2023 Kia Seltos Review: Stylish, Practical, and Packed with Value
Kia Seltos-2023: Compact and Efficient Versatile
The 2023 Kia Seltos continues to prove why it remains one of the strongest contenders in the highly competitive subcompact SUV segment. Positioned between the quirky Soul and the larger Sportage, the Seltos offers a compelling blend of practicality, technology, comfort, and available all-wheel drive at a price that remains accessible to a wide range of buyers.
In a market filled with excellent choices such as the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, and Chevrolet Trailblazer, standing out is not easy. Yet the Seltos manages to do exactly that by combining attractive styling, a spacious interior, strong feature content, and a driving experience that feels more refined than many rivals.
Whether you’re a first-time SUV buyer, a young professional, or a small family looking for an affordable crossover with plenty of versatility, the 2023 Kia Seltos delivers a package that is difficult to ignore.
Our Take
The Kia Seltos succeeds because it excels in nearly every category without demanding a premium price. It may not be the most luxurious SUV in its class, but it offers one of the best combinations of space, technology, comfort, and value available today.
What impresses us most is how well-rounded the Seltos feels. The cabin is spacious, the technology is easy to use, fuel economy is competitive, and the available turbocharged engine adds a welcome dose of performance. Kia has also done an excellent job refining the interior and reducing road noise, making the Seltos feel more mature than many of its direct competitors.
For buyers seeking a small SUV that does everything well without major compromises, the Seltos remains one of the smartest purchases in the segment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious cabin with generous rear-seat room
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Available turbocharged engine provides strong performance
- Attractive styling inspired by larger Kia SUVs
- Excellent value for money across the lineup
- Available all-wheel drive on most trims
- Strong warranty coverage
Cons
- Upper trims approach compact SUV pricing
- Dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant in traffic
- Ride quality can become firm on larger wheels
- Base engine feels underpowered compared to turbo models
- Some competitors offer better fuel economy
What’s New for 2023
Kia made only minor updates to the Seltos for the 2023 model year, focusing primarily on improving value and expanding safety features across the lineup. While the overall formula remains unchanged, several small refinements help keep the Seltos competitive in one of the industry’s most crowded segments.
All S models now receive enhanced blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance systems as standard equipment. Kia also improved cabin sound insulation, resulting in a quieter and more refined driving experience. In addition, pricing saw modest increases across the lineup, though the Seltos continues to represent strong value compared to many rivals.
These updates may not be revolutionary, but they improve an already well-rounded package and reinforce the Seltos’ position as one of the best-equipped SUVs in its class.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Kia Seltos takes inspiration from the larger Telluride and Sportage, giving it a more substantial and upscale appearance than many competitors. Its bold front grille, sharp lighting elements, and upright proportions create a confident SUV presence that helps it stand out in a crowded parking lot.
Unlike some subcompact crossovers that appear overly rounded or car-like, the Seltos embraces a more rugged design philosophy. Protective body cladding, available roof rails, and strong character lines contribute to an adventurous look without becoming overly aggressive.
The Nightfall Edition deserves special mention thanks to its blacked-out exterior accents, unique grille treatment, and larger wheels. It gives the Seltos a sportier and more premium appearance while maintaining the practicality buyers expect from a small crossover.
Overall, the Seltos strikes an excellent balance between modern styling and everyday functionality, making it one of the most attractive vehicles in the segment.
Driving Experience
One of the biggest surprises about the Kia Seltos is how refined and enjoyable it feels on the road. Kia has carefully tuned the suspension to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling, creating a crossover that feels composed in nearly every driving situation.
Around town, the Seltos is easy to maneuver thanks to its compact dimensions, light steering, and excellent visibility. On the highway, it feels stable and confident, making long-distance driving less tiring than many competitors.
What truly sets the Seltos apart is its balanced personality. It can comfortably absorb rough pavement during daily commuting while still feeling responsive when the road becomes more interesting. Body roll is well controlled, steering response is predictable, and overall refinement exceeds expectations for a vehicle in this price range.
Whether you’re navigating city traffic, commuting on the interstate, or exploring back roads on the weekend, the Seltos delivers a driving experience that feels more polished than many of its rivals.
Performance & Acceleration
The 2023 Kia Seltos offers two engine choices, allowing buyers to prioritize either efficiency or performance. Most trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is adequate for daily commuting, it is best suited to drivers who value fuel economy and affordability over quick acceleration.
For those seeking a more engaging experience, Kia offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain significantly improves acceleration and passing performance, giving the Seltos a much livelier character on the road.
The turbocharged model feels noticeably stronger during highway merging and overtaking maneuvers, making it the preferred choice for drivers who spend a lot of time on faster roads. While it won’t challenge performance-oriented SUVs, it provides more than enough power for most situations and helps the Seltos feel competitive against some of the segment’s strongest rivals.
Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement
Comfort is another area where the Seltos performs exceptionally well. Kia has done an excellent job refining the suspension and improving cabin insulation, creating a crossover that feels composed and comfortable during everyday driving.
Road imperfections are absorbed effectively, helping the Seltos maintain a smooth ride even on rough pavement. The suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and control, preventing the vehicle from feeling overly soft or excessively firm.
The improvements to sound insulation for 2023 are especially noticeable. Wind noise, road noise, and vibrations are well controlled, giving the cabin a more premium atmosphere than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. This added refinement makes highway travel more enjoyable and helps reduce fatigue on longer journeys.
While models equipped with larger wheels can transmit slightly more harshness over broken pavement, the overall ride quality remains one of the Seltos’ strongest attributes.
Interior & Luxury Feel
The interior of the 2023 Kia Seltos is one of the best in its class. Kia continues to demonstrate its ability to create attractive and functional cabins that feel more expensive than their price tags suggest.
The dashboard design is modern and intuitive, with clearly labeled controls and an excellent driving position. Materials are thoughtfully selected throughout the cabin, and while some hard plastics remain, they are generally placed in less noticeable areas. Higher trims further enhance the experience with upgraded upholstery, premium trim accents, and additional comfort features.
Passenger space is another major strength. Both front and rear occupants enjoy generous headroom and legroom, making the Seltos feel larger than many competing subcompact SUVs. Rear-seat comfort is particularly impressive, allowing adults to travel comfortably even on longer trips.
Combined with its practical storage solutions and solid build quality, the Seltos offers an interior that rivals some compact SUVs costing significantly more.
Technology & Infotainment
Kia has built a reputation for offering some of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in the industry, and the 2023 Seltos continues that tradition. The system is intuitive, responsive, and easy to learn, making daily use simple even for drivers who are not particularly tech-savvy.
Standard models come equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims upgrade to a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen that provides sharper graphics, additional functionality, and a more premium appearance.
Available features include wireless phone charging, navigation, connected services, remote vehicle monitoring, and a premium Bose audio system. The large display, straightforward menu structure, and quick response times make the Seltos one of the easiest vehicles in its class to operate.
For buyers who prioritize technology and connectivity, the Seltos delivers features typically associated with more expensive SUVs.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy remains one of the Seltos’ strongest selling points. The standard 2.0-liter engine is designed to maximize efficiency, making it an excellent choice for commuters and drivers who spend significant time in urban environments.
Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the base engine can achieve EPA estimates of up to 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive versions see a slight reduction in efficiency, though they remain competitive within the segment.
Models equipped with the turbocharged engine sacrifice some fuel economy in exchange for stronger performance. Even so, the difference is relatively modest, and many buyers will find the additional power worth the trade-off.
Overall, the Seltos offers an appealing balance between performance and efficiency, helping owners keep fuel costs under control without sacrificing everyday usability.
Practicality & Cargo Space
Practicality has always been one of the Kia Seltos’ greatest strengths. Despite competing in the subcompact SUV category, it provides passenger and cargo space that rivals some larger compact crossovers.
The rear seats offer enough room for adults to travel comfortably, while the wide-opening doors make entering and exiting the vehicle particularly easy. Families with young children will also appreciate the accessibility when installing child seats.
Behind the second row, the Seltos offers a generous cargo area capable of handling groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and everyday family needs. Folding the rear seats creates a significantly larger load floor, allowing the vehicle to transport bulkier items when necessary.
Numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin further enhance everyday convenience. From cupholders and door pockets to center-console storage, the Seltos makes excellent use of its available space.
For buyers who want maximum versatility without moving up to a larger SUV, the Seltos remains one of the most practical choices in the segmentat the big rear door apertures and riding height provide simple access and egress. However, if the front seat passengers need to push the chairs back for legroom, rear-facing car seats, and even full-size front-facing seats may struggle for the room.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2023 Kia Seltos offers an impressive collection of safety and driver-assistance technologies, helping it remain one of the most confidence-inspiring vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment. Kia has steadily expanded its safety offerings over the years, and the Seltos now provides many advanced features that were once reserved for more expensive vehicles.
Standard equipment includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, automatic high beams, and rear occupant alert. These systems work seamlessly in the background to help drivers remain aware of their surroundings without becoming overly intrusive.
Higher trims add even more advanced technology, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, highway driving assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe-exit warning. Combined with strong crash-test results and Kia’s commitment to safety, the Seltos provides excellent peace of mind for families and daily commuters alike.
Competitors Worth Considering
The subcompact SUV segment is packed with strong contenders, and buyers considering the Seltos should explore several alternatives before making a final decision.
The Mazda CX-30 remains one of the most upscale choices in the class, offering a premium interior and more engaging driving dynamics. Buyers who prioritize luxury and driving enjoyment may find the Mazda particularly appealing.
