Summary

• With 38 currently listed for sale near Austin, TX and an average price of $25,998.00, 13.2% of 2026 Kia Seltos models for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• 100.0% of 2026 Seltos models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2026 Kia Seltos stands out as a subcompact crossover that was designed to bridge the gap between Kia’s Soul and Sportage, and it does so with a larger footprint and a more rugged personality than many rivals in the class. Kia described its approach as “rugged refinement,” which fits the Seltos well: it aims to look tough on the outside while still feeling surprisingly premium inside for the price point. It also has a practical side, with generous passenger and cargo space considering its compact dimensions, and it was positioned to compete with models such as the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V.

For 2026, the Seltos benefits from the broader updates Kia made to the model in 2024 and later. Those changes brought sharper styling, a more distinctive front and rear design, and a cabin update centered on Kia’s panoramic display. The refreshed interior also added Kia Connect and a USB-C port, while the turbocharged engine was retuned to 190 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic. Buyers looking at this version also get the appeal of available features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a generative AI assistant, and a smart power liftgate on EX and SX models.

The Seltos’ appeal is strongest for shoppers who want a small SUV that feels more substantial and better equipped than its size suggests. Its cabin has a reputation for being high quality and thoughtfully packaged, and the ride is described as controlled and comfortable. At the same time, it is not without drawbacks: the cabin can be noisy, the dual-clutch transmission used earlier in the model’s life was clunky, and the base engine was considered underpowered. Even so, the Seltos remains distinctive because it combines style, space, and a refined driving feel in a way that gives it a clear identity in a crowded segment.

Other model years to consider

• 2022 Kia Seltos

  • Average price: $15,018.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 26.8%
  • User rating: 4.83 / 5
  • Total listings: 71

• 2024 Kia Seltos

  • Average price: $21,927.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 58.0%
  • User rating: 4.8 / 5
  • Total listings: 69

• 2021 Kia Seltos

  • Average price: $16,800.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 20.9%
  • User rating: 4.8 / 5
  • Total listings: 43

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.