Is the 2022 Kia Seltos LX Base Model Worth Buying?
If you’re interested in buying a subcompact SUV, the 2022 Kia Seltos is an option. As the middle ground between the Kia Sportage and Soul, the Seltos is in a bit of a sweet spot for size. For the 2022 model year, the Seltos is touted as a surprisingly spacious and comfortable model with many advanced driver aids and other features as standard equipment. However, the lineup has many trim levels, so is it worth sticking with the cheapest model? Is the 2022 Kia Seltos LX base model worth buying?
2022 Kia Seltos trims and prices
Fortunately, the 2022 Kia Seltos is affordable across the board. One of the best parts of this subcompact SUV is its affordability. The LX base model starts at $23,885, which is inexpensive even compared to its rivals. However, the other trim levels get a bit more costly. Fortunately, even the range-topping SX trim remains under $30,000. That begs the question, do these affordable trims provide enough equipment to buyers to make it worth getting a Seltos?
| 2022 Kia Seltos trim | Price |
| LX | $23,885 |
| S | $24.085 |
| EX | $27,185 |
| Nightfall | $28,085 |
| SX | $29,385 |
Seltos LX standard features and equipment
According to Edmunds, the base model 2022 Kia Seltos comes with a 146-horsepower four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Not every version of the Seltos has standard AWD, and the Nightfall Edition and SX models get a more powerful engine. In addition, the LX has 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a USB port, six speakers for audio, and automatic headlights.
Next, a few driver aids are also standard. The list includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Does the Seltos S make the base model irrelevant?
For less than $100 more, buyers can choose to upgrade from the LX base model. Moreover, does the 2022 Kia Seltos S provide more value than the LX? Unfortunately, it comes with standard front-wheel drive instead of AWD, which is interesting.
However, it also adds roof rails, foglights, heated outside mirrors, LED daytime running and tail lights, cloth/simulated leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, automatic climate control, rear vents, and a rear center armrest.
Even after adding optional all-wheel drive, the Seltos S is barely more costly than the LX base model. As a result, we think the 2022 Kia Seltos S makes the LX irrelevant. If you’re interested in more luxurious features, even the highest trims aren’t too far out of reach. For just $3,000 more, the EX trim adds heated seats, a wireless phone charger, full simulated leather upholstery, and much more.
Is the 2022 Kia Seltos LX base model worth buying?
In conclusion, we don’t think the 2022 Kia Seltos LX base model is worth buying. Although standard all-wheel drive is nice, it’s available for other trim levels. In addition, the S and EX trims add much more value to the Seltos lineup. With all the extra comfort, convenience, and technology features for so little additional cost, it seems like a no-brainer to skip right over the LX base model.
