021 Kia Seltos near Santa Fe NM is the Top Subcompact Crossover

 The new 2021 Kia Seltos near Santa Fe NM is a subcompact crossover SUV that's bigger than the Soul but smaller than the Sportage. With a cost of less than $30 K for the top trim, it's priced just right.

Only a half-inch longer than the Kia Niro, but boxier in design and higher off the ground, the five seater Kia Seltos is a brand new entrant in a vehicle segment that's crowded with contenders. With proven competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V, the Seltos has a lot to prove.

 

We like to think the Seltos will be a hit. It's spacious inside yet small on the outside. It's a perfect size for getting around easily in the city while having enough room in the cabin for a night out with another couple. One of the best features is the availability of all wheel drive, which some rivals don't even offer. Even though the Seltos isn't a trail blazing SUV, it does have 7.2 inches of ground clearance, and for those drives in the rain or muddy areas, the AWD models come with a locking center differential.

 

There are several ways the 2021 Kia Seltos near Santa FE NM is similar to its popular big brother, the Kia Telluride (Motortrend's SUV of the Year for 2020). It's good looking, built to last, and the interior is very high quality and posh for what the starting price of $21,190 may suggest.

2021 Kia Seltos near Santa FE NM: Powertrain Options

Another good thing about the Seltos is the choice of two powertrains; one is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter motor that delivers 146 horsepower, the other is a turbocharged 1.6 liter that puts out 175 hp. Also worth mentioning is standard AWD on all trim levels except the S, which has the option of adding it for $1500. The price is definitely a great feature- you can get a new Seltos with AWD and a turbo engine, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and up-to-date features like adaptive cruise control for less than $28 K.

Only one model of the 2021 Kia Seltos near Santa FE NM doesn't include automatic emergency braking, but all the other trims, from S to the SX Turbo, come standard with it, and it works quite well. Lane keeping assist is also included in those models. In some systems, the steering wheel can feel as if it's being ripped out of your hands. This is not the case for the Seltos, it's system uses mild steering corrections that won't startle the driver.

The turbo Seltos is quick, and the AWD powertrain has a torque-vectoring system that increases traction when accelerating out of turns. It comes equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and timely. The Seltos models with the 2.0-liter engine is just fine to get the job done, but will become much more responsive with Sport mode engaged.

Whether you're driving on the open highway or making stop and go trips in town, the 2021 Kia Seltos near Santa Fe NM will deliver a firm but comfy ride. The absence of wind, road, and engine noise makes it ideal for long road trips. And with its impressive safety and driver assist features, plus a 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, you won't find a better value.

Make an appointment to test drive a new Seltos today, or just stop by our showroom at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque to check out all the new 2021 Kia models.