Kia Seltos
Subcompact SUV · 2019–present. 59,958 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
It was created by Kia (then Kia Motors Corporation), based in Seoul, South Korea. The releases reviewed do not identify an individual designer or chief engineer for the first Seltos. Executives documented at its launch include Han-Woo Park, President and CEO of Kia Motors, and Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India. In the U.S. it was launched by Kia Motors America; Sean Yoon was its President and CEO when the Seltos won its first U.S. awards in 2020. The second generation was presented in Korea by Seo Ha-jun, head of Kia's domestic product office, and in the U.S. Orth Hedrick, Executive Director of Product Planning at Kia North America, said the goal was a small SUV that would raise the bar for the segment.
It had its world premiere in New Delhi, India, and the first Seltos rolled out of Kia's new plant in Anantapur, India, on August 8, 2019; it was Kia's first car made in India. First-generation Seltos models sold in the U.S. were assembled in Gwangju, South Korea, according to the window sticker. Kia does not list the Seltos among its U.S.-built models; according to autoevolution, the second generation is built in Gwangju, as well as in China and India.
It was based on the SP Concept Kia showed at India's Auto Expo in 2018. The name was announced in June 2019, the world premiere took place on June 20, 2019 in New Delhi, and it went on sale in India on August 22, 2019. In the U.S. it debuted on November 20, 2019 at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2021 model and Kia already reported U.S. sales in February 2020.
According to Kia, the name is inspired by the legend of Celtos, a son of Hercules in Greek mythology and the legendary ancestor of the Celts. Kia swapped the C for an S, which the brand says suggests speed and sportiness.
Kia wanted into the entry SUV segment, which its 2019 release called one of the fastest-growing in the industry. In the U.S. the Seltos filled the gap between the Soul and the Sportage: a small SUV for city driving during the week and getaways on the weekend, with all-wheel drive available. Kia aimed it at young, tech-savvy buyers. Globally, it was also the car Kia used to enter India, one of the world's largest car markets.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12021–2026 · SP2
The entry SUV that filled the gap between the Soul and the Sportage
Photo: SsmIntrigue · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was an all-new model with no predecessor in the U.S. It arrived with a 146 hp 2.0-liter and an IVT, or a 175 hp 1.6-liter turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch, and front- or all-wheel drive. It started at $22,990. For the 2024 model year it got a refresh: a new face, an X-Line trim, dual 10.25-inch screens, and a 195 hp turbo with an 8-speed automatic in place of the dual-clutch.
The innovation. Its available all-wheel drive, similar in design to the Telluride's, added a lockable center differential that splits power 50/50 between the axles, plus torque vectoring. AWD versions also use a multi-link rear suspension instead of the torsion beam.
If you buy one usedSelected campaigns include 21V259 (piston oil-ring heat treatment on certain 2021 Seltos 2.0-liter vehicles; engine inspection/replacement as needed plus PNSS software), 25V099 (piston oil-ring manufacturing on 2021–2023; engine damage, stall/fire risk; inspection/replacement and PNSS), 23V531 (Idle Stop & Go oil-pump controller overheating, 2023–2024) and 23V830 (unexpected side-curtain-airbag deployment, 2024). For affected unrepaired 23V531 vehicles, park outside away from structures until repaired. The turbo switches from a seven-speed dual-clutch to an eight-speed automatic for 2024. IIHS rates the 2021 SX Turbo headlights Good only after the August 2020 build change; 2022–2023 SX Turbo headlights are Good and the other listed trims are Poor. Confirm campaign eligibility and completed repairs by VIN. - Gen. 22027–present
Bigger, boxier and, for the first time, a hybrid option
Photo: Peżot · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It is longer and wider than the first, with a longer wheelbase and more rear legroom. It adopts Kia's Opposites United design, with cues from the second-generation Telluride and flush door handles. Cargo space grows to about 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.2 with the seats folded. Inside it offers dual 12.3-inch screens and an assistant powered by generative AI.
The innovation. For the first time the Seltos offers three powertrains, including a 1.6-liter hybrid with electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD), which Kia announced for late 2026. It also brings Kia's ccNC system, with over-the-air (OTA) updates.
If you buy one usedThe exact NHTSA Kia/Seltos/model-year-2027 query returned zero campaigns on November 3, 2026. This is a dated model-name query, not a VIN clearance or a reliability assessment. Check the exact VIN and current manufacturer/dealer information before buying; new campaigns can appear.
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