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Used 2021 Kia Seltos Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
99 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

Very reliable now

RSR, 02/17/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

SX 1.6 turbo...star bright yellow...moon roof (I has the roof wrapped in black) so far so good had since Oct 17th 2020 but still has only 900 miles on it as it is my wives car as we use it only 200 miles per month...wireless phone charger doesn't work with our Samsung phones. Turbo has lag when first taking off but makes up for it very quickly. Transmission is a bit quirky in any mode but sport. Gas mileage if you keep in below 65 is mid 30's. Average around town is 28....Like the handling as it feels very sporty. As I say so far so good.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

So Great, But Small Things Make It Hard To Love

Kyle B., 06/05/2020
updated 01/19/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
54 of 93 people found this review helpful

Pros: Zippy The car is peppy, and has nice amount of pickup once the turbo spools up Nice Handling For an SUV it handles very well and it feels almost sporty Safety Features Where else are you going to find a car that can drive itself for >30,000 Storage Space The trunk space is nice, and the back seat is large for the segment. I fit pretty well at 6’2 Exterior Design I mean look at it, the car looks great. The body lines and design is amazing. By far the best looking CUV Cons: Feature list compared to foreign versions The manual references many things you don’t find even on the SX. Including Ventilated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, and a HUD. Just makes you feel like your missing out. Also just a note, when I bought my car they tried to tell me it had some of these features. I don’t know if they did it on purpose or on accident but it is concerning. Interior materials What do you want me to say, it’s plastic all of it. Almost everything is plastic, which can be slightly disappointing at 30,000. At least give me soft touch materials. Transmission One of the worst parts of the car, can be random and hard to control. Sometimes the car will redline itself even when you aren’t flooring the pedal. It also gets super confused if you take your foot off the accelerator too fast. Heats up incredibly fast as soon as you spin your tires in the snow or bad conditions. Paint Besides the transmission it is the worst part of the car, I’ve had the car for almost a year and it has been brought back for paint issues multiple times. Scratches, scuffs, weird marks, and spots where the paint goes dull. The paint is truly bizarre and I worry how it will she over time. Slow Start-Stop Adaptive Cruise When pulling away from a red light with adaptive cruise you almost always have to intervene, it is so slow. Unless you’d like people to use their horn. LED Headlights The headlights are so bright, like daylight, but they don’t go far enough. I don’t know if they are worse then xenon or if they just seem like the don’t travel far because the light doesn’t fade away, it is a hard light between light and dark. Either way they are underwhelming, I can only imagine how bad lower model headlights must be. Sunroof Would love a panoramic sunroof. Also Kia please explain why u can’t have both a black roof and a sunroof. Also a sunroof should not be a 700 option on the SX. Wireless Charger Not Kias fault, it’s Apples. But the new iPhone 12s do not work with them. Something Apple did makes them incompatible. Engine I do not appreciate how the vehicle has the same engine as others but has been retuned with lower torque. Can make it slow off the line before the turbo spools, also wish they offered an even larger engine in the SX with a better. Although I do think the engine would do better with a properly functioning transmission. Lighting You really couldn’t throw in, LED turn signals preferably sequential ones, tag, back up lights for 30k, and why give LED interior lights but leave the visor ones incandescent. Summary: Overall the car is very nice, and anything I didn’t mention above I like. The car seems well rounded and I don’t regret my purpose. Although saying that I do hope that Kia addresses some of the big issues like the transmission, paint and headlights. Also PLEASE KIA consider a nightfall edition Seltos and a dark green paint like the telluride.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful car, crap mpg

RF, 01/03/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful

This car was lovely. The drive was quiet, the features were nice. It can be a bit sluggish when accelerating, but nothing to crazy. Driving in sport mode alleviated that. The biggest issue for me was the mpg. Was listed at 25/30, but city performance was abysmal. My city trips averaged around 15 mpg (some trips were as low as 9 mpg), hwy was around 28 mpg. Great car if you’re primarily driving on the hwy, but if you’re looking for an about town car, and are conscious of fuel economy, you should pass.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great price and safety features

