Here’s Why the 2022 Kia Seltos Was the Fastest-Selling New Car of October
Just because there are shortages due to a lack of semi-conductors and car parts doesn’t mean people stopped buying new cars. But of all the new cars on sale right now, the 2022 Kia Seltos is the most popular option. It took just 7.7 days for a brand new Seltos to go from the dealership to the driveway according to iSeeCars. But what makes this compact SUV from Kia the fastest-selling new car of October?
The 2022 Kia Seltos is reasonably priced amidst new car shortages
The average price of a new car hovers around $40,000, higher than ever before. However, a fully specced 2022 Kia Seltos can be yours for just under $30,000. And if you’re willing to cut back to the base model, the Kia Seltos starts at $22,490. Funnily enough, the base model comes with all-wheel drive as standard, with front-wheel drive available as an option for higher trim levels.
Standard on all Kia Seltos models are advanced safety features, such as blindspot warnings and lane keep assist. A touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility is also standard. But throw in a little more dough and you can have 10-way powered seats, wireless phone charging, and heated front seats, a feature many can’t live without.
You can also have a more powerful engine, upgrading from a 2.0 liter with 146 horsepower to a turbocharged 1.6 liter with 175 horsepower. That doesn’t sound like a lot of power. But in truth, the Kia Seltos isn’t a lot of car.
The Kia Seltos is just the right size
Marketed as a compact SUV, the 2022 Kia Seltos is perfectly packaged for a family of five. The interior cabin is roomy, at 99 cubic feet. By comparison, the similarly sized Hyundai Kona has only 94 cubic feet of space. And at 172 inches long, the Kia Seltos is longer than most compact SUVs, but not too long where it becomes unmanageable.
Speaking of manageable, the trunk will happily carry whatever baggage you need it to. With 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, that’s enough to fit eight carry-on suitcases according to Car and Driver. Fold the seats down, and suddenly you have 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Plenty for you, your belongings, and your dog (if applicable).
Specs and stats of the 2022 Kia Seltos
| Category | 2022 Kia Seltos |
| Starting Price Range | 22,490 (LX) to 27,990 (SX Turbo) |
| Engine | 2.0L four-cylinder or 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 146 horsepower or 175 horsepower |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft or 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual mode |
| Layout/Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Cargo Volume | 26.6 cu-ft (62.8 cu-ft with seats down) |
| Passenger Volume | 99 cu-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/30 highway |
| 0-60 Time | 8.55 seconds (2.0 liter) or 6.6 seconds (1.6 liter) |
Typically, when you lay all the numbers our stats out, there are a few significant drawbacks. But in truth, the 2022 Kia Seltos performs well in every category, save for power and torque if you opt for the 2.0-liter engine. Though, depending on your driving style, that could be more than enough power.
The one drawback of the Kia Seltos is how you have to spec it. For instance, if you want FWD, you have to pay an extra $200 to upgrade from the base LX trim to the S trim. Likewise, if you want AWD, but don’t just want the base model, you have to spend $4,200 to upgrade from the LX trim to the Nightfall Edition.
The 2022 Kia Seltos is a well rounded compact SUV. And at today’s prices, any car under $30,000 feels like a steal. So take new car prices into account when considering whether the Kia Seltos, the fastest selling new car of October, is right for you.
