Auto Guide
2026 Kia Seltos
New Expert recommended

Review and specifications

2026 Kia Seltos

The new for 2021 Seltos slots below Kia's Sportage and offers versatility at an affordable price. It has a roomy interior for its small footprint, easy access, clear visibility, and good fuel economy. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission, provides unobtrusive acceleration. The uplevel 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine suffers from non-linear acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The stiff ride and loud cabin are two significant drawbacks. Handling is responsive and secure. Controls are easy to use, and the rear seat is roomy for the class. The base LX trim does not include any advanced safety features. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, come with the higher trims. For 2022, these safety features became standard.

Market value
$24,975
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 3/5
Data updated June 4, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Subcompact SUVs
Generation began
2021

Pricing

Current retail median
$24,975
Retail value range
$21,725 - $28,950
Original MSRP range
$23,790 - $31,490
Trade-in range
$20,160 - $27,990

Ratings

Road test score
77/100
Reliability
3/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
27 MPG
EPA highway
31 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
20 MPG
Tested highway
35 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,415
Cruising range
365 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.6 sec
0-60 mph
9 sec
60-0 mph braking
128 ft
Avoidance speed
55 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
173 in
Width
71 in
Height
64 in
Wheelbase
104 in
Weight
3,120 lb
Maximum load
860 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
6 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
4 in
Rear leg room
27 in
Cargo volume
28 cu ft

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Kia

<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>

Vehicle ID: 37343 First published: December 4, 2025 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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