2022 Kia Seltos Trim Levels

OEM Image from Kia

The Kia Seltos is one of the roomiest and most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs on the market, and the 2022 model lives up the image yet again. Specifically, the Seltos returns with a few new features and a new Nightfall Edition trim level. There are five 2022 Seltos trim levels to choose from: LX, S, Nightfall Edition, EX, and SX Turbo. If you aren’t quite sure what makes them different, rest easy. We’ve provided a breakdown of the differences in standard and optional equipment for each trim.

2022 Kia Seltos LX

Exclusively all-wheel drive, the LX keeps it simple and offers an affordable entry point to the 2022 Kia Seltos lineup. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, and its 2.0-liter engine delivers 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ratings for this four-cylinder engine reach an impressive 27 city mpg and 31 highway mpg.

The LX also uses an 8-inch infotainment touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher models have a larger replacement with navigation and other bonuses. The front features a six-way manual adjusting driver seat and a four-way manual front passenger seat, and the audio system contains six speakers, Bluetooth, an MP3 player, AM/FM radio, and voice recognition.

One benefit shared among all five trim levels is the cargo volume. For a compact SUV, 26.6 cubic feet of rear cargo space is hard to beat. Fold down the back seats, and that potential space grows to 62.8 cubic feet. As for safety, automatic on/off high-beam lights are standard, and automatic emergency braking is a feature of the forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. Drivers also get lane departure, keep, and follow assist on every trim.

2022 Kia Seltos S

The S trim level expands upon the LX’s foundation, unlocking front-wheel drive as an option, plus available three-level heated front seats and a few other exciting upgrades. As for standard equipment, the S adds LED positioning lamps and daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, silver roof rails, LED interior lighting, a rear center armrest with cup holders, and a combination of cloth and Sofino premium leatherette seat upholstery. Drivers also get a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shifter knob, and automatic climate control.

A 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen comes standard with navigation, satellite radio, UVO live traffic updates, and the LX’s infotainment features. This higher-level infotainment system also uses advanced voice recognition software. Push-button start and remote start are also made standard, along with height-adjustable rear headrests.

2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition

The rest of the 2022 Seltos lineup, including the Nightfall Edition, EX, and SX Turbo, are all-wheel-drive exclusive. The Nightfall Edition is the first of two trim levels that carry the stronger, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. A dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission comes standard for this powertrain, and fuel economy gets as high as 25 city mpg and 30 highway mpg.

Apart from the power boost, the Nightfall carries a similar feature set to the Seltos S. A few notable benefits of the Nightfall are the unique 18-inch matte black wheels, a matching roof rack, and black exterior and interior trim components. The 2022 Seltos Nightfall Edition also adds a few more automatic safety features, including rear assist functions for blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Like with the S, three-setting heated seats are optional.

2022 Kia Seltos EX

Riding on 17-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, the EX introduces more conveniences and luxuries to the 2022 Kia Seltos lineup. Drivers get all the amenities found in the Seltos S trim, plus a sunroof, full leatherette seating, and wireless device charging. Several interesting conveniences get added on the EX, like front seatback pockets and illuminated vanity mirrors with extendable visors, front door solar glass, and the S model’s optional heated rear seats come standard.

The Seltos EX is great if you want the more efficient engine and as many comfort features as possible. Like the SX Turbo, it is one of two Seltos models that swap out the manual driver’s seat with a 10-way power-adjustable replacement with lumbar support. It’s also the only model that offers the sunroof, although as an option, while the SX Turbo gets it standard.

2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo

The SX Turbo, topping the 2022 Seltos trim-level list, comes with practically everything you can add to the SUV. Like the Nightfall Edition, it uses the turbo 4-cylinder engine in all-wheel drive, with the seven-speed automatic transmission. The SX Turbo packages everything you could want in an SUV together in an enticing bargain, far more competitive than the top trim levels of competing SUVs.

As for what comes exclusive to the SX Turbo, each model gets a digital driver instrument display and adaptive cruise control with stop-start functionality. It is also the only trim level with an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, including a subwoofer, external amp, and sound-connected cabin mood lighting.

As an expansion to the forward camera and lane control features, the SX Turbo also comes with Highway Drive Assist (HDA), a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on highways throughout the country at speeds under 95 mph. HDA combines adaptive cruise control, other driving assistance features, and navigation data to make driving easier, all while keeping you in control and fully alert.

All told, the 2022 Kia Seltos offers a great spread of prices and features among five distinct trim levels. Inside or out, Kia sets the standard for compact SUV design, whether you pick a 1.6-liter turbocharged beast like the Nightfall or SX Turbo, the balanced S and EX models, or the simple but comfortable LX. 

Are you ready to get one of these thrilling, thrifty SUVs? If you want an idea of the trim levels available on the market right now, browse our new Kia model inventory. We may have just the right Seltos trim level and configuration for you, and we’d love to help you find it. Contact us today to schedule a test drive!