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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $25,523–$33,023 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Kia Seltos S at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 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 score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.5/10 — 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 $25,523–$33,023, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Seltos S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 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.
Our take: The 2021 Kia Seltos S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2021 Kia Seltos S ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,523 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 29%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Seltos S model years we've scored, the 2021 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 | $28,889 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $28,048 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $27,206 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $26,364 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $25,523 |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.