Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Kia Seltos with front-wheel drive (FWD). If you're considering this subcompact SUV, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior features and overall value. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos made a splash when it first arrived, offering a compelling blend of style, practicality, and affordability. For the 2022 model year, the Seltos continues to impress with its distinctive design, spacious cabin, and a host of available tech features. The front-wheel-drive version is particularly appealing to those who prioritize fuel economy and don't necessarily need the added traction of all-wheel drive (AWD).

Key Features of the FWD 2022 Kia Seltos

• Engine: Typically powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing around 146 horsepower.
• Transmission: Usually paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
• Fuel Economy: Excellent fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for daily commutes and long road trips.
• Interior Space: Surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, with ample room for passengers and cargo.
• Technology: Available with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety features.

Performance and Handling

The performance of the 2022 Kia Seltos FWD is adequate for most driving situations. The 2.0-liter engine provides enough power for city driving and highway cruising, but it's not exactly a powerhouse. The CVT helps to maximize fuel efficiency, but it can sometimes feel a bit sluggish when you need quick acceleration. Overall, the driving experience is smooth and comfortable, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Engine and Transmission

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers around 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While this may not sound like much, it's sufficient for the Seltos's size and weight. The CVT is designed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, but it operates differently. Instead of shifting gears, it continuously adjusts the gear ratio to optimize performance and efficiency. This can result in a somewhat unusual driving feel, especially when accelerating.

Ride Quality and Handling

The Kia Seltos offers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a good balance between comfort and handling. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, the Seltos is not a sporty vehicle, so don't expect it to handle like a sports car. It's more geared towards providing a comfortable and predictable driving experience.

Acceleration and Braking

Acceleration is adequate for most situations, but the Seltos can feel a bit slow when merging onto the highway or passing other vehicles. The CVT can also contribute to this feeling, as it tends to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. Braking is adequate, with a decent pedal feel and stopping power. However, it's always a good idea to leave plenty of following distance, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the main advantages of the 2022 Kia Seltos FWD is its excellent fuel efficiency. The 2.0-liter engine and CVT combination allows it to achieve impressive gas mileage, making it a great choice for those who want to save money at the pump. According to EPA estimates, the Seltos FWD can achieve up to 35 MPG on the highway, which is excellent for a subcompact SUV.

Real-World MPG

Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. However, many owners report achieving close to the EPA estimates in real-world driving. If you drive mostly in the city, you can expect to get slightly lower MPG, while highway driving will likely yield better results. Overall, the Seltos FWD is a fuel-efficient vehicle that can help you save money on gas.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

Several factors can affect your fuel economy, including your driving style, the condition of your vehicle, and the weather. Aggressive driving, such as speeding and hard acceleration, can significantly reduce your MPG. Keeping your vehicle properly maintained, including regular oil changes and tire rotations, can help to improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, cold weather can also reduce MPG, as engines take longer to warm up and tires have less grip.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2022 Kia Seltos is surprisingly spacious and well-designed for a subcompact SUV. The cabin is made with quality materials, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The Seltos also comes with a host of available tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety features.

Interior Design and Comfort

The interior design of the Seltos is modern and stylish, with a focus on functionality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a great choice for families. The Seltos also offers ample cargo space, with up to 62.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the 2022 Kia Seltos is user-friendly and responsive. It features a touchscreen display, which can range in size from 8 inches to 10.25 inches, depending on the trim level. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. It also offers features like Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a navigation system.

Advanced Safety Features

The Kia Seltos comes with a wide range of advanced safety features, including:

• Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if a collision is imminent.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Helps you stay in your lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you if there's a vehicle crossing your path when you're backing up.

These safety features can help to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Kia Seltos is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. The base LX trim is the most affordable, while the top-of-the-line SX trim offers the most luxurious features. Pricing varies depending on the trim level and options you choose.

LX Trim

The LX trim is the base model and comes with a starting price of around $22,590. It includes features like a 2.0-liter engine, CVT, touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features.

S Trim

The S trim adds features like LED daytime running lights, roof rails, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It has a starting price of around $22,890.

EX Trim

The EX trim includes features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It has a starting price of around $25,990.

SX Trim

The SX trim is the top-of-the-line model and includes features like a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a premium audio system. It has a starting price of around $28,090.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Kia Seltos FWD

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Kia Seltos FWD:

Pros:

• Excellent Fuel Economy: Great MPG for a subcompact SUV.
• Spacious Interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo.
• User-Friendly Technology: Easy-to-use infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Available Advanced Safety Features: A wide range of safety features to help prevent accidents.
• Affordable Price: Competitive pricing compared to other subcompact SUVs.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The 2.0-liter engine can feel a bit slow at times.
• CVT Transmission: The CVT can take some getting used to.
• Ride Quality: While comfortable, the ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads.

Is the 2022 Kia Seltos FWD Right for You?

The 2022 Kia Seltos FWD is a great choice for those who want a fuel-efficient, practical, and affordable subcompact SUV. It's perfect for daily commutes, road trips, and hauling cargo. However, if you need a vehicle with strong acceleration or all-wheel drive, you may want to consider other options. Overall, the Seltos is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money.

Conclusion

The 2022 Kia Seltos FWD is a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and affordable price make it a standout choice. While it may not be the most powerful or sporty vehicle on the market, it excels in providing a comfortable and practical driving experience. If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV, the Seltos FWD is definitely worth considering. Happy driving, folks!