In the world of compact SUVs, the Kia Seltos stands as an enticing option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing style and versatility. With its sleek design, advanced features, and a price tag that won’t break the bank, it has garnered attention from budget-conscious consumers.

However, beneath the surface of this compact marvel, a few sources have raised concerns regarding its owner satisfaction. While the Seltos promises an appealing package, it is crucial to delve deeper into the potential factors that may contribute to these reservations. By exploring both the positive and critical aspects, we can paint a comprehensive picture of the Kia Seltos and provide potential owners with the insights they need to make an informed decision.

Background on the Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is a popular model that has been on the market since 2019. Despite its popularity, it appears that less than 50% of users who have bought the Seltos would buy it again. 

The Seltos is known for its excellent fuel economy and great value. With a base MSRP of $23,340 to $28,840, this SUV is one of the most affordable on the market. However, Consumer Reports scores the Seltos very low for its ride comfort and road noise.

It also scored very low on predicted overall owner satisfaction. The predicted reliability score was average, with the score based on data from the 2021 and 2022 models. 

What owners have to say about the Kia Seltos

The criteria Consumer Reports uses for its surveys are basic yet informative. They ask consumers what they like and dislike regarding functionality and performance. People who have owned and lived with a vehicle can tell you what they like and dislike about the model you’re thinking about buying. 

The big question these surveys answer is, how likely are you to buy the same car again? This is referred to as the owner satisfaction score. This score combined with Consumer Reports’ own testing and reliability scores can give consumers the information they need for making an informed decision when buying a car.

As we’ve mentioned, their data found that less than 50% of owners would buy the car again. However, this isn’t the only data out there. For example, a glance at consumer reviews from Edmunds shows the 2023 Seltos earned a respectable 4.1 out of 5, based on 32 consumer reviews.

Reviewers on Edmunds were pleased with the value the car provided for the money and overall surprised by the Seltos.

What do these differing scores mean?

This discrepancy and owner satisfaction ratings just goes to show not everyone is created equal. The same exact car will be met with a different reception by everyone. This highlights the importance of not putting too much stock into reviews from experts or other owners.

If you’re interested in a car, get out there and test-drive it for yourself.