The 2020 Kia Seltos did so well overseas that Kia Motors made the smart decision to bring the small SUV to North America. During the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia made the announcement with a glimpse at some of the U.S. specs. With the 2021 model set to sail for stateside shores, the automaker recently released a PR detailing all there is to look forward to. Check out some of the highlights of what the 2021 Kia Seltos SUV will have in store.

Trims and Engineering

The 2021 Kia Seltos will come with a total of four trims, the LX, S, EX, and SX. The first three trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder MPI engine capable of producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque and paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Optional on the S, standard on the SX, is a 1.6-liter Turbo GDI engine, able to produce 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Models with this engine come with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Like many recent Kia Motors vehicles, the Kia Seltos is designed to be as fun to drive as it looks. This SUV comes with three drive modes (Normal, Smart, Sport), giving the driver the ability to configure each mode and set specific settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering mapping for a more intuitive driving experience. An active on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system will also be available for those that want power in all four-wheels when the going gets rough.

Style

Kia Motors wants its vehicles to drive as good as they look, and style is one thing the Seltos isn’t missing. Starting with a rugged look with a long wheelbase and an aggressive lower front bumper, front and rear skid plates tease the ability to go off-road and handle nasty terrain. Able to ride on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, consumers can get a headlamp design featuring full LED “Beat” lighting on the SX trim for added capabilities.

Inside the 2021 Kia Seltos is a generous amount of room for everyone to stretch out. They call it “Herculean Interior” due to its level of roominess and comfort. Offering consumers an upscale cabin without the price tag of luxury, all trims past the base trim (LX) come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a sliding front console cover. Across the lineup, the second row comes with two-step reclining rear seat functionality to lay back and enjoy the mood lighting (found in the SX) that changes color and intensity with the music.

Technology

The sound system is powered by Bose speakers, a first for Kia Motors. Available on select trims, consumers can find wireless smartphone charging, a total of three USB charging ports, and multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and an UVO system on a 10.25-inch high-resolution color touchscreen with satellite radio, UVO telematics, navigation, and a split-screen display. Every trim comes with some version of UVO with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety is also a huge feature when it comes to Kia Motors, and they don’t skimp on it for the 2021 Kia Seltos SUV. Available with “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), drivers get a collection of advanced safety features to help keep them and passengers safe. Although no safety feature replaces the responsibility of a safe driver, it’s nice to have automatic safety features such as Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Smart Cruise Control with stop & go, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Following Assist,  Blind Spot Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exist Assist.

Wow, the 2021 Kia Seltos SUV will sure be a great addition to the Kia Motors North American lineup. Be sure to shop for your Kia Seltos online at NowCar for a great deal.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia.com