty of technology and an easy-to-use infotainment system too. Overall, it makes a good argument for itself as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
This review on Kia Seltos mpg, gas mileage or fuel economy along with specifications and rivals was submitted by Yogesh P. on May 2021.