Dorothy , 04/10/2021
updated 10/12/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I love the feel and ride I options of this vehicle. It's a comfortable ride with a good amount of cargo space for a small suv. It's loaded with safety features except it doesn't have the pedestrian alert. It's not luxury but they do alright with comfort. My son who is 6' 2" says the front is a little cramped when someone is in the backseat, but alright if no one is behind you.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

newest homerun

R.Derr, 06/20/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Traded my 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo in for the all new Kia Seltos.Did a lot of home work and even thou I gave up some features(heated steering wheel,,cooled seats,auto lift gate)I gained some great new features the biggest being the 31mpg in mileage,the auto cruise control,10inch screen,Bose speakers with dj lights,auto phone charger pad,media center,auto high beam lights,etc.one fearture I do not particulary care for is the auto engine shut down at red lights and stop signs(it can be turned off) but is a pain having to remeber to hit the button every time you start the car.2 weeks after purchase I drove the new Seltos to florida and back and was extremely happy with the overall ride,handling and the great gas mileage its also a peppy vehicle with the turbo.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent value with outstanding safety technology

Bill, 07/23/2021
updated 07/25/2023
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I ordered the Seltos SX turbo in white with a black roof in August 2020. Finally received it in February 2021, but it was worth the wait! I have had no issues at all (currently at 1600 miles) and love everything about this subcompact SUV. It drives great, love the acceleration in Sport mode, but try to keep it in Smart mode to save gas. Roomy, attractive with all the safety features one could wish for I activated all of them and they all work great. Love the acceleration of this 1.6 liter turbo with the 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Love the rapid (and smooth) transmission shifts. Have made a couple of decent trips from Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon and enjoyed the comfortable seating (especially the seat warmers in cold weather) and the sheer driving sensation, responsive and user friendly. I would buy this vehicle again in a heart beat. Well done Kia! Now build the same vehicle combining the 1.6 liter engine with a hybrid system to offer even more horsepower, torque and gas mileage!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Saved me Seltos

TMcGoo, 04/27/2022
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased a new 2022 Seltos that arrived and was ready for me on the exact day that my car rental ran out. I had totaled my previous vehicle in mid March and shopping for a car then was pretty much a nightmare. The Seltos is very nice and exceeded my expectations on several fronts. I purchased the S package and love the seats and interior design. The gas mileage is better that I hoped for, reaching 39 mpg on trips. The mapping and navigation are great. The car is very comfortable though smaller than I am used to. It looks great in the driveway and has performed well.

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5 out of 5 stars

Gray Ghost Seltos S fwd 2.0

Rickus, 12/09/2020
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Got him in march, only have 1200 miles because of Corona virus and I am a caregiver. I feel he's more than adequate in all areas for my personal tastes. Would have loved electric adjustment seats and a cargo cover of some sort but I like privacy tint in its place. Acceleration is pretty good, ride is ok too. Some types road surface do let the sound in but that's just the way it is sometimes. Unfortunately nobody has really been in it as it sits in the garage alot, for now.... Did real good on the Eldorado Hills grade and second hill too. Like the infotainment system it is a little finicky with my phone plugged into and on android auto mode tho. Like the looks yoo, wheels looks awsome.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME

Robert, 12/20/2020
updated 12/21/2023
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle. very smooth easy ride. All instruments easy to see and use. Smooth in corners and good gas mileage.

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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Supreme Seltos

roadmahle, 01/04/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Maneuverability, equipment options, road feel, spaciousness front and back seats impressive. Cargo space with seats down great for my German Shepherd and groceries together. Safety features and electronics/technology also impressive. Very happy with this vehicle, and the color choices were very good. Engine is peppy, highway driving and curvy mountain roads a pleasure.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

David Woodard , 05/06/2021
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

The car is a great car glad we bought one thank you Kia

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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Senior Moment

Jere Casner, 09/05/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

There are many things I like about this car. Stylish, safety features, and decent gas mileage. The biggest disappointment is the herky-jerky starts up to about 10 mph. Holding the accelerator steady the car surges, back off, surges until a constant speed on 10 or so mph is achieved. Also, at initial start up, a sound is omitted from the engine bay that is worrisome. My dealership says both are related to the 7 speed DCT automatic transmission. I'm not totally convinced.....in any event not happy. Personally, I don't care for the synthetic faux leather seats. They feel and look rubbery, not easy to slide into or out of. The cargo area is OK but the cargo cover (unless removed) makes it difficult to load without banging your forehead on the cover. I would recommend Kia have a permanent "kill" switch for the engine turn off (at stops/idle) in lieu of having to do that each start up (it automatically defaults) to "on." As a senior citizen, I wouldn't recommend this vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

