2021 Kia Seltos Gets Telluride Attitude (In A Much Smaller Package).

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Kia learned what Americans want after launching the white-hot Telluride. It’s applied that knowledge to the much smaller Seltos which competes with Crosstrek, CX-30, Kona, Renegade, and HR-V. But those looking at larger and spendier crossovers should give this Kia a look. The brand ditches it’s bargain basement pricing for a strategy that worked for big brother Telluride- create a really good vehicle with a rugged image and loads of value so it doesn’t need fire sale pricing. Tom Voelk travels to San Antonio, Texas to attend the press event. Does he win the chili cookoff competition?
Tom attended the press event courtesy of Kia but as always, his opinions remain independent.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[@nattga]

A Subaru fan here but I might consider KIA for the first time in my life. Everything seems right about Seltos.

[@Eddierockification]

I have a 2016 Legacy and I am seriously considering trading it in for this too

[@CarConfections]

Excellent video! Loved the shot with the ostrich chasing you in the Seltos 😂

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Seltos is basically a Crosstrek if it had power

[@supercooled]

How do you see that? The Crosstrek will do rock climbing that would make this Kia weep. I'm sorry. Also stock is 8.7" clearance this is 7.8". Trust in Subaru's AWD. Kona tried to tackle some climbing with disastrous result.

[@Van-Hammer]

I guess KIA made a Herculean effort with this one and it looks good! Congrats on that 2nd prize, Tom. Besides, Driven videos, we'll also be looking at _Eaten_ videos...😊

[@adityakrishnamd2314]

This is a sales hit here in India. It's at NO. 2 on best selling crossovers here.

[@NinoNlkkl]

Which is number 1?

[@adityakrishnamd2314]

@@NinoNlkkl Suzuki Vitara Brezza

[@NinoNlkkl]

@@adityakrishnamd2314 lol. That was unexpected.

[@chrisa2223]

I think this Seltos and the CX-30 are the winners in this segment. Honda and Toyota need to get to updating their offerings...both of those are off the table, along with the Crosstrek, for their anemic powertrains.

[@stephenhendricks103]

The CX-30 is among the better Mazda vehicles but early reports suggest the KIA Seltos seriously outshines it. The CX-30 is 173" in length. The Steltos comes in at 170". But the Steltos has 26.6/62.8 cubic ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.4/45.2 cubic ft. With comparable engine and drive train specs (Steltos turbo 1.6L engine and 7 speed DCT vs CX-30 NA 2.5L engine and a conventional torque converter transmission) performance will be about the same. Overall, in terms of practicality and versatility, the Steltos looks better on paper. More extended reviews will tell the tale.

[@alexmobil7463]

Korean automakers keep surprising the world with great cars in every price range!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

People have been saying that for at lest five years now. It's time to consider them what they are- mainstream competitors.

[@alexmobil7463]

@@DrivenCarReviews Surprising for me is how fast are reacting to the needs of the markt and how well build are their products. Japanese producers are losing their innovation advantages in the so called affordable price range and even in the luxury segment. Korean manufacturers are the first to see.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@alexmobil7463 Agree. It seems they need better dealer-customer relations. People like Kia and Hyundai cars but there are a good amount of complaints about dealers. At least in the USA there is.

[@Just-a-guy926]

KIA did a great job on this new vehicle.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I've been looking at small SUVs lately as I plan to buy one for my mother. (I destroyed her new car as a teen & so I kinda owe her one lol) I was looking at Hyundai Kona but I think I've found the one, this thing looks fantastic.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I like Kona. This one is just that much roomier and I think Americans will go for it.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

@@DrivenCarReviews Im actually an Aussie but I find you to be much more entertaining than any Australian reviewers :D

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra And I'd love to come back to your country. It's been too long.

[@kevinj8236]

I looked at the Kona, but instead bought the Seltos. I have no regrets.

[@245tfox]

I like Tom's videos because he's always completely transparent to the kind of high class treatment auto journalists get these days. Was it at all necessary to have journalists drive through an animal farm? Of course not. Really interesting time to be in the automotive journalism scene, though I feel like other KZbin journalists should be as transparent as Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hmmm, I don't watch other's videos so I can't comment on that. A lot of the others are certainly working hard, I can see it on events. I'm just trying to cover the bases that buyers would look at. I don't always get to everything but I try.

[@dsugioaga]

The design of both the outside and inside puts me to sleep. That being said, there are few really exciting offers in this segment and the quality seems to be good. My guess is commuters and grocery shoppers will enjoy it. Personally, I'd go with a hatchback at this size.. to me SUVs only make sense after reaching a certain size, at which point they actually start offering some room, or if you absolutely need AWD... though when it comes to room there is an alternative here, too - the humble minivan. But, looking at the sales figures, I'm clearly in the minority here...

