Review: 2022 KIA Seltos Nightfall Turbo AWD

My press loan for the week is the 2022 KIA Seltos Nightfall Turbo with AWD. The Seltos launched globally in 2019 and then in the U.S. and Canada in 2021. It is positioned in the Kia SUV lineup between the Soul and the compact Sportage with its exterior styling similar to the Sportage.

New Features

New for 2002 will be more standard safety technology and an AWD Nightfall edition that will feature 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, unique black grill, rugged stand-up roof rails, and rugged side sills. It will be available with two different power plants: the naturally aspirated 2.0 engine and also a 1.6L turbo that will produce 175hp and 195 lb-ft torque. The drivetrain allows the driver to choose between all-wheel and 2-wheel drive, so the first part of the week I drove it in all-wheel-drive vehicle mode and was able to get 25 miles per gallon. For the back half of the week in 2-wheel drive, I was able to get close to 31 mpgs. I felt that was really respectable considering it was a turbo and not a hybrid. I was able to easily fit my 6'2" body into this subcompact quite nicely, and the way the driver cockpit is designed—with the driver door on the inside bowing away from the driver ever so slightly—provides a bit more room. But more importantly, you are not sitting close to the door for a side impact crash, so this subcompact provides more safety by making this small and slight change. I would think most drivers will not notice this unless they rest their left elbow on the driver door like I door while driving. I was not able to do this and reach the steering wheel comfortably.

Impressions

I did put some highway miles on the Seltos too, as we drove a couple of hours to one of our favorite beaches. With the second row seats remaining up, there is plenty of cargo space for all the things you would need at the beach. I packed a portable grill, beach chairs, roll up carpet, bags for towels, blow ups and noodles. Now if you travel to the beach with a 10x10 sunshade like we do, you will have to lay down one of the second row seats because it is, after all, a subcompact. Adding a host of safety features and upgrades for 2022, the Seltos will be one of the safest subcompacts in the segment. One of the features that should be hi-lighted is the Lane Keeping Assist. In my opinion, Kia's technology in this area is probably one of the top programs in the industry. It is so good, it is almost annoying; and since it is included with this subcompact vehicle, it is worth hi-lighting. I found there was a lot to like about this vehicle with its power, interior room and comfort, and rugged exterior styling. It's easy to see why it is currently one of Kia's strongest selling vehicles. Most subcompacts are typically sold as entry level vehicles with power, styling, and comfort reflecting that marketing concept, but I feel the Seltos overachieves in those three areas. Then toss in all the added safety technology, and it is most definitely a vehicle that has earned its praise.

As the Kia brand makes a momentous shift toward electrification with our next generation of vehicles, passenger safety remains a top priority. These eight Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ accolades from IIHS are the direct results of our commitment to delivering the highest standards for crash readiness, structural integrity and available safety systems for our customers.

Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia America, Kia North Americ

In the News

Source: KIA | The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized eight Kia vehicles—tied for second most in the industry—on its 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) and TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards lists. The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage, and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) all received TSP awards. The Kia K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. ... All 2022 TSP winners earned Good ratings in six crashworthiness tests—driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests—as well as an Advanced or Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations. In addition, the vehicle must have at least one available headlight system that earns a Good or Acceptable rating. For a TSP+ designation, the Good or Acceptable headlight system must be standard equipment.

Specifications

Engine: 146 horsepower 1.6L Turbo 4 Cylinder
Torque: 195 pound-feet
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic
Wheels: 18" Matte Black Alloy
Sound: Bose Premium
Color: Dark Ocean Blue
Fuel: 25/30/27 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $26,690
MSRP (shown): $28,435

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA

About KIA

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S. including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.