KIA Seltos and KIA company non responsive

Unhappy customer, 07/30/2022
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Car suddenly lost power, took it to the dealer that stated it was low on oil, my fault. There were no warning lights about low oil, never saw black smoke. Same issue recalled on same car with different engine. Being told it probably needs a new engine at 39000 miles and my extended warranty won’t cover it due to not having required number of oil changes. Do yourself a favor and buy any other brand!

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1 out of 5 stars

Junk

Len, 07/31/2022
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Will never own a kia again was all junk in the shop more then on the road . Fuel pump at 14000 took two months for parts then fuel rails leaked gas another three weeks for parts .got it home drove for two weeks .went to back out of driveway Tracy blew up no reverse and only low gear . Not only that but the door locks guit working.sold it back to kia but lost about three thousand dollars.also no heat in winter and the and was the ships. Never again a kia .

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great car!

James G, 11/02/2020
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

I LOVE this car. It looks great, drives great, and comes with the 10yr/100,000 mile warranty. Awesome!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Sleek and Roomy

K & T, 02/28/2021
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Love our Kia...great price...sleek design...the Seltos...car is beautiful with great design inside and out...it also has great trim detail and front grill...love the room inside front and back and the cargo in back is extra roomy...the SUV doesnt feel small inside...thats why we purchased this model...You will not be disappointed!!!

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5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Stupid question

Gene Crawford , 04/24/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great car but rough ride. Seats and suspension are cheap.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Run to a Honda dealership !!!!!!

Kia hater , 07/09/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Stay away from the seltos !!!!!! Had this car 6 months 9k miles and it went south. Cold start sounding like a 72 nova with a bad carb. Kia was no help telling me I used the wrong gas ummmm ok. Please read all reviews including all the transmission problems with there models long story short I’m now back with Honda 🤗 after months of b. S. With Kia !!!!!! First Kia last Kia

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1 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Seltos Does Not Disappointose

Rob in WV, 10/13/2020
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

Purchase a 2021 Kia Seltos. Seems to be a great value. Comfortable and got about 36 MPG on the 2 hour drive home from the dealer. By no means is it a powerhouse, but a good AWD SUV for the money.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Basic, loud road noise, under equipped

Ollie, 10/02/2020
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 55 people found this review helpful

Do not buy the LX model. Very loud cabin and road noise when out on the highway. Limited on standard equipment and features. First few days I had it I kept hearing a thump noise from the rear passenger side that had me thinking bad shock or spring. Then mysteriously it went away. Rides as if the rear end has been lowered or with front lifted because I can clearly see the front hood, which creates a left turn blind spot. Just for record I'm not a tall person. The entertainment system is full of bugs and limited on features. If I do a call with my phone while connected by Bluetooth or Android auto it won't let me use the hands free option. Once I make a call it will time 2 times then disconnect from The system and can only use phone speaker. BuT if I turn my phone Bluetooth off and on a few times or unplug my cord and then replug my cord for the android auto, then sometimes it will connect with my phone and allow me to use handsfree. Either way its. Severe inconvenience. Has no power outlets for the rear passenger area. Also if anyone hasn't noticed, the option selections is limited because KIA wants to bait you into getting the more expensive high models such as the SX and SX Turbo. I would have loved to of the yellowish color, but evidently Kia feels that color is to good for ones who can only afford the LX. KIA MAKE ALL COLORS AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE SELTOS!! Also KIA not everyone likes white, black, and gray.... VERY BLAND KIA! You might get more customers IF you have more options KIA. I'll never recommend a Kia product to anyone and never own another one. My ownership with this vehicle is going to be very short. If I could, I'd return this thing to either Kia's or the dealership front door and ride a moped. Worst mistake I ever made was getting this Seltos. Only way to get modernized is to spend 100's

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Seltos!

Melissa, 01/09/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Loving the Seltos after being with Nissan for last 20 years.

