SUMMARY
The 2022 Kia Seltos is back for its 2nd year as the company’s new product in the subcompact SUV market. It comes improved with additional options for tech features and additional standard features across all the trim levels. The engine options start off with a 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder which is improved on the higher-end trim levels to a 1.6-Liter Engine that raises performance by a considerable degree. This 2022 Kia Seltos review will look into the different features and specs that make this SUV a great addition to the company’s roster of vehicles.
LATEST
The 2022 Kia Seltos is back with an improved roster of driver-assistive features such as automatic high-beam lamps and even automated emergency braking systems. The infotainment system has also been revamped with a 10.3-inch screen that’s standard on a larger selection of Seltos models. A new option has been added to the roster of 2022 Kia Seltos colors: Plum as an interior color scheme. There’s also the addition of the Nightfall Edition which features a bold and black exterior design and 18-inch aluminum wheels, all designs unique to this model.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Kia Seltos price point is split among the 5 different trim levels made available to all buyers. The LX, being the base model, already comes with many different standard features as that of the other models. The SX Turbo is the high-end model of this year’s Seltos lineup, coming in with unique standard offerings only available to itself. Below is our rundown on the 5 different trim levels of the 2022 Kia Seltos alongside their starting MSRPs.
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Seltos LX | $22,590* |
| 2022 Kia Seltos S | $22,790* |
| 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition | $26,790* |
| 2022 Kia Seltos EX | $25,890* |
| 2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo | $28,090* |
The 2022 Kia Seltos lease price is available on the company’s official site including other financing options. Make sure to check it out and to check with your preferred car dealer to see the deals available in your local area.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The 2022 Kia Seltos specs sheet details the two powertrain options available to buyers: A 2.0-liter In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine and a 1.6-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine. The former is available on the LX, S, and EX models. It’s capable of producing 146 horsepower and a torque output of 132 pounds-feet. The second powertrain, the 1.6-Liter Turbocharged, is capable of 175 horsepower and a torque level of 195 pounds-feet. This comes only to the Nightfall Editions and SX Turbo models of the Seltos. The transmission system can be either an Intelligent Variable Transmission or a 7-Speed DCT Transmission. Only the S model has the option for FWD as all models come in all-wheel drive configurations.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The EPA has already released the different MPG estimates for all the models and drivetrain options of the 2022 Kia Seltos. Since the Seltos S model is the only one with a front-wheel drive configuration, it’s the one for those drivers who place a priority on fuel efficiency. The models that scored the lowest were the Nightfall Edition and the SX Turbo, all due to the more powerful engines which take up a lot more fuel. Fuel capacity is the same all throughout the models at a hefty 13.2 gallons. Below is our table detailing the various MPG estimates of the 2022 Kia Seltos’ different models and powertrains:
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Seltos LX | 27 | 31 | 29 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos S (FWD) | 29 | 35 | 31 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos S (AWD) | 27 | 31 | 29 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos EX | 27 | 31 | 29 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo | 25 | 30 | 27 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
The 2022 Kia Seltos interior emphasizes additional space for both passengers and cargo. Kia has also improved the quality of the materials that make up the cabin space, being a step up from its competitors. The passenger capacity of the Kia Seltos is enough for 5 passengers to be fit within a spacious 99.6 cubic feet of passenger room. The cargo capacity of the Kia Seltos is found to be at 26.6 cubic feet with the rear seats deployed. With these seats folded and stowed, cargo capacity increases to 62.8 cubic feet. This is more than enough for any family planning a nice outing with an assortment of bags and luggage.
TOWING CAPACITY
Although there’s no information found on Kia’s official website on axle ratios, the 2022 Kia Seltos towing capacity is estimated to be around a maximum of 3,185 pounds while the FWD model has a capacity for 2,948 pounds of towing.
TECHNOLOGY
The infotainment system of the Kia Seltos is the same across all the models with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with an exception for the base model which only has an 8-inch screen. All models come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity along with Bluetooth functionality for both hands-free phone operation and media streaming. All models above the base LX come with Remote Connectivity features and even Voice Command recognition. The standard audio system found on the Kia Seltos is a 6-speaker audio system which can be upgraded to one provided by audio manufacturer “Bose”. This premium sound system also comes with a sound connected mood lamp to further immerse passengers in the beat of the music.
SAFETY
The NHTSA, a lead authority in car safety, has given the 2022 Kia Seltos a rating of 4-stars for overall safety. The SUV’s suite of safety features and driver-assistive technologies are quite extensive but certain features are only available to the highest tier level, the SX. Some standard features across all models include a Forward Collision Avoidance System, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping and Following Assist, and a Driver Attention Warning system. There’s also a Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control system for handling risky road conditions. Smart Cruise Control is only available for the highest tier level, the SX Turbo.
WARRANTY
Kia’s warranty plans are well known for their long-lasting terms, raising the value of each of their products. Their limited warranty plan spans 5 years or the first 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Next is the powertrain warranty which lasts 10 years with a mileage limit of 100,000 miles driven. The company does not offer any perks or packages for complimentary scheduled maintenance.