The 2022 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV with two rows of seating, two choices of engine, and is available in front- or all-wheel-drive format. Since the Seltos was introduced for the 2021 model year, changes to the 2022 version are pretty subtle and focused on the arrival of new features, plus the addition of the new Nightfall Edition trim.
For the 2022 Seltos, the base LX trim now comes with more active safety items like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist, to name a few.
The Nightfall Edition includes its own 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels, black radiator grille, and black roof rack. The Nightfall Edition replaces last year’s S Turbo trim and comes with the optional turbo 4-cylinder and AWD.
Value plays a big role in the Seltos’ five main trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX Turbo. The standard powertrain is a 146-horsepower 4-cylinder paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This engine in front-wheel-drive format is the most fuel efficient of the range, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway.
The top two trims, the Nightfall Edition and SX Turbo, are motivated by a 175-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder coupled to a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. This adds more pep and doesn’t extract too much of a penalty in overall fuel economy. An SX Turbo returns an EPA-estimated 25/30 mpg average in city and highway driving.
Direct rivals to the Seltos include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Chevrolet Trax. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos for sale
2022 Kia Seltos LX (starting price $22,490)
The Seltos LX is the entry-level model, and for the 2022 version, Kia has added considerably more standard safety features. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, driver drowsiness monitor, and lane-centering assist.
Previously, a rearview camera was the only active safety item included with the LX.
Like the first three of five trims, the Seltos LX comes with a 146-horsepower 4-cylinder paired to a CVT. Acceleration is fine for most driving needs, though this powertrain runs out of steam when trying to pass other cars at highway speed.
The Seltos has a roomy cabin that easily accommodates tall adults. The squarish shape also pays it forward in terms of cargo room. There’s more than 26 cubic feet of space with the rear seats upright. Fold them down, and this expands to more than 62 cubic feet.
For the 2022 model year, the Seltos LX is the only trim that comes with the smaller of two infotainment screens. Measuring in at 8-inches, it’s still easy to use, has clear menus, and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos LX for sale
2022 Kia Seltos LX includes:
- A 146-horsepower 4-cylinder and CVT in all-wheel-drive format.
- An 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A single front USB port, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and 6-speaker audio system are also standard.
- Manually adjustable cloth seats with a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback are standard.
2022 Kia Seltos S (starting price $22,690)
Before the 2022 model year, the two main differences between the Seltos LX and Seltos S trim was that the latter came with more standard safety features, but it lacked the standard AWD found in the LX.
Now that the LX has now inherited its more ample lineup of standard safety features, what sets the 2022 Seltos S apart?
To start, Kia has added the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen as a standard feature. Tech fans with devices to charge, take note: Two USB ports and one power outlet are also now standard, along with one USB port for the rear seat.
Speaking of the rear seating area, your passengers will be more comfortable now that the 2022 Seltos S comes standard with rear air vents, too.
2022 Kia Seltos S includes:
- The Seltos S has a 146-horsepower 4-cylinder, CVT, and comes standard in front-wheel-drive format. This FWD version provides the best fuel economy of the entire Seltos range.
- A 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included.
- The Seltos S gets upgraded seat trim, interior LED lighting, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors.
- All-wheel drive and heated front seats can be added for $1,600. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos S for sale
2022 Kia Seltos EX (starting price $25,790)
The EX is the highest trim that comes with the 146-horsepower 4-cylinder. It starts with the same features fitted to the Seltos S, then adds standard equipment such as a sunroof, synthetic leather seating, push-button start, and wireless device charging, among other items. All-wheel drive is also fitted as standard.
All in all, for many car shoppers looking for a small and reasonably priced SUV, the Seltos EX trim hits a sweet spot in terms of price and features. Just don’t expect to win many drag races when the stoplight turns green.
2022 Kia Seltos EX includes:
- The Seltos EX has a 146-horsepower 4-cylinder, CVT, and standard all-wheel drive.
- The EX has the same standard safety features as the S trim, but adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist.
- Like the top four trims, the EX comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and two added USB ports.
- The person behind the wheel of Seltos EX benefits from a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The seats are fully covered in synthetic leather, versus a combination of cloth and synthetic leather used in the S trim.
- Push-button start, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone charging are standard. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos EX for sale
2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition (starting price $26,690)
New for the 2022 model year, the Nightfall Edition replaces last year’s base S Turbo trim. In addition to a modest amount of black exterior and interior trim pieces, the Nightfall sports its own 18-inch matte-black alloys and black roof rack.
The big upgrade here is the standard fitment of the optional 175-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, coupled with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
This engine gives the Seltos noticeably improved performance, while fuel economy is still highly competitive with rival small SUVs.
The Nightfall Edition has nearly the same level of standard comfort and safety features found on the S trim equipped with all-wheel drive. Added features include blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic collision avoidance assist.
While the added performance of the turbo engine is appreciated, many Seltos buyers could be lured by the higher feature content of the less powerful (and less expensive) EX trim. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition for sale
2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition includes:
- The 175-horsepower turbo-4 finds its way under the hood. Punchier performance is nice, though the dual-clutch 7-speed automatic has come in for some criticism regarding its smoothness while shifting gears.
- The 10.25-inch infotainment screen and all its assorted tech accessories are found in the Nightfall Edition. You do lose wireless device charging, however.
- A black roof rack, black front grille surround, and 18-inch matte-black wheels are standard.
2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo (starting price: $27,990)
At the top of the 2022 Seltos lineup, the SX Turbo has a starting price just under $28,000 and comes with nearly everything you can add to this small SUV. Like the Nightfall Edition, the turbo 4-cylinder, AWD, and 7-speed automatic work together to get the SX Turbo down the road.
Considering there isn’t a vast price chasm between the base Seltos LX and the fully-loaded SX Turbo, SUV shoppers could be lured by the budget-friendly top variant. With many other SUVs, both large and small, the gap between base and range-topping trim is many thousands of dollars wider.
For the introductory 2021 model year, the SX Turbo was the only trim to offer the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Now, all but the LX trim have this fitted as standard.
There are still several features you’ll only find only on the SX Turbo. These include a digital instrument display in front of the driver, Bose audio system, and intelligent cruise control with stop-start capability.
2022 Seltos SX Turbo includes:
- The SX Turbo is filled with nearly every goodie you can add to the Seltos. The 175-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder, AWD, and 7-speed automatic provide the motivation for this range-topping trim.
- An 8-speaker Bose audio system, intelligent cruise control, and digital gauge cluster are features found only on the SX Turbo.
- One new addition to the 2022 SX Turbo cabin is a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel.
- A sunroof can be added for $700. Find a 2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo for sale
