2023 KIA SELTOS | KNDETCA24P7397339
❯2023 KIA SELTOS | KNDETCA24P7397339
Lot details
Vehicle details
Vehicle specifications
2
~$30,000
Engine: 1.6L turbocharged I4
Torque: 265 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~7.3 s
The Kia Seltos SX Turbo brings a surprising level of performance to the subcompact SUV segment. Equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four engine producing 195 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds—an impressive figure for a vehicle in this class. Power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing crisp, responsive shifts that enhance driving engagement, especially in Sport mode.
Though not designed as a hot crossover, the Seltos benefits from a well-tuned chassis and available all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, giving it confident handling and all-weather traction. It corners with stability and composure, aided by its relatively light weight and compact dimensions. Ride comfort remains high, even with the sportier suspension settings in turbocharged trims. Steering is light but direct, making the Seltos feel agile and composed in urban settings and on winding roads alike.
What makes the Seltos stand out is its balance—it blends punchy power, modern tech, and smart packaging into a spirited, everyday driver. It may not match the raw athleticism of performance-focused models like the Mazda CX-30 Turbo, but it holds its own in the fun-to-drive department, offering young or value-conscious buyers a capable and lively crossover.
Body Styles
The Kia Seltos is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV that emphasizes strong proportions and rugged design language in a compact footprint. With a high roofline, upright stance, and chunky wheel arches, the Seltos projects a bold presence despite its small size. The signature tiger-nose grille, full-width lighting elements, and sculpted body panels reflect Kia’s contemporary design ethos. A prominent shoulder line, contrasting roof color options, and detailed LED taillights give it a more premium and adventurous character. With its tall ride height and short overhangs, it manages to look equally at home in city streets or light trails. The rear liftgate is wide and practical, aiding access to the generous cargo space, while roof rails and skid-plate-style lower trim contribute to its active lifestyle appeal.
Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)
The name “Seltos” is derived from “Celtos,” the son of Hercules in Greek mythology. Kia adapted the spelling to start with an “S” to emphasize speed and sportiness. The name aligns with the vehicle’s target market—youthful, adventurous, and image-conscious drivers who value bold styling and energetic performance. It reflects a blend of mythological strength and modern agility.
Model Name Meaning (Languages)
While "Seltos" is a constructed name, its roots in classical mythology and stylized spelling lend it a strong and global resonance. The “-os” suffix gives it an energetic, European flair, while the "S" evokes motion and sleekness. It has no negative or confusing meanings across major languages, making it suitable for international markets. Its short, punchy sound aids brand recall, especially among younger audiences.
Body & Interior Colors and Rims
The Kia Seltos offers a vibrant and youthful palette of exterior colors designed to appeal to a design-conscious demographic. Core shades include Steel Gray, Snow White Pearl, and Gravity Gray, while more expressive options like Neptune Blue, Mars Orange, and Fusion Black provide distinct visual identities. Premium trims and special editions introduce dual-tone combinations such as Cherry Black with Starbright Yellow or Clear White with Black roof, reinforcing the SUV’s playful image. LED light signatures, dark chrome accents, and geometric grille textures enhance the design in higher trims like the SX and X-Line.
Inside, the cabin continues the modern and sporty theme with layered dashboard designs, metallic accents, and a floating infotainment screen up to 10.25 inches in size. Base trims use high-quality cloth upholstery in black or gray, while EX and SX Turbo models offer synthetic leather in rich hues like Black, Gray, or Navy with contrasting stitching. A flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear selector, and ambient lighting in the footwells and door panels elevate the experience in upper trims. The layout is driver-centric, with large, legible controls and a tech-focused ambiance.
Wheel options range from 16-inch silver alloys on lower trims to 17- and 18-inch machine-finished or gloss-black wheels on higher trims. SX Turbo and X-Line models feature aggressive multi-spoke designs with contrast inserts that highlight the rugged urban theme. The sculpted arches and upright profile frame the wheels cleanly, reinforcing the vehicle’s blend of sport and utility. Optional red center caps, geometric cutouts, or matte finishes allow for subtle personalization.
Top Expensive Options
- SX Technology Package (Heads-Up Display, Adaptive Cruise): $1,200
- Bose Premium Audio with 8 Speakers and Subwoofer: $895
- Wireless Charging Pad: $395
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: $450
- Smart Power Tailgate: $595
- 10.25-inch Navigation Display with Split Screen: $800
- Two-Tone Roof Paint: $500
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: $650
- LED Interior Mood Lighting: $250
- Panoramic Sunroof with Power Shade: $1,100
vs Competitors
In the subcompact SUV class, the Seltos competes with the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and Volkswagen Taos. What sets the Seltos apart is its rare combination of value, space, and style. It offers more rear-seat room and cargo capacity than the Mazda CX-30 and Kona, while still delivering punchy turbocharged performance in the SX Turbo trim. Against the Subaru Crosstrek, it offers a more refined on-road ride and upscale interior tech. Compared to the Corolla Cross and Taos, the Seltos stands out for its youthful design, dual-tone options, and an infotainment suite that feels class-above. It might not win in raw performance or off-road ability, but it delivers a high-value, high-style package that resonates with its millennial and Gen Z audience.
Fun Fact
The Seltos was one of the first Kia models to be designed simultaneously by three global Kia design centers—Seoul, Frankfurt, and Irvine—to ensure broad appeal across Asia, Europe, and North America. This international approach led to its immediate global success and made it one of Kia’s fastest-selling global SUVs, especially in markets like India, Australia, and the U.S.