The 2L four the EX, all-wheel drive model, performs well and is very refined, except when pushed hard, when it becomes raucous. The CVT is very well matched to the engine and many drivers would easily be convinced that the transmission is a conventional hydraulic device. The Seltos exhibits a good balance of ride and handling, but is not the last word in precision. Steering is nicely weighted and precise but, like the handling, is uninvolving. Unless really pushed hard, when it loses its composure, the Seltos feels like a remarkably refined and well-sorted car for the price. The cabin of the Seltos is a study in traditional elegance, which looks great, despite the use of large swaths of matte-finished, but hard plastics. The driver faces a crisply-marked gauge package and the audio and climate controls are so straightforward that they should be the templates other carmakers should follow. Seating is comfortable, front and rear and rear seat legroom is ample for adults and significantly better than the cramped quarters of the related Hyundai Kona. Though a bit shallow below the windows, the cargo space inside the Seltos is significantly better than it is in the Kona.

While it took Kia almost two years to issue a companion vehicle built on the Hyundai Kona component set, Kia’s response, the Seltos, finally broke cover during the 2020 car show season. Instead of just restyling the Kona, Kia massaged the Kona’s underpinnings to fashion something larger and quite different than its Hyundai equivalent.
The base engine for the Seltos is a 146 horsepower 2L four, with a 175 horsepower 1.6L turbo four found under the hood of the top SX trim. The 2L is hooked up to a CVT, with a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission mated to the turbo. Front-wheel drive is offered on the base model with all other trims equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Seltos is fronted by a vaguely Subaru-like grille which blends well with clean and contemporary styling on the rest of the vehicle.

With alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, deep tint glass and heated front seats, the base LX is very well equipped. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims except for the LX, where it is a $2000 option. The EX, which adds a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, keyless starting, remote starting, active safety equipment including forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, a lane keep assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, and a rear centre armrest, is a bargain. The EX Premium, with L.E.D. headlights, navigation, wireless cellphone charging, heated rear seats, power front seats, ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control, is very good value. The SX, the sole model with the 1.6L turbo, adds 29 horsepower and 63 lb.ft. of torque, has virtually enough additional equipment to justify its price boost, but includes the turbo as well, making it a bit of a bargain.

Not rated, insufficient data. The Seltos should exhibit average reliability during the warranty period.