DecodedCars2023 Kia Seltos
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, AWD Turbo 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–175 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, 7-speed dual-clutch
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 172 in
- Curb weight
- 2,893–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Kia Seltos is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 35 highway), 13% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Seltos — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Seltos →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Gwang-Ju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Seltos configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,186 lb | 59/41 |
| AWD Turbo 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,318 lb | 59/41 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,893 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seltos FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 31 | +13% | $2,150 | 283 |
| Seltos AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 31 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 314 |
| Seltos AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 331 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Seltos SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2023 Kia Seltos SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Seltos (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2023 Ford Escape | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Feb 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · 137,256 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump · Jul 31, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V531000 · 39,765 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
- Risk
- An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Not every 2023 Kia Seltos is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia Seltos buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Seltos. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Seltos years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Seltos | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2026 Seltos | 29 | 172 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2024 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 47 |
| 2022 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 76 |
| 2021 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 377 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →