Archived model-year dossier
2021 Kia Seltos
The 2021 Kia Seltos is an all-new small crossover that Kia calls rugged, refined and right-sized for the entry SUV segment, introduced alongside the new K5 sedan. NHTSA lists two recalls, both for piston oil rings that can damage the 2.0-liter engine, and 371 complaints, led by engine (227). Used ones run $14,400 to $17,350 per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations3
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency27–31 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What the 2021 Kia Seltos is
Kia (opens in a new tab) announced the all-new Seltos in November 2019 as a rugged, refined and right-sized crossover that energizes the entry SUV segment. J.D. Power (opens in a new tab) lists it among the 2021 Kia changes with the all-new K5 midsize sedan and a redesigned Sorento.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 25/30 to 29/34 mpg and used 2021 Seltos prices from $14,400 for the S 2.0 to $17,350 for the SX at a dealer. EPA rates it at 27 to 31 mpg combined and $2,000 to $2,300 a year in fuel.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2021 Seltos. 21V259000, from April 2021, covers piston oil rings on 2.0-liter Nu MPI engines that may not have been properly heat-treated, which may damage the engine. 25V099000, from February 2025, covers piston oil rings on 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Owners have filed 371 complaints: engine with 227, power train with 68, electrical system with 48, unknown or other with 46, engine cooling with 43 and fuel and propulsion with 26.
2021 Seltos against the Kona, CX-30, Crosstrek and Kicks
EPA rates the 2021 Seltos at 27 to 31 mpg combined. The Hyundai Kona lists 27 to 120 including its electric version, the Mazda CX-30 25 to 28 at $2,250 to $2,500, the Subaru Crosstrek 25 to 35 at $1,800 to $2,500, and the Nissan Kicks 33 at $1,900. The Seltos beats the CX-30 and trails the Kicks.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Kia Seltos: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 2.0 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | FWD | 146 | 132 | 29 / 34 / 31 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| LX | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | AWD | 146 | 132 | 27 / 31 / 29 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| EX | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | AWD | 146 | 132 | 27 / 31 / 29 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| S 1.6 | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | AWD | 175 | 195 | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | AWD | 175 | 195 | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 2.0 | 2,948 lb | 172 in | 63.6 in | 103.5 in | 7.2 in | 34.8 ft | 40 in | 41.4 in | P215/55R17 |
| LX | 3,087 lb | 172 in | 63 in | 103.5 in | 7.2 in | 34.8 ft | 40 in | 41.4 in | P215/55R17 |
| EX | 3,087 lb | 172 in | 63.6 in | 103.5 in | 7.2 in | 34.8 ft | 38.5 in | 41.4 in | P215/55R17 |
| S 1.6 | 3,317 lb | 172 in | 63.6 in | 103.5 in | 7.2 in | 34.8 ft | 40 in | 41.4 in | P235/45R18 |
| SX | 3,317 lb | 172 in | 63.6 in | 103.5 in | 7.2 in | 34.8 ft | 40 in | 41.4 in | P235/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Kia Seltos trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S 2.0 | LX | EX | S 1.6 | SX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | – | Std | Std | – |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | – | Opt | – |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Push-button start | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42429Seltos AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Regular | 25 | 30 | 27 | N/A |
| 42430Seltos AWD | 2L 4-cylConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 27 | 31 | 29 | N/A |
| 42428Seltos FWD | 2L 4-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 29 | 34 | 31 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01Which current models share the 2021 Kia Seltos's EPA class?
Comparison
Class peers of the 2021 Kia Seltos in the current EPA data include 2026 Acura MDX, 2026 Buick Encore, 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, 2025 Cadillac XT4, 2026 Cadillac XT5, 2025 Cadillac XT6, and 47 more.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q02How did the 2021 Kia Seltos do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2021 Kia Seltos earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 15.1% to 16.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03How much is the destination charge on the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2021 Kia Seltos puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $1,120. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2021 Kia Seltos, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q04What size wheels does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Kia Seltos's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the S 2.0, LX and EX and 18 inches on the S 1.6 and SX. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2021 Kia Seltos trims differ from one another?
Trims
The LX has AWD instead of FWD over the S 2.0. The EX has blind-spot alert, fog lights, heated front seats and 8 more as standard equipment over the LX. The S 1.6 has 175 hp against 146 and a dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard equipment over the EX. The SX has blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, emergency and security services and 7 more as standard equipment over the S 1.6.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Kia Seltos.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Kia Seltos across model years.
Ownership desk
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