By Despite it represents the second production year of the current generation, the 2022 Kia Seltos brings some pretty interesting novelties. One of them is the addition of new standard features, especially in terms of safety. Also, some tech features are now standard in lower trim levels, while there are also some new color schemes available. Finally, there is the new Nightfall Edition visual package, which brings blacked exterior details, black wheels and similar things.
However, none of these updates will change the model’s character. We are about to see the same overall design, which has so many good things to offer, especially regarding practicality. This crossover is spacious and comfortable, and also offers quite intuitive infotainment controls. We also like its good fuel economy. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to the ride quality, weak base engine etc.
The 2022 Kia Seltos is already available on the market.
2022 Kia Seltos Design
As we already mentioned, the Seltos was introduced last year, as a new crossover that slots between the smaller Soul and larger Sportage. It is a crossover that puts focus on practicality and functionality but is also quite comfortable and efficient. Logically, there aren’t many changes for the second production year, though the Korean manufacturer has brought a couple of interesting novelties.
One of them is a new visual package called Nightfall Edition. Just like other Kia models, this moniker brings black wheels and lots of blacked details around the body. Other than that, you won’t notice any other changes regarding exterior design, except for Kia’s new badge, which will debut on all 2022 model years in the lineup.
Interior
Interior remains the strongest point of this small crossover. Despite the dimensions, there is plenty of room inside 2022 Kia Seltos. Both rows are spacious enough to accommodate adults with ease, while we particularly like the front row, which features massive and supportive seats. Also, the driving position is pretty good, whether it’s about ergonomics or outward visibility. The cargo area is another impressive aspect of this crossover. You may count on about 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold them down, and you’ll open a total of 62.8 cubic feet, which are some of the highest numbers in the class.
Besides plenty of space, the Seltos also offers good overall interior quality. The materials are mostly fine, but there is also a fair amount of hard plastics. Still, that’s a quite typical thing for the segment. More importantly, the build quality is good, while the sound insulation is also pretty good. The 2022 Kia Seltos can be a little bit lout at higher speeds, but it’s generally a pretty quiet crossover.
Features
As we already mentioned, the 2022 Kia Seltos brings more standard features compared to the 2021 model. This particularly refers to safety features, as things like automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps are now on the list of standard equipment. The list of standard safety systems also includes familiar features like a rearview camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking etc. Among options, you can find blind-spot monitoring, cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control etc.
When it comes to tech features, base models come with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, a USB port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, you can get goodies like 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.
2022 Kia Seltos Engines
Under the hood, the 2022 Kia Seltos continues with two familiar engine options on the offer. Base models use a familiar 2.0-liter inline-four, which puts out around 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a CVT gearbox and it definitely isn’t the peppiest engine around. However, it provides a pretty good fuel economy. You may count on about 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for the class.
Range-topping models come with a 1.6-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and offers way better driving dynamics. Furthermore, this one comes in pair with a much more engaging 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The fuel economy goes around 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is also pretty good for the class.
2022 Kia Seltos Release Date and Price
The 2022 Kia Seltos is already available on most markets. In North America, the starting price goes around 23.000 dollars. Some of the potential rivals are models like Honda HR-V, Buick Encore, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek etc.
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