As an all-new entry in Kia’s line-up, the Seltos utility vehicle is a stand-out showcase for rider roominess. The comfort-factor applies to all passengers. There’s more than 41 inches of front legroom to compliment the driver’s 10-way power adjust/power lumbar seat. Rear seat passengers have 38 inches of legroom as well as a reclining seat-back, making second row seating sized for all ages. A week-long Seltos SX test drive underscored the vehicle’s focus on cabin comfort amid useful technology features, highlighted by a 10.25-inch infotainment touch display with navigation and split-screen. (An 8-inch touchscreen is standard.) Seltos is offered in five trims: LX, EX, S 2.0 Liter, S 1.6 Turbo and SX.

The tested Seltos SX was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 175 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque between 1500-4500 rpm. The turbocharged engine mates to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. (Base engine is 2.0-liter 4-cylinder releasing 146 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The base engine mates to a continuously variable transmission.) Seltos separates itself from other entry-level utility vehicles with abundant cargo space: 26.6 cubic feet with rear seats upright and 62.8 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seat folded flat. The tested 103.5-inch wheelbase 2021 Seltos SX with torque vectoring AWD and turbocharged engine collects estimated mpg of 25 city and 30 highway and carries a MSRP of $27,890.