The Volkswagen Taos delivers a more spacious rear seat and exceptional highway comfort, making it an excellent option for long-distance travelers. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla Cross appeals to shoppers seeking strong reliability, excellent resale value, and available hybrid efficiency.
The Hyundai Kona offers bold styling and advanced technology, while the Chevrolet Trailblazer provides attractive pricing and a surprisingly spacious interior. Each competitor has its own strengths, but the Seltos continues to stand out because it balances nearly every category exceptionally well without any major weaknesses.
Trim Comparison
Seltos LX
The LX serves as the entry point into the lineup and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it one of the best values for buyers who frequently encounter rain, snow, or rough road conditions. It includes a solid list of standard safety features and practical equipment, though it lacks some of the convenience and technology upgrades found in higher trims.
Seltos S
The S trim adds additional comfort and convenience features while maintaining an affordable price. It represents a noticeable upgrade over the LX and is often the best choice for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a well-equipped vehicle.
Seltos EX
The EX focuses on comfort and technology, adding premium interior materials, larger infotainment displays, and additional convenience features. It is ideal for buyers who prioritize everyday comfort over outright performance.
Seltos Nightfall Edition
The Nightfall Edition combines the turbocharged engine with unique styling enhancements, black exterior accents, larger wheels, and a more aggressive appearance. It offers an excellent blend of performance, technology, and visual appeal.
Seltos SX Turbo
As the flagship model, the SX Turbo includes nearly every available feature. Buyers receive the powerful turbocharged engine, premium audio system, advanced driver-assistance technologies, navigation, and numerous luxury-oriented upgrades. It is the most complete Seltos available, though it also carries the highest price tag.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
For most buyers, the 2023 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition is the trim we recommend. It combines the stronger turbocharged engine with a generous list of comfort, technology, and styling upgrades without reaching the price territory of the fully loaded SX Turbo.
The Nightfall Edition also adds distinctive black exterior accents, upgraded wheels, and a more premium appearance that helps the Seltos stand out from competitors. More importantly, it delivers the performance many buyers expect from a modern crossover while retaining the practicality and efficiency that make the Seltos so appealing.
If budget is the primary concern, the S trim remains an excellent value. However, buyers seeking the best overall balance of features, performance, and pricing should strongly consider the Nightfall Edition.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The 2023 Kia Seltos remains one of the most complete subcompact SUVs on the market. It successfully blends practicality, technology, comfort, efficiency, and available performance into a package that feels more expensive than its price suggests.
Few competitors manage to balance everyday usability and driving enjoyment as effectively as the Seltos. Its spacious cabin, generous cargo capacity, advanced safety features, and available turbocharged engine help it appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-time SUV owners to growing families.
While rivals such as the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, and Toyota Corolla Cross each excel in specific areas, the Seltos stands out because it does almost everything well. There are no major weaknesses, and Kia’s industry-leading warranty only strengthens its appeal.
For shoppers seeking a stylish, practical, and value-packed crossover, the 2023 Kia Seltos remains one of the smartest purchases in its segment.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos a reliable SUV?
Yes. The 2023 Kia Seltos benefits from Kia’s strong reputation for reliability and is backed by one of the best warranties in the automotive industry. With proper maintenance, the Seltos should provide dependable long-term ownership while keeping operating costs relatively affordable.
Is the turbocharged engine worth getting in the Kia Seltos?
For many buyers, absolutely. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers noticeably stronger acceleration and more confident highway performance than the standard 2.0-liter engine. Drivers who frequently travel on highways or simply enjoy a more responsive vehicle will likely find the upgrade worthwhile.
How does the Kia Seltos compare to the Volkswagen Taos?
The Kia Seltos offers more available features, stronger warranty coverage, and a more powerful optional engine. The Volkswagen Taos counters with superior rear-seat space, excellent fuel economy, and a more refined highway driving experience. Both are excellent choices, but the Seltos generally offers more equipment for the money.
Does the 2023 Kia Seltos have enough space for a family?
Yes. Despite its subcompact classification, the Seltos provides impressive passenger room and cargo capacity. It can comfortably accommodate small families, child seats, groceries, luggage, and everyday activities without feeling cramped.
Which 2023 Kia Seltos trim offers the best value?
The Nightfall Edition delivers the best balance of performance, features, styling, and price. It includes the turbocharged engine and many desirable upgrades while remaining significantly more affordable than the fully loaded SX Turbo.
Is the 2023 Kia Seltos good for long road trips?
Yes. The comfortable seats, quiet cabin, excellent technology features, and available adaptive cruise control make the Seltos a surprisingly capable road-trip vehicle. Its combination of comfort and fuel efficiency helps reduce driver fatigue during longer journeys.
What are the biggest strengths of the 2023 Kia Seltos?
The Seltos stands out for its spacious interior, excellent value for money, strong technology offerings, available turbocharged performance, and generous warranty coverage. These qualities make it one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment.
