carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $22,926–$30,313 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2022 Kia Seltos Base earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Kia Seltos Base's reliability at 8.8/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.0/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,926–$30,313, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Seltos Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 8.1/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Kia Seltos Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Kia Seltos Base ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $22,926 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 36%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Seltos Base model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $25,121 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $24,390 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $23,658 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $22,926 | |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $22,194 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.