Kia Seltos

Name: 2026 Kia Seltos
Brand: Kia

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Seltos offers roomy versatility for a small SUV, along with excellent fuel economy and an affordable price. Unfortunately, it is let down by a stiff ride and loud cabin.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Seltos

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Encore GX

Chevrolet TrailBl...

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Ford Bronco Sport

Honda HR-V

Hyundai Kona

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2007

2008

2009

2010

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2018

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2021

2022

2023

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS side crash test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Subcompact SUVs Ratings

2026 Kia Seltos

$23,690 - $31,390

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Encore GX

$26,200 - $33,300

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$23,300 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

$31,845 - $40,265

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda HR-V

$26,500 - $31,850

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Kona

$25,500 - $34,150

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2027 Kia Seltos

$23,690 - $31,390

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda CX-30

$25,975 - $37,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$27,695 - $31,845

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$24,995 - $29,695

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Nissan Kicks

$22,430 - $28,160

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$26,995 - $34,995

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

$26,995 - $34,995

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

$25,035 - $33,330

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

$28,995 - $33,030

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Volkswagen Taos

$26,500 - $35,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Subcompact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (190 hp)
2-liter 4 (147 hp)

8-speed automatic
CVT

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/60,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2027

2027 Redesign Year

Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation Seltos expands slightly in most dimensions, including adding a bit more elbow and cargo room. It is also adding to its list of amenities, with an interior that looks more inviting than some larger, more expensive models, and a long roster of comfort, convenience, and active safety technology. In addition to traditional four-cylinder engines, the Seltos gains a hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive remains optional. And to provide more flavors for buyers, it is expanding on the LX, EX, and SX trims to add a sporty GT-Line and off-road-inspired X-Line. The modern-looking interior features a wide, panoramic display comprised of three screens. A head-up display is available. The digital voice assistant is powered by ChatGPT. All told, the “entry-level” descriptor may no longer apply to Kia’s smallest and most affordable SUV.

2021-Present

Current Generation

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.