What Makes the Kia Seltos Different From Other Kia SUVs?

Now that the Kia Seltos will be undoubtedly coming to America in the next few years, most likely for the 2021 model year, many consumers are beginning to wonder about the differences between this crossover and the already growing selection of hatchbacks, crossovers, and SUVs in the Kia Motors lineup. Some have been quick to point out many similarities between the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage SUV, leading some to wonder if we really need another crossover. Don’t be fooled – the Kia Seltos is not only muscular and rugged, but it’s the kind of crossover consumers will want to drive around the city. Let us point out some of the differences that set the Kia Seltos a part from its close-resembling sibling, the Kia Sportage.

Looks Elegant Outside and Roomy Inside

Kia Motors has already slotted the Kia Seltos below the Kia Sportage in terms of size, hence it being a crossover and not an SUV. Even so, with the smaller frame of the Seltos, the crossover takes on a boxy look similar to that of the large SUV, the 2020 Kia Telluride . This gives the crossover a more muscular look that could easily land it a spot in the subcompact SUV class. Keeping up with the differences to set itself apart, the Kia Seltos will be available with cool two-tone exterior color schemes with either a black or white roof.

Big things come in small packages, or that’s what they say. Well, the saying is true for the Kia Seltos. Even with its compact size, with the rear seats folded down, consumers get 62.8 cubic-feet to work with. That’s more than you’ll find in the Kia Sportage. The Seltos even has a little more head and legroom in the front and rear of the cabin.

Technology Plus

Kia Motors is always bringing the goods when it comes to technology, and the Kia Seltos is already proving that by becoming the first Kia Motors vehicle to come equipped with an Intelligent Personal Agent . Kia Seltos drivers will be able to speak with their vehicle as one would do with a smart device like the Amazon Alexa or Google Home, essentially turning the car into a smart device . This will allow drivers to do things like asking about the weather or search for information in real-time in addition to already available services such as making a phone call or adjusting in-car climate controls.

When it comes to entertainment, the Kia Seltos comes with the latest version of UVO on a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a split-screen feature that allows consumers to modify their home screen like one would do with their smartphone . The Kia Sportage comes with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen and has yet to come with the upgraded UVO infotainment system. Lastly, with an available eight-speaker Bose audio system and pulsating ambient lighting, the patterned speaker grilles will pulsate with different colored lights as music plays throughout the cabin.

Engineering

If looking for more power, than consumers will find it in the Kia Sportage, no doubt. It’s an SUV with an available 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine capable of generating 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The strongest powertrain in the Kia Seltos is an optional 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine capable of generating 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. However, because of its compact size, the Kia Seltos comes with a little more attitude on the road.

Across the lineup (except for the S trim), all-wheel drive will come standard on the 2021 Kia Seltos. Standard! If looking for a crossover with better traction and more control over various road conditions, the Kia Seltos offers that on nearly every trim. In addition, depending on the drivetrain, drivers can get a sophisticated independent multi-link layout for the rear suspension with all-wheel drive. If consumers opt-in for front-wheel drive (standard on the S trim), the Seltos comes with a torsion beam rear suspension setup instead. The Kia Sportage comes with an independent rear suspension no matter what trim or drivetrain consumers choose.

Like we said, there are a lot more differences between the upcoming Kia Seltos crossover and the Kia Sportage SUV. Follow along with Miami Lakes Kia social media and find out when we get the Kia Seltos on the lot.

Photo Source/Copyright: Motor Trend

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