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Electric Power Meets Compact SUV Design
The latest Kia Seltos EV, known in some markets as the SOS EV, brings the familiar compact SUV silhouette into the electric era. While the exterior largely mirrors the petrol‑powered Seltos, subtle changes signal its new identity: a matte graphite finish exclusive to the X‑Line trim, blacked‑out chrome accents, and a distinctive matte black badge that replaces the traditional chrome. The front grill is effectively sealed, reflecting the absence of an internal combustion engine, and a radar‑based ADAS system sits beneath a camera, providing a modern safety package.
Interior Space and Practicality
Inside, the EV retains the Seltos’ spacious cabin but gains a few practical touches. The front frunk holds a 16‑litre compartment, enough for a stock 3.3 kW charger and a few small items. The boot offers 465 litres of cargo space, expanded by hydraulic struts that ease opening and closing. Storage is generous: door pockets, a central tray, and a dedicated phone holder keep essentials within reach. The seats are fully adjustable, with two headrests for the front passengers and a ventilated option for the front seats. The rear seats can recline fully, making long drives comfortable.
Materials lean toward a softer plastic finish, complemented by a hard‑plastic dashboard that feels sturdy. An auto‑dimming IRVM, Kia Connect, and a dedicated SOS button add convenience. The infotainment system features a 12.3‑inch central display and a smaller 12.3‑inch screen for climate control, both controlled by touch and manual buttons. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless, and a 100‑watt Type‑C charging port sits beside a 12‑volt socket.
Powertrain, Battery, and Range
The Seltos EV is powered by a single front‑wheel‑drive motor. Two battery options are available: a 42 kWh pack and a larger 51.4 kWh pack. The larger pack, which the review focuses on, delivers 171 PS (approximately 171 bhp) and is claimed to provide a range of 526 km under the WLTP cycle. In real‑world tests, the reviewer estimates a more conservative 450 km. The motor’s torque figures are undisclosed, but the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8.1 seconds, a respectable figure for a compact SUV.
Charging options are flexible. The standard 3.3 kW charger can be swapped for a 7 kW unit, reducing a full charge from roughly 20–24 hours to about 7 hours. An 11 kW AC charger can top the battery from 10 % to 80 % in around 40 minutes, while a 100 kW DC fast charger can deliver the same in about 30 minutes. The vehicle supports both AC and DC charging, making it adaptable to most charging infrastructures.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
With the battery positioned low, the Seltos EV enjoys a lowered centre of gravity, which slightly improves handling. The reviewer notes a reduction in body roll compared to the petrol version, though the vehicle remains a tall SUV, so some vertical movement is inevitable. The suspension has been tweaked to accommodate the added weight of the motor and battery, but the reviewer feels it could still be refined for smoother cornering.
The steering offers decent feedback, and the car offers three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—selected via a thumb‑controlled selector on the steering wheel. The Sport mode delivers a punchy acceleration that feels “brutal” when the driver floors the pedal, pushing the car back into the seat. The reviewer advises caution on hilly roads, as the front‑wheel‑drive layout can cause wheel spin if traction control is disabled.
Overall Impression
The Kia Seltos EV delivers a well‑rounded package for city and suburban driving. Its design cues signal its electric nature without straying far from the familiar Seltos silhouette. Interior practicality, a generous battery choice, and a solid range make it a compelling option for those looking to transition to electric mobility. While the suspension could benefit from further tuning, the vehicle’s performance, charging flexibility, and spacious cabin position it as a strong contender in the compact electric SUV segment.