Kia’s Seltos, a small, affordable SUV — and the reigning winner in our comparison of the class — is getting a modest but important update for the 2022 model year. Advanced safety technology is now standard on all trim levels; this includes automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering steering and automatic high beams. For 2021, the Seltos did not offer these features on the base model, called the LX.
The newly standard safety tech might increase the Seltos LX’s appeal to safety-minded shoppers, but Kia also created a new Nightfall Edition trim for those interested in the popular blacked-out aesthetic. Taking the place of the S Turbo in the Seltos lineup, the Nightfall Edition gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, matte-black 18-inch wheels, a black grille and what Kia calls “rugged” roof rails and side sills.
More Changes
Seltos S models now come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that was previously only available on the SX; they also gain automatic climate control and remote start. Also new for 2022 is a Plum interior color scheme for the SX, which gets a flat-bottom steering wheel as well.
Higher Prices
Features aren’t the only changes to the 2022 Seltos, as the updates accompany corresponding price increases for almost every trim level. All prices below include a destination fee of $1,175, which hasn’t changed from the previous model year. The LX, S and EX are all powered by a 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Nightfall and SX have the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which makes 175 hp.
2022 Seltos LX AWD: $23,665 ($500 increase)
2022 Seltos S FWD: $23,865 ($700 increase)
2022 Seltos S AWD: $25,365 ($600 increase)
2022 Seltos EX AWD: $26,965 ($400 increase)
2022 Seltos Nightfall Edition AWD: $27,865 ($1,100 increase over 2021 S Turbo AWD)
2022 Seltos SX AWD: $29,165 (no increase)
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Road Test Editor Brian Normile joined the automotive industry and Cars.com in 2013 and became part of the Editorial staff in 2014. Brian spent his childhood devouring every car magazine he got his hands on — not literally, eventually — and now reviews and tests vehicles to help consumers make informed choices. Someday, Brian hopes to learn what to do with his hands when he’s reviewing a car on camera, and to turn his 2021 Hyundai Veloster N into a tribute to the great Renault mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive hatchbacks. He would daily-drive an Alfa Romeo 4C if he could.
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After 30,000 miles and taking the car in to get regular, on time oil changes, the car stopped working on the interstate. It was towed to a kia dealership on mother days and it still has not been fixed or even started to be fixed. Meantime, the insurance is still being paid and so are the car payments for the last 5 months. Kia and their dealership is not helping at all.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort1.0
Interior1.0
Performance1.0
Value1.0
Exterior1.0
Reliability1.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
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I've owned this car for a little over 10 months now, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Some of the things that could use some improvement would be road noise, speakers in the back are almost inaudible, placement of the infotainment screen is kind of odd, and maybe less plastic in the interior. As far as the engine goes and transmission, transmission runs smooth and the engine could use a little more get up and go. Of course I only have the 2.0L. The ride is pretty smooth and I don't feel too many bumps like I did in my Soul.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort5.0
Interior4.0
Performance4.0
Value5.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Love the looks of the outside and inside. More room than any other smaller car I looked at buying. I am impressed with the passing speed and comfort while driving but it is scary on takeoff. This car lacks any get up and go from the start. You have to make sure you have plenty of clearance before you pull into traffic. Overall I enjoy my Seltos SX.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort4.0
Interior5.0
Performance4.0
Value5.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability4.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car
13 people out of 13 found this review helpful.
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