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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Peppy little SUV

Amy, 01/25/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

If you like the look of a SUV, but rather not drive a large vehicle, you should consider the Seltos. Lots of leg and head room as well as storage space. It does not drive like a van... it can really get up and go!

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4 out of 5 stars

Just what I was looking for

D L Pennell, 01/30/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought the sx model 2 months ago. I Wanted a small commuter suv. This thing is so nice and has everything. My wife thinks it’s the best looking sub compact. We got the Deep Ocean Blue with light Gray interior. Getting 33 plus mpg but I drive like an oldster. That’s because I am one. Needed the sx to get all the goodies I wanted. The EX would have been fine too because I don’t need the turbo. But, the deal was good. We traded in our 2015 Rogue.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Serelto

Serelto , 04/15/2021
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

What an amazing ride, I never thought I would like an SUV but I sure changed my mind, easy handling lots of space, I’m very happy

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5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Junk

Andrew B., 05/15/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
8 of 22 people found this review helpful

My wife and I test drove the Kia Seltos SX Turbo (Brand New). I tell you this thing is junk, it rides rough, shakes like it's about to break down. I quickly brought it back to the dealer and told them it was junk and we won't be purchasing the vehicle. Don't do it to yourself. You can find a better small SUV elsewhere that has durability.

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1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love it

Phillygirl, 09/17/2021
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It took me a while to get used to driving a SUV (even though it is on the smaller side) but I absolutely love my car. I purchased the S model.

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5 out of 5 stars

2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo

RDERR, 12/20/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

In January I traded in my 2017 Kia Sportage SX for the all new Seltos SX turbo.I gave up a few options but gained some nice new options like the adaptive cruise control,bose stereo,surround sensors,auto headlights and high beams but the biggest is the gas mileage,did a road trip in February to Florida and back and averaged 32 mpg on the highway.One feature that I did not know about is the GPS, about 150 miles from Savannah on interstate 95 ran into a massive traffic jam and after about 20 minutes the GPS told me to exit the highway and it took me completely around the traffic jam and then back on to the highway and it did it a second time about 60 miles up the road AWESOME.Love the technology.Have put about 11500 miles so far and love love this new vehicle AWESOME job KIA.

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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Noisy

Keith, 09/21/2022
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am very pleased with the Seltos overall…mileage, appearance…but road noise and ease of entry both could be improved.

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4 out of 5 stars

Seltos-always eye-catching

Joyce Kramer, 01/13/2023
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Prior to my Seltos, I had the Optima EX, for 8 yrs. It was bright red, and had classic designs. It also had pretty much every option available for that year. I was persuaded to update my vehicle, primarily for all the safety options now available. The racy yellow Seltos caught my eye, every time a KIA commercial was on. Doing my diligence, the Seltos seemed to fit my new requirements, along with still looking sharp. A test drive sealed the deal. Just to be sure, I also test drove the new Optima/K5. Still luxurious, but I now wanted something smaller, and with AWD. The Seltos, with 3 driving options, is a dream to drive. I did opt for the SX to take advantage of every option it had. All of the safety options are great, everything I expected, and more. The huge, centered media display is easy to see, and has nice (if maybe too many) functions. But it can get VERY hot to the touch while driving in the sun....a windshield sun screen is a MUST, if parking in the sun! However, being top of that class line, I was disappointed (and spoiled ftom my Optima), that regular options I had grown used to, were not even available! Even tho' the driver's seat is electric, it does not have memory/auto receding. So for ease of entering/exiting, you have to manually move the seat back and forth each time. You don't realize how nice a heated steering wheel is, first thing in the morning, until you don't have it! Also wish the front seats still had "cooling", and heating for the rear seats. The rear hatch door is NOT push button close, so when you have lots of groceries, and no extra hand, closing it is hard (and it's somewhat heavy) The inside handle is also at an awkward position to hold once the hatch is down to almost closed. For some reason, the foam weatherstripping on the inside of the front windshield does not like my portable sunshades, and repeatedly sticks to them (tearing as it does so). Also, I am very much disappointed in the silver-coated "plastic" metallic trim all over the vehicle. I received the Seltos Dec. 2020, it is in a garage, and due to me being retired, and also having some medical issues, the car has only been driven 8700 miles, as of Jan. 13, 2023. Yet in MANY spots, the silver metallic shows signs of discoloring/"tarnishing", even tho' I keep it clean/detailed...and it will NOT come off! Finally, doesn't matter whom I ask....salesperson, texts to KIA directly, no one answers my question as to why the sun roof AND the optional black roof cannot BOTH be obtained on this vehicle. It was kind of a hard decision on my part, but we eventually opted for the sunroof...even tho' I like the sportier look of the 2-tone black/yellow. I do enjoy its smaller size, to drive, the good gas mileage (25-33), and its good acceleration with the turbo engine. It is also a great looking vehicle, and I always get nice comments about it. If I WERE in the market, again, for such a vehicle, I would consider it, again, as compared to price and reviews of other comparable makes. However, being retired, and our overall vehicle use/needs, we will probably go to just having one vehicle, instead, when this lease is complete at the end of this year, and get a new Sorento, to replace our current, 8 yr. old one....that DOES have all the extras I miss on the Seltos.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My Kia

