The 2021 Kia Seltos lasts around 125,000 miles, with some serious engine and transmission issues reported. At $17,998 to $26,350, it’s cheap, but still not worth the money since you’ll spend thousands fixing it as it ages.
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a bad year for the Kia Seltos since it has more mechanical issues than other years, making it a year to avoid. Owner reviews complain about expensive repair bills, breaking down, and some stereo system issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are average for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also decent for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are some widespread transmission and engine problems reported on the 2021 Versions from 2022–2023 are more dependable as they age.
- Performance 7/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is relatively weak, while the turbocharged motor isn’t much stronger.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Seltos is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 31 MPG, giving 409 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $47 cheaper than average, at $138 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Kia Seltos is cheaper than other small SUVs, but some higher potential repair costs lower its overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Seltos?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Seltos is a roomy and versatile small SUV, but owner satisfaction scores are lower than average as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Seltos at 3.7/5, enjoying the distinct styling features found on the exterior, but doesn’t like the loose steering feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Seltos a 4.1/5, praising the passenger room in the rear seats, but owners don’t like that the base models don’t have many safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Kia Seltos Have?
Common problems found on the 201 Kia Seltos include slow gear changes, knocking engines, along with some seatbelt warning system issues. Overall, these problems are worse than other small SUVs, leading to more expensive repair costs as they age.
Slow gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Seltos owners, showing up within the first 1,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by the transmission control module. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
Knocking engines are a serious problem found on the 2021 Kia Seltos, usually within the first 50,000 miles. When the engine starts knocking, it causes physical damage to the inside of the cylinder and head, and has to be replaced. If your Seltos is out of warranty, a new engine can cost over $4,000.
Seatbelt warning system issues have also shown up on some Seltos models at around 1,000 miles. There are sensor software updates which improve the reliability of the system. Usually, dealers will update these or replace the sensors for free since it affects the safety of the vehicle.
There is one recall on the 2021 Kia Seltos, which is fewer than some competitors. The recall covers improperly heat-treated pistons, which can cause the engine to stall. Kia will replace the engines in affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Kia Seltos Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Kia Seltos may last around 125,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to repair, which is shorter than other small SUVs like the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $413 per year.
As a used 2021 Seltos reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate struts for $100, the alternator voltage regulator costing $325, along with the exhaust manifold, which costs around $2,500.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a Bose audio system.
Standard safety technology is basic, since it only has a rearview camera and rear-seat alert.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Speed limit display
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Lane centering assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos a Good Value?
No, the 2021 Kia Seltos is not a good value since there are more problems than on other model years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,998 to $26,350, making it less than a Ford Escape or Toyota C-HR. When new, the price range was $21,990 to $27,990. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Seltos?
There are five main models of the 2021 Kia Seltos offered, from the entry-level LX through to the more well-equipped SX. The entry-level model has front-wheel drive while the rest have all-wheel drive.
Kia Seltos LX is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
- Four-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Reclining rear seat
- Rear-seat alert
- 8-inch touch screen infotainment system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Rearview camera
- USB port
Kia Seltos S is a step up, adding:
- Partial synthetic leather upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Heated outside mirrors
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-centering assist
- Optional all-wheel drive (in some models)
- Optional heated front seats (in some models)
Kia Seltos EX offers more features such as:
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Additional USB port
- Wireless device charging
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Automatic climate control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Sunroof
Kia Seltos S Turbo is stronger and has:
- More powerful Turbo engine
- Includes features of S trim
Kia Seltos SX Turbo is the flagship model with:
- Includes features from lower trims
- 25-inch touch screen
- Eight-speaker Bose premium stereo
- Satellite radio
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster display
- Speed limit display
- Adaptive cruise control
What Engines Come In the Kia Seltos?
The 2021 Kia Seltos offers two engine choices, each catering to different driving preferences and needs. The first option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 146 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 29 miles per gallon. In terms of performance, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds.