[@Jluislive]

Great review. Fun video. Good cuv. Might actually consider it.

[@rmknicks]

Laughing hard at the ostrich following you at 7:35!! I want one!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, Time will tell if Kia/Hyundai can consistently sell their cars at Toyota/Honda prices.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Right now, Kia's big issue is production constraint so they seem to be doing something right

[@stephenhendricks103]

Demand for the Telluride provides a clue to the answer to that question.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@stephenhendricks103 To this point, that is the exception which proves the rule.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@rightlanehog3151 If you mean by that the "exception" TESTS the rule," you're right. :)

[@MEAMERIE]

I think they are still under cutting their prices... they have to raise prices somewhat to be really competitive

[@porsche558]

When testing out the back seats I thought you were going to partly break into song and say “head and shoulders knees and toes...”

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Don't give me any ideas...

[@alexmobil7463]

lol!

[@haze1123]

Hey, Tom... Another great review. I have a suggestion, though. In all of your reviews, could you mention the engine automatic start-stop system? As in, does the model have one? Is it smooth? How easy is it to disable (hard button or on-screen menu)? There is a lot of discussion around this feature among car shoppers... and there seems to be wide variation in the quality of the systems being introduced by various manufacturers. Apparently, the Subaru system feels very clunky, etc. Opportunity here to focus on something that most KZbin reviews ignore.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup, I usually do and that's a miss on this review. I can tell you it's pretty smooth and is easily turned off. My drive partner Mike Meridith and I left it on.

[@haze1123]

@@DrivenCarReviews Thanks, Tom. Keep up the great work.

[@toronado455]

thanks for this comment. I have the same concerns especially when the defeat switch is buried in some on-screen menu as it is in the Subaru which apparently is the worst one. I wonder if auto stop-start can be defeated in the Subaru by setting the transmission in manual shift mode as can be done in the Chevy Equinox.

[@paulm6481]

Too bad it has a CVT is mainstream trims. Otherwise, the fake exhaust outlets are the only weak design I see.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Hyundai sourced CVT is not bad (this from a guy that doesn't like CVTs).

[@andrewsmactips]

At last - a car without the dancing instrument needles on start-up. I'll take it!

[@KennyPang]

This is one nice CUV!

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

Good value. Great warranty.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Awesome exterior. Meh interior. I'll stick with the GLB 4matic Chevy Malibu event? Now I have to try your chili :) I love chili!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I would say that, well, the market is the market but I'm sick of "crossovers." However, for displaying a vehicle, I saw this same Seltos in a lighter interior and it was stunning. The black does nothing for it. I really think it's better for Kia to supply cars with lighter interiors to show off the interiors, even if they are a bit more prone to showing dirt. Because they've really improved on the interiors in these vehicles. But, find a way to integrate the "infotainment" screens better and don't house them in shiny, piano black plastic.

[@prestonptak4416]

Only disappointment in the video is that there is no Costco to test... 😉😆🤣🤣😆😉

[@tommartin1223]

Hercules was tricked by gods and repented with the 12 labors

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't remember that part in the Disney movie

[@rbielarski]

Love your reviews Tom, hope things are going well. Compared to the Kona Limited/Ultimate, what would you say are the main difference between there two CUVS? (Besides size) Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You kind of nailed the main differences. Then there's whatever design you prefer, inside and out. It comes down to personal preference, like all cars. Cheers!

[@jeezi6743]

the variator broke on the new car

[@ronaldconiglio9942]

I suspect the 1.6/DCT powertrain is the older one ( such as was used in 2017 Optima ) . Newer versions of this power train I believe include a "wet-" clutch DCT and improved 1.6engine. Would you by any chance know if that is the case?

[@sportsMike87]

Dual zone climate control is rarely used

[@K03sport]

could this spawn a Genesis GV40/50 to go up against Acura, M-B, Audi, BMW, MINI, etc? As I told Steve Hammes, I like the gold with dark roof; however, the spouse prefers a green (olive/emerald/British Racing/Mojito)

[@ALFTUBE50]

Gabo Salazar de Autodinamico .... go México go .... 11:58

[@DrivenCarReviews]

He's a great guy, we were going to be drive partners but I was already paired with Mike Meridith. Next time!

[@ELMS]

Looking forward to seeing it with the electric motor and battery pack from the eSoul. Given the e-trend, an electric version has to be on the way.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't think so. I've not heard boo about that.

[@ELMS]

Driven Car Reviews As the owner of a 2020 Kia Soul BEV I have found religion...I have drunk the Kool-Aid. Seriously, it’s a really different way of looking at driving. 🤣. Thanks for the excellent reviews.

[@SQJ9F]

Can you explain why the car lights seem to be flashing in your video? I'm guessing it has something to do with your camera's frame rate and some kind of pulse frequency of the car's lights.

[@topawk2]

Hyundai/Kia has been doing this no seatback pocket on the drivers seat for a while now. Always thought it was weird.

[@ElijahsAba]

Sorry Tom, that ostrich is a girl.

[@eganfo]

It definitely does look like a Volvo XC40. I see why they held off making a Soul with AWD now.

[@sportsMike87]

Looks a lot better than the Kona

[@MichaelWebber]

Glad I found your channel; really liked your old reviews on NYTimes.

[@edmundblack]

If the car exist now, in 2020, what exactly makes it a 2021 car ?

[@BTC909]

savageostrich?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I wish I had thought of that

[@gsxellence]

Then the Sportage should have standard awd or at least a real 4wd like the renegade

[@calebwoods9358]

The ending of this review is absolutely mad.

[@moizahadsaggu5462]

Kia brand lacks hybrid technology in their line up

[@stephenhendricks103]

Second place in a chili cookoff in the heart of Texas? I'm seriously impressed. Do you share the recipe?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I do. Maybe I'll post it on Twitter once this crazy week gets over.

[@garylagus5968]

Wow

[@76carmel]

I dismissed the Seltos as the Hyundai Kona with a Kia interpretation. The Seltos is more rough and ready.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Seltos is slightly larger and immediately looks like it in person.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I like it, Especially the yellow.....Paul

[@panzer_TZ]

8:07 Thank you. I used to have a Kia Soul and I was able to get through some pretty rough stuff on stock tires. If you want an CUV because you want the SUV style, it's okay. Enjoy. But when I recommend a minivan over a 3-row CUV, or SAY that I prefer sedan over a CUV, the first argument is: "bUt dOeS iT hAvE AwD?" knowing damn well the most off-roading they are going to do is the summer cabin's unpaved driveway once a year. Buy what you like, but be honest about it because you aren't fooling anyone.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Speaker grilles look like a Meshify C.

[@Sol7Studios]

Fit of Madness induced by Hera.

[@clipsidevids]

Perfect everything except for the cvt

[@bmkvmo4522]

Lovely car Seltos!!

[@redmusichouse]

The front end is a little busy for my tastes but otherwise, another solid contender

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I agree. It's overall look is a little less urbane than the rest of Kia's lineup. It grew on me a little while I had it for the day but I prefer sleeker design.

[@lutherdixon5405]

Does it have the same tech as the niro?

[@crackercookiecreammango2909]

Please review new 2021 Sorento looking awesome .

[@stevewise1656]

Not liking that hood prop rod. KIA’s generally don’t have prop rods. The interior hard plastics aren’t what I’d expected. Wish they would’ve gone with soft materials. Especially would expect ventilated seats at the higher price point. When you consider a fully optioned Seltos it’s over 30k, it should include ventilated seats in the front and heated seats in the rear.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Prop rod? Why spend money on things people may never ever use? I'm trying to think of another car at $30K with vented seats. Agreed on the back seats if the car is fully loaded. There might be a higher trim level if the Seltos sells like Telluride.

[@toronado455]

Will be interesting to find out how it competes with the likes of the Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

True. I've seen the GX at auto shows and like the interior. It's a step up for Encore and much needed. Something tells me the Seltos will be hard to beat though,

[@maximua78]

your "jokes" aside - solid review

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Imagine being married to me

[@Carmafixcars]

Makes for a beautiful rental

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I think Kia is capacity constrained on this car to the point you'll see very few in rental fleets. If any.

[@marcob1729]

CR-V is a subcompact? I'm not saying that lady is wrong... but that lady is wrong

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I think she put that in air quotes and the rest of the explanation went on to say it was their own internal classification and not one that mainstream buyers would use.

[@marcob1729]

@@DrivenCarReviews I'm finding it hard to keep track of the "segments" going around, and I can normally understand this stuff. The space between the Soul and the Sportage is getting so crowded that I wonder if it it'll ever obviously coalesce.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@marcob1729 Check the two out in person and you'll see they will probably attract different buyers.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Thing that pisses me off about Kia is that they unnecessarily penalize buyers of base model trims. Wife was looking at a Kia Soul base model (to get the manual transmission), but (aside from only 3 color choices) manuals don't get cruise control. Base model Forte with the manual doesn't get *fold down rear seats*, all other trims do. We'll be shopping elsewhere.

[@stephenhendricks103]

'...unnecessarily penalize buyers of base model trims?" What's "unnecessary" about it. Like any manufacturer builds vehicles to make a profit. Why would they match (or even come close to matching) the features of an upper trim model with a base model? Pure altruism? A desire to cannibalize sales of upper trims?

[@paulm6481]

This is a Honda HRV competitor not a CRV. Dude was drunk when he did this review.

[@stephenhendricks103]

I think you must have been drunk when you watched it. The review clearly notes the Seltos is an HRV competitor.