2023 Kia Seltos Preview: Changes, Specs, Features

Kia’s subcompact crossover was originally launched for the 2021 model year and if we can judge on the first and the second production year, it looks like the Korean manufacturer did a pretty good job. The new model looks nice and, more importantly, it is very practical and economical. Therefore, it’s pretty much a certain thing that the 2023 Kia Seltos, which will represent the third production year, will come without more important updates. We are about to see a familiar design, though there is always a chance to see minor updates like new standard features, new color options etc.

With updates or without, the next year’s model will keep familiar characteristics. We are about to see a familiar design, which offers a lot of good things, starting from the spacious and practical cabin. We also like the powertrain lineup, as both engines offer pretty good fuel economy. Add to this a long list of standard and available features, as well as a pretty intuitive infotainment system, and you get one of the best subcompact crossovers on the market.

Since no bigger changes are about to come, we presume that the 2023 Kia Seltos will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.

2023 Kia Seltos

2023 Kia Seltos Design

As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Kia Seltos will represent the third production year and therefore, we don’t expect to see any particular changes. The current model is still quite fresh and looks pretty attractive, mostly thanks to the aggressive front-end design. The rest of the vehicle looks good too, which is no wonder if we consider that the vehicle follows the brand’s contemporary language. All in all, the next year’s model is about to continue in the same way.

The same thing goes for the mechanical aspect of the car. This crossover has a lot in common with models like Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona, so it’s no wonder that it offers similar driving characteristics as well. The car isn’t particularly fun to drive, but its small size ensures great maneuverability.

Interior

Despite the small size, this crossover is quite generous with space. The second row is surprisingly roomy for the segment, while the front seats are spacious and quite comfortable. Furthermore, we really like the cargo area of this crossover. It offers around 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet behind the first row, which is pretty impressive for the segment, even comparable with compact crossovers.

2023 Kia Seltos Interior

Besides plenty of space, this cabin also looks nice. The dashboard looks modern and features lots of tech features. Of course, there are some areas wrapped with hard plastics but the overall interior quality is pretty impressive, considering the model’s price tag.

Features

Yearly updates usually bring a few novelties in terms of standard and available equipment. So, the 2023 Kia Seltos shouldn’t be an exception, though we presume that most of the things are about to remain the same. We expect that base models will come equipped with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, a USB port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The list of options should include a 10.25-inch touch screen, a 7-inch digital instrument display, an additional USB port, navigation, satellite radio, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, wireless device charging, push-button start, remote start, proximity keyless entry, automatic climate control, and a sunroof.

The same thing is expected with safety features. All models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection etc. The list of options should include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, cyclist detection, safe exit assist etc.

2023 Kia Seltos Engines

Just like the current model, the 2023 Kia Seltos will be offered in two variants regarding powertrain. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter inline-four, which puts out around 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Obviously, this amount of power can’t provide some impressive driving dynamics, especially if we consider that the engine comes paired with a CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the reward comes in the form of great fuel economy, which goes around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

For those who expect better performance from this small crossover, there is the optional 1.6-liter turbo-four, with a max output of 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which provides way better driving dynamics. Another significant difference is that this engine comes in pair with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

2023 Kia Seltos

2023 Kia Seltos Release Date and Price

We expect that the 2023 Kia Seltos will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 23.000 dollars.

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2 comments

  1. Is there a waiting list that I can sign up or order for the 2023 Seltos ?

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