A Closer Look at the 2022 Kia Seltos
SUVs have evolved into exceptionally road-worthy vehicles, navigating even the roughest terrains. If you own one or otherwise, you likely have heard of an SUV company called Kia. The company has been producing low-budget (fuel-efficient) and powerful SUVs for more than 20 years now. Even though Kia previously earned a bad reputation when it first entered the car industry in the US, it’s learned from its mistakes. A closer look at the 2022 Kia Seltos reveals why.
An overview of the 2022 Kia Seltos
According to CAR AND DRIVER, the 2022 Kia Seltos Front ranks six, after the 2022 Volkswagen Tao Sel and 2022 Hyundai Kona, which come fourth and fifth respectively. It has a starting price of $23,805, which is more affordable than the two. The 2022 Seltos has ultra-modern features like:
- A 2.0-liter four-cylinder powering its base models
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter, pumping out 175 horsepower
- Slightly bigger than SUVs like Nissan Kicks and Mazda CX-30, making it more spacious
- Has a list of state-of-the-art infotainment equipment
- Has ultra-modern driver-assistance features
- It has an affordable starting price
The pros and cons of the 2022 Kia Seltos
Pros
1. The price
With a starting price of $23,805, the 2022 Seltos is another Kia’s affordable SUV lineup. Other SUVs go higher than that, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious SUV enthusiasts. Choosing a cheaper SUV that outperforms modern features makes sense than spending more dollars on another brand with almost the same features.
2. It’s roomier
Any car critic will tell you that a more spacious vehicle attracts more buyers. The 2022 Seltos has a large cargo capacity with a volume of 62.8 cubic feet when you lower the rear seats. If you put the seats back in place, you’ll still have up to 26.6 cubic feet of room in the back. This advantage makes it a popular choice for people who like to pack their vehicles with bulky items like groceries, sports equipment, and anything requiring space. Furthermore, the back passenger seats are comfortable.
3. Stylish interior
Besides being roomier, the 2022 Kia’s interior is outside this world. The materials used in the cabin have perfect finishing. It almost feels like you’re riding in a limousine from the upscale lighting to an ultra-modern music system. Getting a taste of “heaven” is an understatement. Go for a test drive, and you’ll marvel at the interior space, offering enough room to pack your suitcase and almost everything you’ll need for an all-week trip.
4. Intelligent safety features
2022 has numerous driver-assistance technologies that get turned on or off, depending on the lighting conditions. It boasts automatic emergency braking that can help you prevent frontal collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. Once you ignite the engine, its warning features will notify you when your attention needs refocusing. Another intelligent feature this vehicle has is the warning system for swaying out of a lane. The sensor puts the steering wheel in its place. Also, it has a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic monitoring to keep you engaged when driving.
5. Two-tone color scheme
While the engine and fuel consumption are the two main features you should focus on; the color also helps you make an informed choice. Like its predecessor (the 2021 Kia), 2022 Kia also has a two-tone color scheme. It is one of the highest selling points that Kia takes advantage of. If you like it gold-black, blue-black or black-white, Kia will deliver.
6. Fuel-consciousness
For a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, Kia’s 2022 has a fuel economy estimated to be as high as 35 mpg. You’ll hardly find a front-wheel drive saving you that amount of fuel in this economy. Considering that it’s not a hybrid car, consuming one gallon per 30 miles is the best budget-friendly privilege you can get. So, how does it help save on fuel? For starters, it has an “idle and stop-and-go” function that temporarily turns the engine when the car stops in traffic. It also has an Eco-drive mode that helps save on fuel consumption. Upon filing its gas tank, which can hold up to 13.2 gallons, you won’t have to line up at the filling station for a long time.
7. An efficient warranty system
Kia is the only one with the most efficient warranty systems of all car manufacturers. It’s continued offering 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage on its lineup; 2022 isn’t an exception. The warranty policy is as follows:
- A limited warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles
- No comprehensive scheduled maintenance
- Powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles
Pro-tip for buying Kia’s 2022
The 2022 Kia’s SUV price varies depending on the showroom you intend to buy from. To ensure you get the best deals, compare the prices online first. Going by Motor1’s reports, it’s imperative to get upfront pricing before you seal the deal.
Cons
1. Less agility than its rivals
If you’re a performance-minded shopper, you may find Kia’s 2022 model less agile than its rivals like the sporty Mazda CX-30.
2. Meager base engine
Unlike rivals like Hyundai Kona, Kia’s 2022 has a meager base engine which may require horsepower. While they have identical powertrains and a list of features, there are some differences worth noting. While the Seltos has more passenger and cargo space perfect for families and regular travelers, its rivals boast sharper driving dynamics. This makes performance-minded shoppers avoid it.
Verdict
Kia might have recalled previous SUVs in its lineup, damaging its reputation. However, it’s learned from its mistakes. The 2022 lineup is not only roomier but also very agile. According to Cars US News, its interior design is perfect for people looking to ferry passengers or frequent travelers. In these harsh economic times, owning a fuel-efficient SUV is the best decision you can ever make. Seltos are rated the best in fuel economy. Its starting price is fair for a top-performing SUV away from the features. When you combine fair pricing, fuel economy, robust engine power, innovative driver-assistance features, and a spacious interior, it is no surprise that the Kia 2022 is a must-have or must-upgrade SUV to watch out for this year.
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