The Sleuth thought Kia had all the bases covered in the small-wagon/utility-vehicle department — with the Niro, Soul and Sportage — but the company found an opening to squeeze in yet another model. Making its debut at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, and arriving in the first quarter of 2020 as a 2021 model, is the new Seltos. In terms of size, it slots between the Soul and the larger Sportage, a model that’s expected to get bigger for the 2022 model year. That would help close the gap with the larger Sorento and also give some breathing room to the Seltos. A base 146-horsepower non-turbo four-cylinder and an optional 175-horsepower turbocharged unit will be available in Seltos, as will all-wheel-drive. Pricing is expected to start in the low-$20,000 range.
The new Kia Seltos slots below the Sportage and provides the automaker with a more traditional-looking entry-level utility model than the Soul. PHOTO: KIA