Which Kia Seltos variant should you buy? 

The Kia Seltos is one of the newer models within the Korean marque’s local lineup. It is hip and attractive, and it has a lot going for it as far as onboard features go. As such, many of you might be considering it as your next ride.  

The Kia Seltos

The Seltos has three variants in the Philippine market. There’s the Seltos LX AT, EX AT, and the SX AT. So, which of these is the right one for you? To help you find out, let’s compare these variants against each other in terms of specifications. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Exterior 

Size-wise, the Seltos variants sold locally all have a length of 4,370mm and a width of 1,800mm. The entry-level LX however has a shorter height of 1,610mm as it lacks roof rails. On the other hand, the higher-spec EX and SX that come with roof rails are 5mm taller. Furthermore, all variants of the Kia-made crossover have a wheelbase length of 2,630mm, and a ground clearance of 170mm. Their curb weights are also the same at 1,295 kg. 

The Seltos from the side

Apart from the size, the entry-level LX and mid-spec EX are both equipped with projector halogen headlamps and halogen front fog lamps. The top-spec SX however has LED headlights and LED front fog lamps. All variants come standard with daytime running lamps, a fin-type antenna, and a rear spoiler. The EX though lacks the side-mirror mounted turn signal repeaters and LED taillights that are available on the higher trims. 

Like many modern crossovers, the Seltos also sports an SUV-like rear end

Kia Seltos Variants: Interior 

Moving on to interiors, all three Seltos variants can seat five. All have two rows of seats, and all come standard with a 60:40 split for the folding rear seats. As for seat material though, the LX has fabric while the EX and SX have a combination of cloth and leatherette.  

The top-spec Seltos SX features seats that are covered with a mix of cloth and leatherette

As for driver amenities, all variants of this Kia crossover are equipped with an analog gauge cluster plus a 3.5-inch multifunction display, a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel, and manual driver’s seat adjustment. The top-spec SX however also provides a sliding armrest, whereas the LX and EX are kitted out with a regular console box. Also, only the LX and the top-spec SX are equipped with cruise control. 

For occupant comfort, the entry-level LX and mid-spec EX both come standard with a manual air-conditioning system. The top-spec SX in turn has a single-zone automatic air-conditioning system.  

With the seats folded down, this Kia crossover has oodles of space

Regarding on-board entertainment, the Seltos variants are the same. All three feature an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. For all variants, the said headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood, all Seltos variants are propelled by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine. At most, this four-pot mill can produce up to 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an intelligent variable transmission (IVT).

The Seltos' 2.0-liter inline-4 Nu MPI DOHC gasoline engine 

For suspension systems, all these use a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam for the rear. All variants of the Seltos also come standard with disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake without an auto-brake hold function. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Safety 

As expected, the top-spec SX has the most safety features out of the three Variants. Specifically, it features electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, and six airbags. The EX and LX in turn, do have two airbags, and all variants are equipped with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and child-proof door locks. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Price 

Kia Seltos Variants: Conclusion 

So, let’s get back to the question: which Seltos variant is the right one? Well, that depends on a buyer’s priorities. People who are particularly concerned about car safety might want to lean towards the SX since it has several active safety features that are absent on the LX and EX. Plus, it also has more airbags. 

All Seltos trims feature a modern, SUV-like exterior design

On the other hand, the EX has several comfort-oriented features that are not present on the LX namely cruise control. In addition, the aforementioned mid-spec variant also has LEDs just like the top variant.  

If you just want an affordable but still comfortable and cool-looking ride however, the entry-level LX fits the bill. It doesn’t look that far off from the LX and SX save for its alternate beltline paint finish, halogen headlamps, and lack of roof rails. 

For more car buying and selling guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com.