While 31 MPG combined won’t blow you away, it’s a respectable figure for the 2021 Kia Seltos FWD, and it reflects this small SUV’s main goal: practical value. It’s not trying to be a hybrid or an EV. It’s designed to offer a good mix of space, style, and affordability to buyers who want more than a hatchback but aren’t ready for a larger SUV. Fuel economy is important, but the Seltos’ overall value is the priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Kia Seltos FWD 2.0L are 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. That 29 MPG city figure is especially relevant because Seltos buyers often live in urban or suburban areas with stop-and-go traffic. While not amazing, it’s enough to keep running costs reasonable. The 34 MPG highway rating is achievable on longer road trips, making the Seltos a good option for weekend getaways without spending too much on gas. The smooth-shifting AV-S8 automatic transmission helps improve fuel consumption in both driving situations, keeping the engine in its most efficient range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Kia Seltos FWD 2.0L at $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price when they did the calculations. Your actual fuel cost will vary depending on your driving habits, the roads you drive on, and changes in fuel prices. This $1,400 estimate gives you a benchmark for comparing the Seltos’ running costs to others in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world fuel economy often differs. You might see numbers slightly below the EPA’s estimates, especially with aggressive driving or heavy traffic. Maintaining a steady speed, avoiding hard acceleration, and ensuring proper tire inflation will bring your average closer to the advertised numbers. The Seltos is slightly taller and less aerodynamic than a sedan, which will affect its fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds.

How it compares

The Hyundai Kona, another subcompact SUV and relative of the Seltos, gets similar fuel economy. The Kona SE is rated at 30 MPG combined. The Nissan Kicks, a competitor known for its efficiency, gets a slightly better 33 MPG combined. The Kicks does sacrifice some practicality and features compared to the Seltos. The Mazda CX-30, more premium, gets around 28 MPG combined with its standard engine. These comparisons show the Seltos offers a good balance between fuel economy, versatility, and price, all important for its buyers. You can explore all Kia fuel economy data to see how past and current models compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and braking waste fuel. Coasting helps the engine use less fuel.

Keep tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check the pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure, usually on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Minimize weight. Extra cargo adds weight, which affects fuel consumption. Remove items you don’t need. Remove roof racks when not in use, as they increase drag.

Use cruise control on highways. Consistent speed improves fuel efficiency. Cruise control prevents speed changes, especially on hills. Disengage cruise control in heavy traffic or bad weather for safety.

Consider routine maintenance. Regular servicing, including oil changes and air filter replacements, helps the engine run efficiently. Clogged air filters and old oil can hurt fuel economy. Check the owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule. Also, keep track of the SELTOS MPG across all years to spot declines.