27 MPG combined isn’t going to rewrite the fuel economy record books, but it’s a perfectly respectable figure for the 2022 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L. More importantly, it’s exactly the kind of mileage that Seltos buyers are willing to accept in exchange for its quirky styling, elevated driving position, and available all-wheel drive. People aren’t buying the Seltos to hypermile across the country; they’re buying it for its practicality and unique personality.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Seltos AWD 1.6L at 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. While 25 MPG isn’t amazing for urban driving, it’s worth remembering the Seltos isn’t a featherweight hatchback; it’s a small SUV with the added weight and friction of an all-wheel-drive system. The 30 MPG highway figure is more interesting, making the Seltos a decent choice for longer road trips. Owners mainly using the Seltos for highway driving and prioritizing fuel economy could consider the front-wheel drive model, which is rated at 35 MPG highway.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L at $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual expenses will vary depending on your driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area. However, $1,600 provides a strong benchmark for understanding the Seltos’ running costs. Fuel costs represent just one piece of the ownership puzzle when compared to items such as insurance, scheduled maintenance and of course, purchase price.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s figures provide a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy almost always varies. The turbocharged 1.6L engine in the Seltos is sensitive to driving style. Accelerate aggressively, and fuel economy dips noticeably. Conversely, drive with a light foot and anticipate traffic, and you’ll likely see numbers close to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. Terrain also plays a major role, with hilly areas significantly affecting fuel consumption. The all-wheel-drive system, while beneficial in inclement weather, will also reduce fuel economy compared to the front-wheel-drive model in daily driving conditions.

How it compares

In the crowded subcompact SUV segment, the Seltos’ fuel economy is competitive but not class-leading. The Honda HR-V, for example, delivers around 28 MPG combined in its AWD configuration. The Mazda CX-30, a sportier alternative, achieves approximately 26 MPG combined with all-wheel drive. The Nissan Kicks, a front-wheel-drive-only option, boasts around 33 MPG combined. Even looking within Kia’s own lineup, you can see all Kia fuel economy data reveals a varying trend. The Seltos sits between the smaller, more efficient Rio and larger Sportage. For Seltos shoppers, the slightly lower MPG compared to some rivals is often a trade-off they’re willing to make for the stylish design, available features, and all-weather capability. Looking at the broader SELTOS MPG across all years can also inform potential buyers about past performances.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Seltos’ turbocharged engine can be eager, but heavy acceleration burns fuel quickly. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow maximize efficiency, especially in city driving.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area. Every pound adds up, especially in a small vehicle like the Seltos.

Plan your trips strategically. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which are less efficient. Avoid peak traffic times when possible to reduce stop-and-go driving, which hurts fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway with cruise control can improve fuel economy. Be mindful of hilly terrain, as cruise control may downshift frequently, negating some of the efficiency gains. Using the “Smart” drive mode can also optimize engine and transmission settings for fuel economy on longer drives.