Debbi , 04/10/2023
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The room inside the car is perfect and it drives like a brand new car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Nice riding vehicle

Matt D, 11/18/2020
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very happy with our car. All of the safety features are awesome and sometimes annoying but all in all a nice vehicle, I must say you do get a lot for your money

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2 out of 5 stars

False MPG ratings

John, 11/26/2020
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
8 of 25 people found this review helpful

We got the SX Turbo, which has pros and cons. Pros: lots of tech, excellent sound system, nice lighting, fast enough. Cons: lane centering sometimes pulls you into oncoming traffic, slightly noisy cabin, mpg is far, far worse than advertised. It was advertised as 7.9l/100km on the hwy. The car is telling me it is getting 8.8l/100km, but I measured and it is actually getting about 11l/100km ON THE HIGHWAY. That is absurd, I never would have bought it knowing that. I will be filing a lawsuit soon.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

Engine dies

Ridgerider, 06/12/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 11 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2021 Seltos EX. One of the nicest vehicles I have ever purchased, or so I thought. However, it has the IDLE STOP and GO, and that is the most aggravating feature I have ever had the misfortune to have to deal with. If I want my car to shut off, I will do it. When I bought the rig, I saw the name but it meant nothing and the sales team did not explain it….until I called them later asking why the engine died. There is theoretically a switch to disable this feature. However, when the car starts, the light is on, giving the impression that the override is active. However, it soon shuts off to default ON, which causes the engine to die when stopped. When pulling into a parking spot, the engine dies before you can put it in park, then restarts when you put it park. Then you have to shut it off manually. I was told the intent of ISG was to save on gas, it won’t save a gallon in a year. All it does is add to pollution on the constant restarts. I can only imagine the wear on the entire starting system. Yes, KIA, I know there is a switch, but why should I have to push it every time I drive be the car. I contacted KIA Corporate and was given the usual kiss of death from their customer service department. “I’m sorry. There is nothing we can do about that”. Had I only known before I signed. Caveat Emptor.

Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Smart suv!

Saadya, 02/12/2021
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Only a couple of days of ownership so cannot provide a comprehensive review. Overall technology specs are outstanding, intuitive vehicle, spacious, comfortable and safe.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Very reliable, stylish car

Herb M., 08/09/2021
updated 08/10/2023
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Can’t believe Kia was able to engineer a very reliable yet affordable car. I used to drive Japanese and American made cars and normally my brakes and tires will last only for 30,000 miles whereas with Kia Seltos, it took me 54,000 miles before I replaced them. Way to go Kia Motors. Keep up manufacturing highly reliable yet affordable cars!!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

People impressed with little SUV, I drove sobbing.

