Is the Kia Seltos Fun to Drive? A Comprehensive Review

When considering a car purchase, the Kia Seltos has been praised for its comfort and practicality. However, does it hold up as a fun-to-drive vehicle? In this comprehensive review, I explore the driving experience of the Kia Seltos HTX with a diesel engine, highlighting the features, issues, and overall experience.

Driving Experience

After driving the Kia Seltos HTX for over 20,000 km, one cannot deny the comfortable ride, but the car is not fun to drive. The steering presents serious issues at low speeds and requires frequent adjustment, leading to poor steering feedback. At high speeds, the car remains stable, but feels underpowered and may pull at the rear end due to its front-wheel drive design.

Steering Issues and Comfort

The steering is one of the most compromising aspects of the Kia Seltos. At speeds as low as 20 km/h, the steering can feel tight and becomes unresponsive, needing strong effort to make tight turns. This happens frequently, making the car uncomfortable for enthusiasts and drivers requiring precise handling.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the Kia Seltos is commendable, but there are noticeable flaws. The thin metal sheets on the front and rear sides could bend easily, and the rear seats create an irritating noise and constant vibration. Additionally, the second-row seat locks can become loose and are difficult to tighten, leading to ongoing issues.

Alternatives to Consider

For those seeking a fun-to-drive experience, the CX-30 is a more suitable option. It offers a significant improvement in driving enjoyment while maintaining practicality. If you prioritize comfort and practicality, the Kia Seltos can still be a reliable choice. However, drivers looking for handling and responsiveness should consider alternatives.

Conclusion

While the Kia Seltos offers comfort and practical features, it falls short when it comes to fun-to-drive aspects. The steering issues, build quality concerns, and lack of handling make it a disappointing choice for enthusiasts. Opting for a middle model might offer a better balance of comfort and luxury, but the issues detailed here make the car less worth the price.

For a driving experience that prioritizes fun, consider other models like the CX-30 or a different make altogether. The Kia Seltos is more of a comfortable car than a thrilling one.

Recommendations:

For Fun to Drive: CX-30 For Practicality and Comfort: Consider a middle model of the Kia Seltos Avoid: If you are an enthusiast, look for other options like the CX-30 or a different make