As a brand-new compact crossover that sits between the larger Sportage and the smaller Soul, the Kia Seltos made its debut in the United States in early 2020 for the 2021 model year. It stands out among the many options in this competitive auto market because to its striking style. However, given the stiff competition in this class, Kia hasn’t been hesitant to enhance the Seltos in order to maintain a step above its competitors.
The Seltos was updated by the business for the 2022 model year with additional standard safety and driver-assistance technology, just one year after it was first introduced in the US. And now, if reports are accurate, the 2023 Kia Seltos will get a mid-cycle facelift that will add even more modifications near Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Changes Coming for 2023 Kia Seltos near Rio Rancho, NM
A 2.0-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with up to 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque is currently available for the Seltos for sale in the US, or a more formidable 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
According to The Korean Car Blog, the 2023 mid-cycle update will include a new and more efficient hybrid version of the Seltos. The diesel-powered Seltos, which aren’t offered in the US market, will be replaced by the new hybrid model in those regions. According to sources, the hybrid vehicle will use the same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder internal combustion engine and 32-kilowatt electric motor as the Kia Niro to provide 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Would the business, however, market two compact crossovers with the same engine? A good query. The Niro only has front-wheel drive and is more suited to city driving, whilst the larger Seltos is also offered with all-wheel drive and can be used for more challenging excursions. However, compared to the Niro Hybrid, an AWD hybrid Seltos would probably consume more fuel.
In the US, the hybrid Seltos might replace the entry-level model, which would be a welcome change. The Kia Niro is EPA rated at 23/30/26 mpg highway/city/combine, although the Seltos being larger would probably prove to be slightly less efficient.
Exterior Changes Anticipated
The contemporary Seltos is a stylish SUV that strikes a solid balance between luxury and toughness. Although it has skid plates in front and back and a high riding height, it has an outdoorsy appearance. However, the sleek body lines and cool light designs give it a contemporary, high-tech look.
The Korean Car Blog said that a fully disguised prototype had been spotted in South Korea. For the 2023 Kia Seltos in the vicinity of Rio Rancho, NM, we thus anticipate a few minor exterior improvements as well. Be on the lookout for a new grille, front and rear bumpers, and perhaps new headlights and taillights.
The Seltos currently offers many two-tone color schemes, contrast roof options, and strong paint options including Starbright Yellow and Mars Orange. It also sports the current trend of contrast side-view mirror options. There might be a couple more color options available.
Has Kia ever had a hybrid?
Kia provides two different hybrid car models. Full Parallel Hybrid technology powers the Kia Niro and Sorento Hybrid vehicles. A motorized electric drive unit is connected to the Kia Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Depending on your driving conditions, both motors can operate cooperatively or independently to give the perfect power to achieve the highest levels of fuel efficiency. Regenerative braking is another ingenious feature of the Full Parallel Hybrid system. The electric traction motor absorbs kinetic energy as it slows down and stores it in the battery. Kia hybrid vehicles include benefits such as lower emissions, fewer trips to the gas station, and smooth power delivery.
Electric vehicles, also referred to as EVs or plug-in hybrids, only use electricity as a source of power. The exciting all-electric Kia EV6 and the nimble Kia Niro EV are two examples of this kind of vehicle. Simply connect the car to a 240V or 480V Direct-Current Fast Charge station or a regular household outlet to begin charging.
Is a Kia an electric Seltos?
The Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Soul EV are two Korean SUVs that are entirely electric that are built on the same platform as the Seltos. Also Read: Kia To Release 7 New Electric Vehicles By 2027, First One This Year!
Do Kia SUVs have hybrid engines?
The second-largest SUV and biggest hybrid vehicle produced by Kia is the three-row Sorento Hybrid. Its starting price falls between the lineup’s new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid and the less costly non-hybrid Sorento. The brand’s other hybrid SUV is the considerably smaller Niro.
Key Points
- The 2021 Kia Seltos only had one recall and 62 complaints after a year on the road. There have not yet been any inquiries opened.
- The biggest issue with the car so far was a significant oil leak recall that affected a total of about 150,000 Kia vehicles. Particular to the 2.0L “Nu engine is this.
- When releasing the brake, some 2021 Seltos drivers have complained that the engine’s auto-shutoff mechanism fails to restart the engine.
- There have only been a few reports that the Seltos may not stay put when set in park or that it may be challenging to remove from park.
- It might still be too early to determine whether the Seltos is a dependable vehicle at this time. However, it has received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, and Kias are known for being simple to maintain.
Is buying a hybrid worth it?
Savings: You will frequently save on fuel prices because hybrid vehicles help you save on gas. There are still other potential savings though! You’ll ultimately save more money because to the tax breaks that many jurisdictions provide to people who drive electric or hybrid cars.
Are Kia hybrids trustworthy?
Is the hybrid Kia Sorento dependable? The estimated dependability rating for the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is 77 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Does Kia make all-electric vehicles?
An electric motor powers a Kia electric vehicle, such as an SUV. It is powered by a battery that can be recharged. When employing ultra-fast charging, the 2022 EV6 can add up to 217 miles of range in just 18 minutes.
The EV6 has 320 horsepower and a 0-60 mph pace of 4.6 seconds in some models, making it both powerful and efficient.
Seltos an SUV?
The cost of the five-seater Kia Seltos ranges from 10.19 to 18.45 lakhs. It comes with 24 variations, 1353 to 1497 cc engine choices, and 5 gearbox choices: manual, clutchless manual, automatic (TC), automatic (CVT), and automatic (DCT). The Seltos’ other important features include a 433-liter boot and a ground clearance of 190 mm. There are 12 different colors for the Seltos. Seltos has a distance range of 16.1 to 21 kmpl.
What distinguishes a hybrid from a plug-in hybrid?
When you drive a standard hybrid car, the batteries are constantly being charged by the gas engine. Standard hybrid vehicles increase fuel efficiency by switching back and forth between their gas and electric motors. Plug-in hybrids have a bigger battery that is charged in your Tampa house using a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet.