carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $27,206–$34,280 |
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 2023 Kia Seltos S earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.7/10 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 comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $27,206–$34,280, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Seltos S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.3/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 3 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 2023 Kia Seltos S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. 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 2023 Kia Seltos S 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 $27,206 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 25%.
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 2023 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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $27,206 | |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $26,364 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $25,523 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.