Small SUV, Big Value: The 2026 Kia Seltos 

The Seltos might be Kia’s smallest SUV, but it outshines many of its subcompact rivals with comfortable seating for five passengers and some of the best cargo capacity in its class. In fact, the 2026 Seltos ranks second amongst all subcompact models with 62.8 cu.ft. of cargo space, placing it well above the likes of the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Chevrolet Trax. Of course, it’s efficiency, not cargo space, that typically draws buyers to a Kia Seltos for sale.

The subcompact Seltos doesn’t disappoint with an economical base engine that is rated to return an estimated 34 MPG on the highway. An available turbocharged motor provides a more thrilling option that allows drivers to perform some impressive feats of automotive strength, which is fitting for an SUV that’s named after the son of Hercules.

The 2026 model also features a full complement of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that provide an important safety net, including an intersection collision mitigation feature that addresses a surprisingly dangerous driving scenario. Let’s review some of the highlights of the new Seltos—including Kia’s reputation for reliability and industry-leading warranty—and learn how the small crossover can have a big impact on your life behind the wheel.   

Balancing Performance and Efficiency 

Drivers have a simple decision to make when it comes time to choose between the two available engines for the 2026 Seltos.

Are you trying to squeeze the most mileage out of every gallon of gas? The SUV’s entry-level engine is a model of efficiency, allowing the Seltos to achieve an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined even when equipped with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models are even thriftier at the pump with a 31 MPG combined rating that puts many of today’s sedans to shame.

The standard 2.0-liter inline-four also provides plenty of power to get the subcompact crossover up to speed with 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, but if looking to inject a little excitement into your daily commute, Kia is here to help with an available turbocharged engine.

Standard on the range-topping SX trim, the 1.6-liter engine employs the same four-cylinder design as the base model, but adds a turbocharger to significantly up the output and do its namesake proud with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque on tap.

It won’t be difficult to discern between the two engines when you hit the gas pedal, with the turbocharged engine enabling the Seltos to sprint from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. That’s a notable improvement on the base engine’s eight-second showing and, along with all of the added comfort, convenience, and safety tech, makes a pretty compelling case for upgrading to the SX trim. 

Best of all, the 1.6-liter engine swaps out the standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) for an eight-speed automatic that provides a more satisfying experience when you’re stationed behind the wheel. While a CVT might have its advantages in terms of fuel economy, the eight-speed automatic opts for a more traditional approach and gives drivers the opportunity to take full advantage of the SUV’s considerable performance potential.     

Reliability Comes Standard 

The Kia Seltos’ low starting price easily makes the subcompact SUV one of the best values in the competitive segment, but the crossover won’t just save you some serious cash on the day of sale. Kia’s commitment to quality means that buyers will be able to enjoy years of worry-free driving and low lifetime maintenance and repair costs when they settle on the Seltos.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that underscores Kia’s record on reliability, but when you’re investing in a new vehicle, some cold, hard statistics can help you make a more confident decision. Kia has racked up some impressive numbers over the years and is rated highly by organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, but even when the numbers are working in your favor, accidents are bound to happen.

No brand has yet to make an unbreakable vehicle, but Kia has done the next best thing by providing buyers with the best protection on the market. Kia’s legendary warranty might be one of the Seltos’ biggest selling points, with the SUV coming with a generous policy that includes 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. That’s nearly twice the coverage of most car brands.

A Safety-First Approach 

When it comes to safety, the Seltos gets off to a strong start with a comprehensive suite of modern safety tech, and continues to impress as you climb the trim ladder.

The base LX trim includes an array of ADAS, like forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance, and a driver attention warning system that tracks driver inputs to detect distracted or sleepy operators and provide an attention-grabbing alert that’ll keep you on your toes.

The crossover’s S trim adds a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning that’ll prevent you from merging into an occupied lane, but it’s the safe exit warning system that marks one of the Seltos’ more unique features. Parallel parking on a busy road can expose passengers to high-speed traffic when they exit the vehicle, but this innovative system provides a handy warning about approaching traffic to help prevent easily avoidable accidents. 

The Seltos’s subcompact design makes it pretty easy to park when compared to your average SUV, but the EX trim gains a set of rear parking sensors that’ll make the task even less of a hassle. Finally, there’s the SX, which, in addition to its premium design and long list of comfort and convenience features, also happens to be the safest Seltos on offer for 2026.

Kia has equipped the top trim with four key ADAS that have a big impact on the SUV’s safety resume, including adaptive cruise control, a speed limit assist system, and an intersection collision mitigation feature that’s designed to address a surprisingly sneaky safety issue: left turns. 

They might not seem inherently dangerous, but left turns actually account for over 20% of all car accidents, compared to just around 2% for right turns. Kia has tackled this troubling statistic head-on with a handy feature that automatically warns the driver about impending collisions and can even apply the brakes when needed.

The SX is also the only way to access Kia’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA), an improved version of the standard adaptive cruise control system that also boasts a lane centering feature. While it might not provide true hands-free driving capability, HDA can make a difference when it comes to reducing fatigue and handling some of the more mundane aspects of your driving duties. 

Go Big at Lupient Kia Milwaukee

The Kia Seltos’ outstanding efficiency, engaging performance, advanced safety tech, and exceptional reliability mark some of the clear highlights of the 2026 model, but it’s far from being a full list. There are still plenty of surprises in store when you visit us here at Lupient Kia Milwaukee, including some cutting-edge infotainment tech like an available 10.25-inch center touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital gauge display, a wireless phone charger, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The SUV’s upscale cabin provides a premium feel without the associated price tag. It even includes some novel tech like a digital key that lets you leave your keyfob at home and use your smartphone or smartwatch to unlock and drive your vehicle. Throw in the Seltos’ remarkable cargo space, and it’s easy to understand how the subcompact Kia has managed to attract such a loyal following.

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