The Kia Seltos has quickly become a popular model thanks to its sleek look, great interior space, and some of the best features that you can find. With the model being around for a few years, there’s plenty of options on the used market. We’ll take a look at some of the years, and what they brought so you can make an informed decision.
Key takeaways
- The Seltos is a comfortable model thanks to its interior, and in 2023 the acoustic windshield makes this an even better ride, making it a decent family vehicle.
- When you find a Seltos that is equipped with a 2.0L engine, you will get up to 31 MPG combined.
- If you want something that stands out from the rest, then you can look for an X-Line model.
First Generation (2021-Present)
When this model hit the roads in North America it came in 4 trims, with these trims being the S, LX, EX, and SX. With these four trims, there are two engines that are offered. These engines are the 2.0L I4, and the 1.6L turbocharged I4. If you want something that is a bit more fun, then you’ll want to look for models that are equipped with the 1.6L such as the SX, and even some S trims. This is because these models can make 175 horsepower when properly equipped.
While the 2.0L I4 isn’t the strongest engine, making 147 horsepower, it does come with great mileage. As tested by the EPA, models that are equipped with this engine are capable of getting 31 MPG combined.
While an 8-inch touchscreen is the standard option, some models that you find on used lots may be equipped with the 10.3-inch screen instead. Some other features that you can look for are the wireless smartphone-charging pad, a head-up display, and eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Being that this model can seat up to 5 passengers, it has a “well-chosen and refined enough to seem right at home in the showroom next to the brand's excellent Telluride SUV” according to Car and Driver.
With the 2022 models being its sophomore year, this one saw the larger 10.3-inch screen join more of the trims. This year also saw more safety features join the line. These features are the automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps.
For the 2023 models, Kia aimed at making the Seltos more comfortable to ride in, so they added acoustic glass windshields to reduce road noise. The beginner level S trim now comes with rear cross-traffic alert with automated emergency braking and a blind-spot collision avoidance system, making it an even better option for safety on a budget.
If you want something that has a bit of a unique look, then the 2024 models are what you want. This year came with a refresh for the interior, and exterior, as well as lineup. For the exterior, comes with restyled grille and updated lighting elements, as well as new wheels.
For the interior, you can find a new layout for the infotainment system. While the screen sizes remain the same, it is now put side by side with the gauge cluster, now taking up two thirds of the dash.
This year also saw the X-Line joining the lineup. This brought a unique exterior style to the family, looking more rugged than some other models. The last change was to the 1.6L I4, now producing 195 horsepower.
For the 2025 trims, while they will be harder to find, they do come with more standard features for the EX and SX trims, now coming with reverse parking distance warning. The AWD version of the EX now comes with a smart power liftgate and cargo cover.
Which are the best years for a used Kia Seltos?
Honestly, with this model being so new, it’s hard to say which are the best years. Each one comes with their own strengths, but if we had to choose, it would probably be 2024, and newer, but that’s just because of the extra power. No matter what, this model will surely come with something that you want, and we want to help put you in one. Come on down to a Jarrett location today for more info!