Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD: A Bold and Capable Subcompact SUV
The Kia Seltos has made a significant splash in the crowded subcompact SUV market since its debut. Offering a blend of eye-catching design, practicality, and value, the Seltos has quickly become a popular choice for buyers seeking an affordable yet well-equipped vehicle. At the top of the Seltos range sits the SX Turbo AWD trim, which adds a potent turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive to the mix, elevating the driving experience and adding a layer of all-weather capability.
Exterior Design: Standout Style
The Seltos boasts a distinctive and modern exterior design that sets it apart from its competitors. The front fascia is characterized by Kia’s signature "tiger nose" grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights and a unique LED daytime running light signature that extends into the grille. The SX Turbo trim adds sporty touches like a gloss black grille surround, silver skid plates, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Seltos has a boxy silhouette with a relatively upright roofline, which contributes to its spacious interior. The rear of the vehicle features distinctive LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, adding a touch of sophistication. The overall design is youthful and energetic, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Interior Design and Features: A Premium Feel
Stepping inside the Seltos SX Turbo reveals a well-designed and surprisingly upscale interior. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The materials used throughout the cabin are of decent quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas.
The SX Turbo trim comes standard with a host of features, including:
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- Sunroof
- Bose premium audio system
- Wireless phone charging
The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. The Bose audio system delivers excellent sound quality, making long drives more enjoyable.
Performance and Handling: Turbocharged Fun
The Seltos SX Turbo is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The turbocharged engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and passing maneuvers. The dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, contributing to a responsive and engaging driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction in slippery conditions, making the Seltos SX Turbo a capable year-round vehicle.
The Seltos handles well for a subcompact SUV, with precise steering and minimal body roll. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and composed ride on most road surfaces. The SX Turbo trim also benefits from a sport-tuned suspension, which further enhances handling.
Fuel Economy: Respectable Numbers
The Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is rated by the EPA at 25 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. These numbers are respectable for a subcompact SUV with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine.
Safety Features: A Focus on Protection
The Seltos comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention warning
- Rearview camera
The SX Turbo trim adds even more advanced safety features, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Highway driving assist
- Parking distance warning (front and rear)
The Seltos has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.
Practicality and Cargo Space: Surprisingly Spacious
One of the Seltos’s key strengths is its practicality. Despite its subcompact dimensions, the Seltos offers a surprisingly spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate adults, making the Seltos a viable option for small families.
The Seltos also boasts a generous cargo area, with 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 62.8 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other gear. The Seltos also features a dual-level cargo floor, which allows for added flexibility when hauling cargo.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Stylish and modern exterior design
- Upscale and well-equipped interior
- Powerful turbocharged engine
- All-wheel drive for added traction
- Spacious interior and cargo area
- Excellent safety ratings
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Strong value for the money
Cons:
- Dual-clutch transmission can be jerky at low speeds
- Some may find the ride a bit firm
- Fuel economy is not class-leading
The Verdict: A Top Contender
The Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a compelling subcompact SUV that offers a winning combination of style, performance, practicality, and value. The turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system provide a fun and capable driving experience, while the spacious interior and generous cargo area make the Seltos a practical choice for everyday use. The Seltos also comes packed with features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
While the dual-clutch transmission can be a bit jerky at low speeds and the ride may be a bit firm for some, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise excellent vehicle. The Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a top contender in the subcompact SUV segment and is well worth considering for buyers looking for a stylish, capable, and affordable vehicle.
Who Should Buy the Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD?
The Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a great choice for:
- Young professionals who want a stylish and fun-to-drive SUV
- Small families who need a practical and spacious vehicle
- Buyers who live in areas with inclement weather and need all-wheel drive
- Those who value safety and want a vehicle with excellent safety ratings
- Buyers who are looking for a well-equipped vehicle at a competitive price
In conclusion, the Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a well-rounded and highly desirable subcompact SUV that offers a compelling package of style, performance, practicality, and value. It’s a vehicle that’s sure to impress a wide range of buyers.
