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2021 Kia

Seltos FWD

Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L

Kia Seltos: best and worst years
2021 Kia Seltos FWD (photo 1 of 2)
PhotoDinkun ChenCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
147
Power to weight
0.046 hp/lb
Axle ratio
6.05
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
34 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
31 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,000EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
285 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
172 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
64 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,186 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
328
Reported injuries
6

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE43%
  • POWER TRAIN13%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER9%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 459 total.

Kia Seltos: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • AQ25001opened Aug 6, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.