2026 Kia Seltos: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Kia Seltos scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $23,790 - $31,490
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,500 - $2,050 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $982 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $23,790 to $31,490, the 2026 Kia Seltos is one of 24 budget SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Avg repair cost $216 per year below SUV average
- Fuel cost $406 per year below budget SUVs average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
2026 Kia Seltos at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- 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 →
Similar vehicles to compare
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%
NHTSA crash tests use full-width frontal and side impacts. IIHS tests include offset frontal impacts and intersection-type side crashes, which are common in real-world driving. Both results are shown below.
How Did the 2026 Kia Seltos Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Kia Seltos across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Kia Seltos performs as intended under real-world conditions.
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 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Kia Seltos Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Kia Seltos. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-09
Most-reported problem areas
- Brakes2
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Kia Seltos.
What Is the 2026 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Kia Seltos trim at 29 combined MPG. At that rating, estimated annual fuel cost is $1,500, which is $406 below the $1,906 average for budget SUVs. Source: EPA.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500 per year |
| LX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| S FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500 per year |
| EX FWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $1,500 per year |
| S AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| EX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
| SX AWD GAS | 29 MPG | 27 | 31 | $2,050 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $7,500 to $10,250 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 1% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Kia Seltos lineup.
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 per year | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $66,420 |
| LX AWD GAS | $24,990 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $67,620 |
| S FWD GAS | $25,490 | 29 MPG | $1,500 per year | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $68,120 |
| EX FWD GAS | $26,490 | 29 MPG | $1,500 per year | FWD | 147 hp | 2,970 lbs | $69,120 |
| S AWD GAS | $26,990 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $69,620 |
| EX AWD GAS | $28,690 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 147 hp | 3,186 lbs | $71,320 |
| SX AWD GAS | $31,490 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 190 hp | 3,363 lbs | $75,370 |
The entry price has decreased $700 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2026
- LX FWD GAS
Trims no longer available
last available 2025
- X-Line AWD GAS
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 29 MPG | $29,390 29 MPG | — |
| SX AWD GAS | $30,090 29 MPG | $31,190 29 MPG | $31,490 29 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
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
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.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Kia includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia Seltos Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Kia's published coverage for the 2026 Seltos. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia Seltos Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Kia Seltos. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Subcompact crossover SUV
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 190 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 92.3 - 113.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $162 - $195 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 383 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Kia Seltos comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Kia Seltos FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia Seltos?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Kia Seltos are 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (starting at $23,000, 5-star NHTSA, 27-31 MPG); and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (starting at $24,995, 4-star NHTSA, 26 MPG); and 2026 Nissan Kicks (starting at $22,430, 4-star NHTSA, 30-31 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Kia Seltos may be assembled in a different country than where Kia is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Kia model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Kia models page for the full lineup.
What is the 2026 Kia Seltos safety rating?
The 2026 Kia Seltos earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.