Inside Kia’s New Subcompact Seltos SUV Cabin: A Closer Look

When we first saw the new Seltos at the LA Auto Show, the stylish looks with clean lines and fitting proportions stuck out. And while the interior looked equally lovely, this was a pre-production model. So, now that the 2021 Seltos is in full production mode, what does the new interior offer?

Below is a quick look at the pre-production Seltos from its initial car show debut compared to the production-going 2021 model – not much different:

A quick look at the 2021 Seltos trims

The 2021 Seltos is available in 5 trims across the US and Canada; different names in each country but essentially the same setup. Biggest difference is the two engine choices: either a 2.0L make 146 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, or the 1.6L turbo produces 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Trim below:

Larger Seltos dimensions equals more interior cargo space

You may think the Seltos is a rebadged Hyundai on which the Korean giant slapped a different grille and logo. But you’d be wrong. While yes it rides on the same architecture as a Kona, its wheelbase was considerably stretched and widened to provide substantially more passenger and cargo space. 

Its roof is also taller, more angular, allowing for better ingress and egress for tall passengers.

Such dimension bloating allows the Seltos to present itself as a beefier vehicle overall, offering the highest cargo space in the segment, with a trunk that it’ll eat up 752 liters of your gear.

Push that rear seat down to the floor, however, and Kia’s Greek-named crossover beats the class leader, the Nissan Rogue Sport / Qashqai (1,730 liters) with its 1,778 liters of total cargo space.

And the toys this Kia has! While small and relatively affordable, consumers can choose from a full plethora of neat tech and creature comforts, like leather heated seats, dual phone connectivity, “locking” differentials, and ambient relaxing noises channeled through the car’s optional Bose audio system.

We’re not sure about that last one, but Kia is at least trying something new that should please the vehicle’s target demographics.

Cargo specs are as follows:

• Cargo volume, Behind 1st row (dual-level cargo floor: low): 62.8 cu. ft.
• Cargo volume, Behind 2nd row (dual-level cargo floor: low): 26.6 cu. ft.

Standard interior features of note

Here’s what to expect inside (no extra upgrade) from the entry-level Seltos LX model. We’re just listing some of the more noteworthy standard features here.

• Sliding and illuminated sun visors
• Air conditioning
• 8” Display audio with 6-speakers
• USB audio input and charging port
• Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Heated front seats (in Canada)
• 3.5″ Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster

Read our full 2021 Seltos first drive review here.

Kia Seltos interior and exterior photos: