The Car Connection crew did have
lots of love for the Kia Soul, due to its funky style and sensible arrangement
of usable space. Since the Soul didn't have all-wheel drive, this is where the
Seltos can largely and proudly fill that gap. It stretches seven more inches
from bumper to bumper, resulting in 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room (compared to
the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet) and nearly one more inch of rear-seat legroom than
the hatchback. The magazine's editor is 6-foot-3, and he was able to very
comfortably sit behind a driver of similar size while enjoying ample shoulder
room and rear seats that recline a few inches for better long-haul comfort.
The base engine for the 2021 Seltos is a 2.0-liter
inline-4 that cranks out 146 horsepower, is mated to a continuously variable
automatic transmission, and is the one the testing crew here preferred. It is
available in the S AWD or EX configuration, and the option higher up the ladder
is the 1.6-liter Turbo-4 that makes 175 horsepower and is paired with a 7-speed
dual-clutch automatic. The troupe averaged about 27.3 mpg combined in the
turbo-4 Seltos, and after a bit more time spent on the outskirts of San
Antonio, they felt that the steering feel was softer and does a better job of
leaning into corners.
As far as the all-important highway drive, the
winning quality as far as this group was concerned was the quiet ride and the
8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The
top-of-the-line Seltos SX gets a wide 10.3-inch version and premium audio,
another asset defining its comfort factor as a place to feel as if you are
unwinding instead of knocking out the normal stressful deadlines of everyday
life. Practicality and open space were highlights during the multiple drives,
and this is the vehicle with a prime personality that Car and Driver
claimed: “Goes above and beyond all small SUV essentials.”
We are excited to show you the SUV that is so
well-known for displaying class-leading
refinement and secure composure for its price
point, and steering that strays far from the
“pined and nervous” character of many out there
today. Among competitors possessing the fierce form of the Jeep Compass, Mazda
CX-30, and Nissan Rogue Sport, the squared-off and very chiseled appearance
make the Seltos upscale, the ride of someone in the know, and the perfect
choice for 2021’s coming offering assortment.