For those seeking more power, the Seltos also comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces a more robust 175 horsepower. This engine is coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. It achieves a slightly lower combined fuel economy at around 27 miles per gallon. When it comes to acceleration, this turbocharged variant reduces the 0 to 60 mph time to a brisker 7.3 seconds.
What Colors Does the Kia Seltos Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Seltos?
The 2021 Kia Seltos stands out in its segment for offering a comfortable and refined cabin experience, suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys. Inside, the Seltos greets passengers with well-cushioned seats that provide ample support and comfort, even during extended periods of driving. The front seats, especially, are ergonomically designed to accommodate a range of body types, making sure that both the driver and front passenger can enjoy a relaxed posture. Additionally, the driver’s seat offers enough adjustability, making it easy to find an optimal driving position. The rear seats are equally accommodating, with enough legroom and headroom to comfortably seat adults, a feature not always guaranteed in compact SUVs.
The ride quality in the 2021 Kia Seltos is another highlight, contributing significantly to its overall comfort. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to strike a balance between firmness and suppleness, effectively absorbing most road imperfections and providing a smooth ride. This makes the Seltos a pleasant companion on various road surfaces, from city streets to highways. The cabin’s sound insulation deserves a mention as well; it efficiently filters out road and wind noise, maintaining a serene atmosphere inside, which is particularly noticeable on longer trips.
Furthermore, the Seltos’ interior design and materials add to the comfort levels. The cabin is thoughtfully laid out with controls and infotainment features within easy reach and designed for intuitive use. The use of quality materials in touchpoints enhances the sense of comfort, while the overall aesthetic is pleasing and modern, contributing to a relaxing environment. In sum, the 2021 Kia Seltos impresses with its comfortable seating, smooth ride quality, quiet cabin, and user-friendly interior, making it a top choice for those prioritizing comfort in a compact SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Seltos Have?
The 2021 Kia Seltos offers a versatile and ample storage space, catering well to the needs of small families, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In terms of cargo capacity, the Seltos boasts a generous 26.6 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats, which can be expanded significantly to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This kind of space is more than enough for everyday needs and occasional adventures. For example, when going for a family trip, you can easily fit multiple large suitcases, a compact stroller, and several backpacks in the trunk. If you’re heading out for outdoor activities, items like a couple of medium-sized camping tents, sleeping bags, and a portable cooler can be accommodated with ease.
Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 Kia Seltos also offers a variety of small interior storage spaces designed for convenience and practicality. The vehicle includes numerous cubbies, pockets, and compartments that are strategically placed for easy access. In the front, there’s a useful glove compartment, a center console bin, and door pockets, perfect for storing small items like wallets, smartphones, and travel mugs. Rear passengers haven’t been overlooked either, with seatback pockets and door bins available for their use. These spaces are ideal for keeping books, small toys, or snacks within easy reach during a journey. The Kia Seltos 2021 excels in providing both substantial cargo space for larger items and thoughtful small storage solutions for everyday essentials, making it a practical choice for a wide range of users.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Kia Seltos was introduced for the 2021 model year as a new subcompact SUV in Kia’s lineup.
2021: First model year for the Kia Seltos, which falls between the Soul and Sportage.
2022: More standard driver assistance features, additional features added to lower trim levels, and Nightfall Edition introduced with black trim elements.
2023: Standard safety features added to the S model, acoustic glass windshield added to all models.
How Does the Kia Seltos Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Kia Seltos is a bad small SUV since it has a lot of mechanical issues as it ages, making it one that buyers should avoid at all costs.
The Kia Sportage is another small SUV, which can be found for about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Kia Sportage, while the Kia Seltos feels more nimble and sporty on the road. We recommend the Kia Sportage since it has fewer mechanical issues reported by owners as it ages.
The Nissan Rogue is a popular competitor, which is available for about $3,000 more. There’s more room in the cabin of the Nissan Rogue, while the interior materials are higher-quality in the Kia Seltos. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since it has lower ownership costs as it ages and fewer problems.