Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Kia Seltos Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Kia Seltos Model Years (Ranked)
The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover that slots between the tiny Soul and the larger Sportage, and since its 2020 U.S. Launch it has earned a reputation for roomy packaging, available all-wheel drive, and one of the most generous warranties in the segment. The Seltos has offered two distinct engines: a frugal 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a punchier 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder, the latter notable for a dual-clutch transmission that has drawn mixed reviews.
A 2024 refresh updated the styling, added standard driver-assistance tech, and swapped a conventional automatic into the turbo. Picking the right Seltos model year and engine is the difference between a smooth, long-lasting commuter and a fussier ownership experience. This ranking covers the best years, powertrains, known issues, and where the value lies today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Kia Seltos is the 2024-2025 refreshed model, which brings updated styling, a larger dual-screen interior, standard advanced safety features, and a smoother 8-speed automatic on the turbo that replaced the earlier dual-clutch unit. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2021-2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine and CVT, which delivers proven dependability, lower used pricing, and the same spacious cabin without the turbo's transmission quirks.
Avoid neglected early 2020 turbo cars unless dual-clutch service and any software updates are documented. In every case, the Seltos rewards buyers who favor the naturally aspirated drivetrain for simplicity or a refreshed car for the latest tech.
1. 2024-2025 Seltos (Refreshed) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The refreshed Seltos is the high point of the nameplate. The 2024 mid-cycle update brought sharper front and rear styling, a sleek dual 10.25-inch screen layout, and a more upscale cabin. The biggest mechanical news is that the turbo trims swapped the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for a conventional 8-speed automatic, smoothing out the low-speed hesitation early turbo owners complained about.
Standard equipment grew to include forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring across the lineup.
The base 2.0L engine carries on with a CVT, while the 1.6L turbo makes around 195 horsepower. With the newest tech, the longest remaining factory warranty, and a smoother turbo, the refreshed Seltos is the one to buy if your budget reaches a recent example.
2. 2021-2023 Seltos 2.0L 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2.0L naturally aspirated Seltos is the value champion of the lineup. Its 147-horsepower four-cylinder paired with a CVT is unexciting but proven, sidestepping the dual-clutch concerns of the turbo entirely. By 2021-2023 the Seltos had settled in with strong reliability, and these years offer the same roomy cabin and large cargo area that made the model popular.
The best value is a 2021-2023 LX or S in 2.0L form, which bundles all-wheel-drive availability, a clean infotainment system, and solid safety scores at a used price well below newer rivals. Fuel economy lands near 29-31 mpg combined, and the simple drivetrain keeps maintenance predictable. For budget buyers, this is the smart pick.
3. 2023 Seltos SX Turbo
The 2023 SX Turbo is the most desirable of the first-generation turbo cars. It pairs the 1.6L turbocharged engine (175 hp) with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive, giving the Seltos genuinely quick acceleration and a more engaging feel than the 2.0L.
The top SX trim adds a Bose audio system, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, and full driver-assistance tech.
By 2023 Kia had refined the dual-clutch calibration somewhat, reducing the worst of the low-speed hesitation. Watch for any transmission software updates and confirm smooth engagement on a test drive. For a buyer who wants the loaded turbo experience before the refresh, a clean 2023 SX Turbo is a strong choice.
4. 2022 Seltos 2.0L AWD
The 2022 2.0L all-wheel-drive Seltos is a sensible, low-risk family runabout. The naturally aspirated engine and CVT keep things simple, while all-wheel drive adds confidence in snow and rain. By 2022 the Seltos benefited from a couple of years of running production refinement, and reliability has held up well.
These cars offer a surprisingly spacious back seat and 26.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, class-leading for the size. The EX trim adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and synthetic leather. For a buyer who wants all-weather capability without the turbo's transmission, a clean 2022 2.0L AWD example is an easy recommendation at a reasonable used price.
5. 2025 Seltos X-Line
The 2025 X-Line rides on the refreshed platform and adds a more rugged appearance package with unique styling cues, while keeping the smoother 8-speed automatic turbo drivetrain. It is essentially the most capable and best-equipped version of the current Seltos, blending the 195-horsepower turbo, standard all-wheel drive, and the updated dual-screen interior.
As one of the newest used options, it carries the longest remaining factory warranty (Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage) and the most current safety and infotainment tech. Early reliability impressions are positive thanks to the conventional automatic. Buy this one if you want the latest design with a sportier flavor and are comfortable paying close to new-car pricing for the peace of mind.
6. 2021 Seltos Nightfall Edition
The 2021 Nightfall Edition added blacked-out exterior trim, dark wheels, and unique badging to the popular S and EX grades, giving the Seltos a more aggressive look without changing the mechanicals. Available with either engine, it remains a desirable trim for buyers who want some visual distinction.
Mechanically it is the same dependable first-generation Seltos, so the engine choice matters more than the appearance package: the 2.0L with CVT is the lower-risk pick, while the 1.6L turbo brings more punch and the dual-clutch caveats. Verify recall completion through the VIN, as some early Seltos cars were subject to minor recalls.
A clean Nightfall Edition is a stylish, affordable used buy.
7. 2022-2023 Seltos SX Turbo
The 2022-2023 SX Turbo carries the loaded turbo formula through the back half of the first generation. The 1.6L turbo and 7-speed dual-clutch deliver lively acceleration, and the SX trim packs in a sunroof, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, and a full driver-assistance suite.
