The Kia Seltos burst onto the compact SUV scene in 2020, swiftly becoming a cherished favorite. But not all model years are created equal.
In this thorough dive, we’ll uncover which Kia Seltos years shine bright and which ones you might want to steer clear of.
We’ve done the difficult lifting, sifting through data from the NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book to bring you the inside scoop on reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety ratings. You’ll get the lowdown on engine options, frequent hiccups, recall history, and resale values that set the top years apart from the other ones.
Ready to discover your ideal Seltos? Let’s hit the gas and get started!
Table of ContentsShow
Kia Seltos Generations
The Kia Seltos made its striking entrance in the 2020 model year, shaking up the subcompact SUV market with its daring looks and practical chops.
This little powerhouse packed a punch with its striking design, clever interior layout, and a tech buffet that included cutting-edge safety features, fuel-sipping powertrains, and an infotainment system so user-friendly your grandma could master it.
Coming up, we’ve got a table that’ll guide you through the Seltos generations from day one to now. Keep your eyes open for those significant leaps in performance, tech, and design between generations – they could be the dealmakers or breakers for your potential ride.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation (SP2) | 2021-Present |
Significant changes and improvements between generations, especially in performance, technology, and design, might be the crucial factor for prospective buyers.
Kia Seltos Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When evaluating the Kia Seltos’s model years for our rankings and classifications, we consider an extensive array of factors, including:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
An upcoming chart will display the merged ratings from these sources.
Next, we present a table categorizing all model years of the Kia Seltos as the best, neutral, and worst years, providing a clear guide for prospective buyers and enthusiasts.
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation (ON) | 2022 2023 2024 | 2021 |
Factors like NHTSA recalls can substantially detract from a vehicle’s reliability rating. A higher frequency of complaints and recalls suggests diminished reliability for the affected model years.
Let’s explore the finest, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Seltos 1st Generation (2021-Present)
The Kia Seltos, introduced in 2021, emerged as a novel contender in the subcompact SUV market, blending distinctive styling with practicality and state-of-the-art features.
2022, 2023, and 2024 are the best years for the first-generation Kia Seltos, while the most problematic year to avoid is 2021.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
In its finest years, 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Kia Seltos cemented its reputation with performance, technology, and dependability enhancements.
The powertrain lineup became more robust, featuring a standard 2.0L I4 engine delivering 146 hp and an optional 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 175 hp.
These engines were paired with an intelligent continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), respectively, optimizing fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
Fuel economy stood out, with the 2.0L engine achieving an impressive 29 city/35 highway MPG.
Trim levels expanded to include LX, EX, S, and SX, with the SX offering deluxe features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose audio system, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist.
Despite these advancements, minor software glitches and infotainment issues were reported but quickly addressed through updates.
The Worst Years: 2021
The 2021 Kia Seltos is the worst model year to avoid, as it was beset by early manufacturing issues that affected its dependability.
Owners reported issues related to the electrical system and powertrain, including excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, stalling, and transmission failures that affected driving experience and safety.
The 2021 Kia Seltos was also subject to significant recalls for issues such as improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engines, leading to potential stalling, oil leaks, and serious engine damage.
See NHTSA 2021 Kia Seltos recalls and complaints.
Kia Seltos Resale Values
Here is an overview of Kia Seltos’s typical resale values from 2021.
Conclusion
According to our analysis, the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Kia Seltos models emerge as the most dependable and feature-rich, making them the optimal years to buy.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Kia Seltos is the worst model year to avoid due to its initial reported problems.
What are your main priorities when choosing a Kia Seltos model year?
Share your opinions in the comments!
