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2023 Kia Seltos review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Kia Seltos highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Standout styling compared to rivals
  • Impressively upscale interior
  • Lots of room inside

Cons

  • Standard engine is kind of sluggish
  • Some key luxury and comfort features are optional
  • Not particularly nimble for its size

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 30 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

All Kia Seltos years

What is new for the 2023 Kia Seltos?

  • The S trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The Nightfall trim now comes with Remote Start and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

2023 Kia Seltos trims

Curious how Kia Seltos trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LX:

  • 146-hp, 132-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags

S:

EX:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • Sunroofs
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Navigation System
  • View our Kia Seltos EX inventory

SX:

  • Includes all features available on the EX
  • 175-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • BOSE Sound System
  • View our Kia Seltos SX inventory

Nightfall:

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Kia Seltos

1. Enjoyable ride

When shopping for a subcompact SUV, chances are you're prioritizing an easy, comfortable ride for road trips, staycations, or even just commuting. The 2023 Kia Seltos performs beautifully in this arena. The steering is highly responsive, with great cornering, and the vehicle's grip on the road ensures that lean is minimized. Plus, the Seltos is easy to park and maneuver, even in tight spots.

2. Relaxing interior

The 2023 Kia Seltos has two rows with five seats, and there's plenty of space even when each seat is occupied. The front seats are adjustable and supportive, and the rear seats recline and have plenty of space. Headroom in the back is a generous 38.4 inches, while legroom is 38 inches. Visibility is great thanks to large windows, and cargo space is an impressive 62.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. This level of comfort and ease of travel makes day trips and everyday journeys better all around.

3. Quality of materials

High-end interior materials make the 2023 Kia Seltos a supremely comfortable ride. The design is sophisticated, with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Cloth seating is standard, and synthetic leather upholstery is available from the S trim upward. Manually adjustable front seats also become power-adjustable on the EX trim and higher.

4. Peace of mind while driving

The 2023 Kia Seltos is equipped with a solid list of driver aids. This modern subcompact SUV includes features you'd expect, like a rearview camera and automatic high beam lights, plus welcome additions like driver drowsiness monitoring, rear seat alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking. These features can help make city driving a cinch.

5. Choice of powertrains

The 2023 Kia Seltos offers two powertrain options, both of which have distinct advantages. The LX, S, and EX trims have a 2.0L four-cylinder engine achieving 146 hp, while the SX trim and Nightfall Edition have a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 175 hp. The base engine is swift enough for most people, especially for regular commuting. But if you're looking for more power, go for the turbocharged engine. Fuel economy for the Seltos is also very good—the AWD version of the base engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg.

All 2023 Kia Seltos trims are AWD as standard, except the S, which can be AWD or FWD.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Kia Seltos is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

Kia Seltos features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

146

Torque (ft-lbs)

132

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

103.5"

Overall length

172"

Width

70.9"

Height

63.6"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 38"

Head room

F 40"/R 38.4"

Front tires

P215/55HR17

Rear tires

P215/55HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Kia Seltos FAQ

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