The early-2020 arrival of the Kia Seltos begs the question: Just how many utility-style vehicles can one automaker include in its lineup? The answer, it seems, is as many as it wants, provided there鈥檚 demand.
The Seltos name, in case you鈥檙e wondering, is derived from Celtos, son of Hercules in Greek Mythology.
The vehicle squeezes between the smaller Soul (10 centimetres shorter) and the larger and more mainstream Sportage (about 18 centimetres longer).
Although it shares the Hyundai Kona platform (Kia is a division of Hyundai), the two models go their own ways in terms of styling. The rugged-looking Seltos has considerably more carrying capacity, too, whether the rear seat is upright or folded flat. The Seltos also shows more than a hint of commonality with the full-size Kia Telluride, including the 鈥渢iger nose鈥� grille that fronts the rounded front bumper and hood.
The sense of ruggedness carries over to the generous 18.5-cm ground clearance as well as the front and rear skid plates, ensuring that the Seltos can take on rougher terrain than many of its competitors.
The interior and dashboard are pretty much straightforward, but a thick steering wheel and equally substantial gear shifter are not normally associated with smaller utility vehicles. The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen and the available 10.25-inch unit protrude above the fresh-air vents, which some drivers might find restricts their forward vision.
In back, the split-folding rear seat also reclines. Behind it, the cargo floor can be lowered somewhat to accommodate taller objects.
Powertrain choices are the same as those found in the Kona: A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque; and an optional 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet.
For both, selectable Normal, Eco and Sport 鈥� which really does feel sporty 鈥� settings alter the engine, transmission and steering performance.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is linked to the 2.0, while the turbo 1.6 gets a seven-speed automatic.
Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive 2.0 is rated at 8.2 l/100 in the city, 7.1 on the highway and 7.7 combined.
On-demand all-wheel-drive is optional for the base Seltos LX, but is standard for the EX, EX Premium and SX Turbo trims. The system comes with a centre-locking differential that, when engaged, splits the torque equally between the front and rear wheels, providing more traction for traveling off road.
Torque vectoring, another AWD inclusion, applies light braking force to the inside wheels when turning, which Kia says increases vehicle control.
AWD-equipped models also get independent rear suspensions, while the front-wheel-drive S comes with a less sophisticated torsion-beam rear axle.
At a starting price of $25,000 including destination charges, the base FWD S 2.0 is equipped with mostly the basics, but it lacks the full suite of active-safety technologies, such as pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and forward-collision avoidance. All come with the optional Kia Drive Wise package that also includes a reminder to check for passengers in the back seat before exiting the vehicle. Then there鈥檚 Safe Exit Assist that alerts anyone opening the doors of approaching traffic from the rear.
There are additional comfort and convenience features 鈥� depending on the trim level 鈥� such as a navigation system, power sunroof, premium seat coverings and a wireless charging pad. A Bose audio package has a mood-lighting feature with six different colours that change with the sound from the system鈥檚 six speakers. Somewhat distracting and a bit out of time with the music, it鈥檚 similar to the system available in the Kia Soul.
The addition of the niche-filling Seltos gives Kia a total of six tall utility models (seven, if you count the Sedona minivan) from the small Niro to the full-size Telluride. If you can鈥檛 find your desired size, content and affordable price-point in this bunch, you likely never will.
What you should know: 2021 Kia Seltos
Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle
Engines (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4 (146); 1.6-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged (175)
Transmission: Continuously variable (2.0); seven-speed automated manual (1.6 turbo)
Market position: Kia is attempting to straddle the line between urban transporter and off-road warrior by blending design and content elements of each vehicle type. It鈥檚 a strategy that other automakers are adopting as buyers gravitate to more rugged-looking tall wagons.
Points: Telluride-influenced vehicle is nicely proportioned. 鈥� Built to do much more than to conquer bad roads and poor weather. 鈥� Base engine will easily suffice, but the optional turbo four-cylinder is where the fun begins. 鈥� Base FWD model misses out on the available active-safety tech. 鈥� A distinctive attitude and purpose should almost guarantee success.
Driver assist: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (opt.); front and rear emergency braking (opt.); inattentive driver alert (opt.); lane-departure warning (opt.); pedestrian detection (opt.)
L/100 km (city/hwy): 8.2/7.1 (FWD)
Base price (incl. destination): $25,000
BY COMPARISON
Jeep Compass
- Base price: $27,400
- Compact utility vehicle can be had in an off-road-ready Trailhawk model.
Mazda CX-30
- Base price: $26,600
- New-for-2020 model is all about good looks plus a strong 186-h.p. I-4 engine.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Base price: $30,300
- Outlander Sport-based, but has its own 1.5-liter turbo engine. AWD is standard.
鈥� written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media
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