Tricia K, 05/17/2023
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I had to decide between fixing my beloved Chevy Equinox LTZ, again, or financing a newer vehicle. I went to Kia looking for a pre-owned Sportage. The only pre-owned Kia available was a 2021 Seltos. I did a 3-block test drive and thought it wasn’t anything like my Equinox, but it was adequate. I read Kia’s were exceptional vehicles and decided to trade my Equinox. The day after purchasing the subcompact Seltos, I knew it was absolutely the wrong vehicle for me. It was one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I ever drove. The seats were hard and narrow. I could not get comfortable. My work requires driving to multiple locations. Some days locations may be distances, with drive time an hour, plus. I could feel every bump and ridge in the road. The steering required constant adjustment to the swerving from highway texture change. The road noise amplified inside the car, which actually was louder than the radio. Even turning up the music from Spotify, the road noise was still distinctly heard. No escaping into a quiet enclosure to relax between jobs. My first lengthy trip was 45 minutes to the first location, then 65 minutes to the next location. Exiting the driver’s seat, the pain in my lower back made it painful to walk. This car exhausted me. Made another trip requiring 1.5 hours of drive time to the location. On the way back from this job, I called the dealership and requested options for a trade. They suggested a trade for a Sportage undergoing warranty repair in their service center. I was never called back about this vehicle. I drove to the dealership 2 days later, expressing how uncomfortable the Seltos was to drive, and was told their inventory was so low they didn’t have options within my budget. The following week, I picked up my license plate from the dealer, asked one more time for trade options, then drove across the street to a Nissan dealer and traded it for a Rouge. I lost a significant chunk of money doing this trade, but could not drive another day in this vehicle.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great car

Marianne Garrett, 07/15/2020
updated 07/25/2022
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 17 people found this review helpful

The service that I get on this car is fabulous. I bought it from Seelye Kia in Kalamazoo Michigan. I'd love many features on my car. I especially love the heated seats but would love to have a heated steering wheel in the future

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

SX way to go!

LauraM, 12/11/2020
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

SX has great extras, Bose stereo is amazing! I love the way it drives. I could go on, but bottom line extremely happy with my Seltos.

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3 out of 5 stars

Good but missing

Sara H, 06/19/2021
updated 12/21/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful

Bought a new 2021 Seltos only used it once because having to open the trunk by hand is much harder then expected.Trying to find some place to put in an electric tailgate.

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2 out of 5 stars

KIA SELTOS TURBO SUCKS!

Michele , 09/20/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful

My Regurgitation voice navigation system does work according to its software specifications. I have to hook up my cellphone into my newly 2021 KIA Seltos Turbo in order to use my navigation system. When I purchased this vehicle I didn't have to do this and that I have to hooked it up to us Android Auto Play it is also having connections issues as well. Gas wise this vehicle sucks it uses more gas than my old KIA SOUL that was 2015!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great new SUV

Angie J, 10/08/2020
2021 Kia Seltos LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

Perfect lil SUV for city driving. Has a 4 cylinder engine so you gotta give it some gas to get going.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

kia stands for kinks in armor

kinks in armor, 06/29/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

the body feels like paper and many shops wont touch the weird interior and the dealership won't call back when you need help on the stretch, 30k can buy a used bmw etc and get sum too

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome SUV

Dom, 03/01/2022
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Quick, comfortable and gas miser. Many features you would normally have to pay extra for.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Seltos Supreme!

Buck, 09/12/2022
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazing SUV at a great price!

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5 out of 5 stars

A great little SUV has all the bells

Frank S, 02/21/2023
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love it just would like to get one a little bigger

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1 out of 5 stars

Not happy

Russell , 05/18/2025
2021 Kia Seltos S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems at 36000 miles they replaced engine then something with the awd and then the horn now it's the tail light works when they want and issue with transmission and some seat latch issues

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Yellow Submarine

Debra, 03/02/2021
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Awesome! Fun! Tight steering and lots of power even without turbo mode.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Sold!

1662, 04/21/2021
2021 Kia Seltos EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Take it for a test drive. Lots of leg room in the driver compartment. It’s a nice ride.

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4 out of 5 stars

Solid

Ray, 12/27/2021
updated 07/10/2023
2021 Kia Seltos SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Owned for 1 yr. 33 mpg on highway. Precise steering. No tprattles. Only concern is dual clutch transmission. On a hill veh will drift backwards before tranny locks up, bad in tight parking. UPDATE: This small suv is pretty responsive. Short wheel base vehicles don’t ride real smooth. Worse thing about this vehicle is the tranny. When moving from a stop the shifts between 1st, 2nd gear is very jerky, to be honest kind if irritating. Build quality is good. No problems in 1-1/2 yrs of ownership

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
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