The main caveat is the dual-clutch transmission, which some owners found jerky at parking-lot speeds and which has generated more service complaints than the CVT cars. The engine and transmission are durable when maintained, but insist on documented service and a thorough test drive.
For shoppers who prioritize features and performance over absolute mechanical simplicity, these turbo SX models offer a lot of equipment for the money.
8. 2021 Seltos 1.6L Turbo
The 2021 1.6L turbo in S or EX trim offers the Seltos's stronger powertrain at a lower price than the loaded SX. The 175-horsepower turbo with standard all-wheel drive makes the Seltos genuinely quick for the class, and these mid-grade turbo cars are often well-equipped with blind-spot monitoring and a touchscreen.
The trade-off is the dual-clutch transmission, which is the model's most-discussed weak point: low-speed lurching and the occasional service complaint mean a careful inspection is essential. Confirm any transmission software updates were applied. When healthy, the turbo is the more enjoyable Seltos to drive.
A documented, well-maintained 2021 turbo is a reasonable buy for a driver who values acceleration over the CVT's smoothness.
9. 2020 Seltos 2.0L (First Year)
The 2020 model year marked the Seltos's U.S. Debut, and the 2.0L CVT versions are the most dependable of the launch cars. First-year vehicles can carry early-production gremlins, but the naturally aspirated drivetrain is the simplest and lowest-risk part of the lineup.
These are now the most affordable Seltos models, making them appealing budget buys. Inspect for any open recalls through Kia's lookup and the NHTSA database, confirm software updates were applied, and prioritize a clean maintenance history. For a buyer who wants the cheapest entry into Seltos ownership and is comfortable with a first-year car, a well-kept 2020 2.0L offers the model's signature roominess at a low price.
10. 2020 Seltos 1.6L Turbo (First Year, Caution)
The launch-year 2020 turbo is the most cautious buy in the Seltos range. It combines two higher-risk factors: a first-year vehicle and the dual-clutch transmission that drew the most owner complaints, especially in its earliest, least-refined calibration. Low-speed hesitation and lurching were most pronounced on these early cars.
The 1.6L turbo is enjoyable when healthy, and the loaded SX trim is well-equipped, but the combination of first-year teething and an unrefined dual-clutch makes it the riskiest pick. Only buy one with full service documentation showing transmission software updates and any related repairs.
For most shoppers, a later refreshed turbo or any 2.0L CVT car is the safer, smarter choice.
What to Watch For When Buying
The most important step when buying a used Seltos is to evaluate the transmission for the engine you choose. The 2.0L cars use a CVT that is simple and proven, while the 1.6L turbo cars (2020-2023) use a 7-speed dual-clutch that some owners found jerky at low speeds and which generated more service complaints.
On any turbo car, confirm transmission software updates were applied and test for smooth, hesitation-free engagement in stop-and-go driving.
- Check open recalls via Kia's VIN lookup and the NHTSA database; early Seltos models had a handful of minor recalls.
- Prefer the 2.0L CVT if you want the lowest-risk drivetrain, or a 2024+ turbo for the smoother 8-speed automatic.
- Inspect first-year 2020 cars more carefully for early-production issues.
- Verify all driver-assistance features work, and prioritize documented maintenance over a low sticker price.
How to Choose
Match the Seltos to your priorities. For the best blend of tech, refinement, and a smoother turbo, the 2024-2025 refreshed model is the answer, with its conventional 8-speed automatic and updated interior. For the best value with proven simplicity, a 2021-2023 2.0L CVT car is hard to beat, offering the same roomy cabin at a low used price.
Buyers who want more performance and equipment should target an SX Turbo but insist on a clean transmission and service history. Budget shoppers can consider a 2020 2.0L, accepting first-year risk for the lowest price. In every case, favor documented maintenance and confirm recall completion through the VIN.
FAQ
Which Kia Seltos years should I avoid? Be most cautious with the first-year 2020 turbo, which combines early-production risk with the least-refined dual-clutch transmission. The 2.0L CVT versions of any year and the refreshed 2024+ turbo are the safer, smoother choices.
What is the difference between the Seltos engines? The base 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes about 147 horsepower and uses a CVT, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency. The 1.6L turbocharged engine makes 175-195 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive and is quicker, but the early versions used a dual-clutch transmission with more reported quirks.
Is the Kia Seltos reliable? Yes, the Seltos has earned solid reliability ratings, particularly the 2.0L CVT models. The main reservation is the dual-clutch transmission in 2020-2023 turbo cars; the 2024 refresh replaced it with a conventional 8-speed automatic that improved smoothness.
Which Seltos is best for a budget buyer? A 2021-2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine offers proven dependability, a spacious cabin, available all-wheel drive, and a used price well below newer rivals, making it the smart budget pick.
Bottom Line
The Kia Seltos is a roomy, well-warrantied subcompact crossover, but engine and transmission choice is critical. The 2024-2025 refreshed model is the best overall pick, with updated tech and a smoother 8-speed automatic turbo, while the 2021-2023 2.0L CVT offers the best value.
On any first-generation turbo, favor a documented car and verify the dual-clutch transmission shifts cleanly. Confirm recall completion through the VIN, and the Seltos delivers space, all-weather capability, and dependability at a price that undercuts most rivals.
Sources
- Kia USA official Seltos model history, trims, and specifications, kia.com
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for the Kia Seltos by model year, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for the Kia Seltos by engine and model year, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Kia Seltos reviews, generation overview, and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Kia Seltos used values and trim comparisons, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Kia Seltos road tests and powertrain reviews, caranddriver.com
- Wikipedia Kia Seltos generations and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org