2022 Kia Seltos S review

New cars are getting more expensive but if you know where to look there are some quality options at the lower end of the market.

It’s hard to find a roomy family SUV under $30,000, but Kia’s Seltos is the pick of the litter as long as you are prepared to do without some essentials.

Here is everything you need to know about the Kia Seltos S.

VALUE

Kia’s small SUV range kicks off at $29,290 drive-away for the base S variant tested here and tops out at $45,290 for the GT-Line.

It’s a fairly bare-bones proposition. There are 16-inch steel wheels, halogen head and tail lights, an eight-inch touchscreen – more expensive models have a 10.25-inch unit – and a six-speaker stereo.

You can still buy a Kia Seltos for less than $30,000.

In a strange quirk the base Seltos is the only version that has wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto connects with a cord.

The cheapest model also has an uninspiring 2.0-litre petrol engine matched to a CVT auto and front-wheel drive.

If you want more grunt, you’ll have to pay an extra $10,500 for the Sport+ DCT with a punchy 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

Kia covers its vehicles with an outstanding seven-year/unlimited km warranty. Seven years of capped price servicing will set you back about $2800.

COMFORT

Passengers are greeted by supportive, manually-adjusted cloth seats.

Hard plastics dominate the cabin and a centre console with blacked-out buttons reminds you that you’re missing out on tech available on more expensive models.

The interior is fairly basic but it has decent connectivity.

There are easy to access aircon dials and steering wheel mounted controls for entertainment functions.

There is only one usb charging point covering the front row, but two 12-volt outlets. Higher grade versions get two USB points in the front.

The rear seats have above-average leg and head room but there are no aircon vents or charging points.

The S gets a bigger boot than the rest of the range, but it has a temporary spare under the floor instead of a full-size tyre.

SAFETY

The Seltos S covers the basics.

It will brake automatically if it detects a potential collision with a car or pedestrian and it will steer you back into your lane if you wander.

But you’ll need to spend another $1000 for two of the most useful driver aids: blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The base Seltos misses out on some driver aids standard on rivals.

The Seltos was crash-tested in 2019 and received a score of 85 per cent for occupant protection, which is OK if not class-leading. Six airbags cover all rows.

DRIVING

The Kia Seltos is a decent drive, with good body control through corners and a comfy ride around town.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/180Nm) can feel a bit underdone when overtaking and climbing steeper hills. The continuously variable transmission helps to keep the engine on the boil, but the combination can be noisy when pressed.

Kia claims fuel use of 6.8L/100km, but expect closer to 8L/100km, especially if you do mostly urban commuting.

The Setlos is a decent drive with average fuel economy.

The Seltos wins back points by only requiring cheaper regular unleaded petrol.

VERDICT 3.5/5

A solid all-rounder at a competitive price, although it’s missing some safety gear.

ALTERNATIVES

Hyundai Kona, $29,490 drive-away

Fundamentally the same car but cabin presents slightly better than the Kia. Only a five-year warranty.

Mitsubishi ASX ES, $28,740 drive-away

Feels and looks dated but keenly priced and comes with a 10-year warranty if you service with a Mitsubishi dealer.

MG ZS Excite, $22,990 drive-away

Cheap and cheerful with a seven-year warranty. Build quality and dynamics behind the pack.

KIA SELTOS S VITALS

PRICE $29,290 drive-away

ENGINE 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 110kW/180Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Seven years/unlimited km, $2818 over seven years

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist

THIRST 6.8L/100km

SPARE Temporary

LUGGAGE 468 litres

Originally published as 2022 Kia Seltos S review