carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $28,852–$37,330 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2021 Kia Seltos SL earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.6/10 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. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.6/10: 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 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $28,852–$37,330, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Seltos SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.1/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. 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.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Kia Seltos SL 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 2021 Kia Seltos SL 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 $28,852 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Seltos SL 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 | $32,657 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $31,707 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $30,755 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $29,803 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $28,852 |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.