2026 Kia Seltos
Priced from $23,790 to $31,490 across 7 trims, the 2026 Kia Seltos is a SUV that we have evaluated using data from six independent sources: EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, RepairPal, AAA, and the manufacturer. What follows is every verifiable data point we could find.
5-star safety. A fuel cost. 4.0/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Kia Seltos among budget SUVs. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Kia Seltos are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating.
- fuel cost
- safety
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,500. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $23,790 - $31,490
- EPA Combined MPG
- 25-29 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,500 - $1,750/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $250 over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Kia Seltos received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.1%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Kia Seltos Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Kia Seltos but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | M Marginal |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | P Poor |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | A Acceptable |
| Seat Belt Reminders | M Marginal |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Kia Seltos Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Kia Seltos. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.8. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Kia Seltos. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy?
At up to 29 combined MPG, the 2026 Kia Seltos's fuel costs are estimated at $1,500 per year, near the $1,460 average for budget SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 25 to 29 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| LX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| S FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| EX FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| S AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| EX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500/yr |
| SX AWD GAS | 25 MPG | 24 | 27 | $1,750/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Kia Seltos Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Kia Seltos ranges from $66,420 to $75,370 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Subcompact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.66/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 7 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Kia Seltos Trims Compare?
7 trims are available for the 2026 Kia Seltos, spanning $23,790 to $31,490. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | $23,790 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $66,420 |
| LX AWD GAS | $24,990 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $67,620 |
| S FWD GAS | $25,490 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $68,120 |
| EX FWD GAS | $26,490 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $69,120 |
| S AWD GAS | $26,990 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $69,620 |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,690 | 29 MPG | $1,500/yr | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $71,320 |
| SX AWD GAS | $31,490 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | AWD | 190 hp | 3,363 lbs | $75,370 |
The entry price has decreased $700 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- LX FWD GAS (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- X-Line AWD GAS (last available 2025)
Price changes since 2024
- SX AWD GAS $30,090 (2024) → $31,490 (2026) +$1,400
- EX FWD GAS $25,890 (2024) → $26,490 (2026) +$600
- EX AWD GAS $28,090 (2024) → $28,690 (2026) +$600
- LX AWD GAS $24,490 (2024) → $24,990 (2026) +$500
- S FWD GAS $25,090 (2024) → $25,490 (2026) +$400
- S AWD GAS $26,590 (2024) → $26,990 (2026) +$400
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX AWD GAS | $24,490 29 MPG | $24,690 29 MPG | $24,990 29 MPG |
| S FWD GAS | $25,090 31 MPG | $25,190 31 MPG | $25,490 29 MPG |
| EX FWD GAS | $25,890 31 MPG | $26,190 31 MPG | $26,490 29 MPG |
| S AWD GAS | $26,590 29 MPG | $26,690 29 MPG | $26,990 29 MPG |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,090 29 MPG | $28,390 29 MPG | $28,690 29 MPG |
| X-Line AWD GAS | $28,790 26 MPG | $29,390 25 MPG | — |
| SX AWD GAS | $30,090 26 MPG | $31,190 25 MPG | $31,490 25 MPG |
| LX FWD GAS | — | — | $23,790 29 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for budget SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Kia's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia Seltos Come With?
Kia provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Seltos. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia Seltos Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Kia Seltos as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 - 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Length | 172.6 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.9 in |
| Height | 63.6 - 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,970 - 3,363 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Kia Seltos?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
This page reflects the most recently published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Kia Seltos. When source agencies release updates, this page regenerates automatically. Our methodology page explains how data is collected, verified, and presented.
2026 Kia Seltos FAQ
How does the 2026 Kia Seltos compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Kia Seltos has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Kia Seltos trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the LX FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $66,420, starting at $23,790 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $75,370. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Kia Seltos insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Kia Seltos. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Kia Seltos maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Kia Seltos depreciate?
AAA estimates the Subcompact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $23,790, that represents about 75% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Kia Seltos?
The most efficient 2026 Kia Seltos trim costs an estimated $1,500 per year in fuel, or about $125 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia Seltos?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Kia Seltos include 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and 2026 Nissan Kicks. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Kia Seltos from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 1 trim was dropped, and the entry price decreased by $700 for the Kia Seltos lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Kia Seltos cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Kia Seltos include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $125 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $982 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Kia Seltos safe for families?
The 2026 Kia Seltos earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.