LA 2019: Kia Unveils All-New Seltos For US Market - The Miniature Kia Telluride?

Kia has premiered its latest SUV model, dubbed the Seltos at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show 2019.

The Seltos slots between the popular Soul and Sportage models, and boasts Kia’s new design language (which we first saw with the Kia Telluride), a tech-savvy cabin space, and variants with capable AWD drivetrains (with torque vectoring and a lock mode) for the more adventurous of customers.

The Seltos has been designed to exude strong off-road ability; short front overhangs, a long wheelbase, a substantial ground clearance of 182mm, and front and rear skid plates are further references of its off-road abilities. Along the flanks, chiselled surfaces and well-drawn lines lead back into the D-pillar for a streamlined appearance. The Seltos is supplied with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels depending on variant. Round the back, the tailgate garnish connects the rear lamps to create a sense of width. 

On the inside, the Seltos features a driver-centric cabin and roomy space for all occupants. Standard on all variants is a two-step reclining rear seat function that further enhances the second-row comfort level. In terms of equipment, the Seltos can be specified with up to a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with UVO telematics, navigation, and split-screen display. Elsewhere, for the first time in Kia, an optional 8-speaker Bose premium sound system is offered. Other highlights include Apple CarPlay and multi-user Bluetooth connectivity.

The Seltos also sees the fitment of Kia’s “Drive Wise” advanced driver-assistance systems which include Blindspot Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go function, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

In terms of powertrains, the Seltos is offered with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder which develops 146 hp and 178 Nm of torque; mated a to CVT-type automatic transmission, while the more powerful power plant is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs 175 hp and 264 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Seltos is equipped with MacPherson strut front suspension, and Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) rear suspension on front-wheel drive models, AWD models receive Multi-link rear suspension.

The AWD variants feature an active on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system, similar in design to the Telluride; augmented by a center locking differential that splits power equally between the front and rear wheels for more severe environments. The AWD system also makes use of torque vectoring to increase traction depending on the terrain.

The all-new Kia Seltos goes on sale in the US starting in Q1 of 2020.