2021 Kia Seltos: 1st generation
Kia introduced the 2021 Seltos into the US as a size-conscious crossover, larger in feel than the smallest SUVs but below the Sportage. It is easy to overlook how much its drivetrains differ. A naturally aspirated Seltos with an IVT and a turbocharged Seltos with a dual-clutch transmission offer different driving behavior and purchase risks.
Which 2021 vehicle is this?
The 2021 American Seltos is the first US model year of this nameplate. Kia documented 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbo engines, separate gearboxes and a range of drive configurations. The US models must not inherit the Indian market’s 1.5-liter diesel or other overseas drivetrain choices simply because their exterior names and appearances match.
This profile applies to the United States and identifies a formal 2021 model year. Registrations, facelifts and equipment in other jurisdictions are not interchangeable. A specification mentioned below applies only to the named version; optional equipment and later software or homologation changes need separate documentation.
Documented 2021 powertrain and specifications
US — LX/S/EX 2.0 IVT and S 1.6T/SX 1.6T. Manufacturer data are reproduced with their original units and testing context; no independent road-test results are claimed.
Powertrain: 2.0 L MPI I4 146 hp / 132 lb-ft; 1.6 L turbo GDI I4 175 hp / 195 lb-ft
Transmission: 2.0 IVT; turbo seven-speed dry dual-clutch
Driven wheels: FWD or available AWD according to US trim
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Cargo behind second row: 26.6 cubic feet (SAE, lower cargo-floor position)
Suspension distinction: FWD rear torsion-beam possible; AWD uses multi-link
Efficiency/range protocol: US EPA estimates vary by drivetrain and engine
What matters in everyday ownership
Its utility comes from compact parking dimensions and a useful rear hatch with relatively generous rear-seat room for the segment. Some versions feature all-wheel drive, but the AWD choice is not automatically the same as selecting the turbo engine in every grade. The buyer should prioritize anticipated road conditions, gearbox feel and rear seat usage over brochure pictures.
Used-buying checks in 2026
Confirm engine, transmission, drive type and wheel size from VIN data or original build paperwork. Test the exact transmission in traffic and low-speed maneuvers, not only on a brief motorway drive. Examine the rear hatch, parking sensors and used tire set. An Seltos S designation by itself does not identify whether the car has a 2.0-liter or 1.6-turbo engine.
Alternatives and limits
The Hyundai Kona is a smaller-feeling crossover and the Kia Sportage a larger one; neither is automatically superior on all dimensions. A Mazda CX-30 may appeal to drivers who prioritize cabin finish, while an HR-V emphasizes packaging. US EPA economy must be compared with matching engine and drivetrain, not with WLTP figures from Asian Seltos variants.