Did you know the Entry CUV segment is the fastest-growing segment in the automotive industry? It’s true—and in the coming years, competition within the segment is only going to intensify. To help your dealership make the most of this opportunity, Kia stepped up and added Seltos to its SUV product mix. As you’ll discover, Seltos is the new standard of entry cross-over utility vehicle (CUV), offering class-above design, advanced technology, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems* (ADAS), size and space, with all-wheel drive* (AWD) capability.
Seltos, along with Soul, are positioned within the Entry CUV segment, which sits just below the subcompact SUV segment where Sportage is aligned. The Entry CUV segment is rapidly growing with four new vehicles slated to appear in the next two years along with a field of well-known leaders. However, even though the segment has many options, the real opportunity for Seltos is to attract customers who expect a different breed of capability. And if the success of Telluride can show you anything about how customers may respond to Kia’s boundary pushing design and capability, Seltos seems primed for a very bright future.
Adding a New Dimension to the Kia SUV Lineup
Strategically placed between Soul and Sportage, Seltos adds a new dimension to Kia’s SUV portfolio, offering you even more ways to grow your business. However, with three SUVs to work with, it is essential to understand how to present each model fully and explain appropriate features and Kia processes to your customers to help them determine the right fit. In this post, we’ll break down some of the key differences and provide some quick tips on how to position each model to your customers.
Also, while “SUV” and “CUV” can be used interchangeably, we refer to Seltos within the Entry CUV segment that is part of the overall SUV category.
Seltos is a size-appropriate fit between Soul and Sportage
| Kia Soul | Kia Seltos | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| 165.2” Length | 172” Length | 176.4” Length |
| Cargo*: 23.4 cu.ft. | Cargo: 26.6 cu.ft. | Cargo: 30.7 cu.ft. |
| 2nd row upright: 62.1 cu.ft. | 2nd row upright: 62.8 cu.ft. | 2nd row upright: 60.1 cu.ft. |
| Legroom Front: 41.1” | Legroom Front: 41.1” | Legroom Front: 41.5” |
| Legroom Rear: 38.8” | Legroom Rear: 37.1” | Legroom Rear: 38.2” |
Seltos is priced between Soul and Sportage
Seltos helps you cover the pricing gap between Soul and Sportage. A quick look at the anticipated base price of each model reveals distinct pricing segmentation to help you find the right fit for your customer’s budget.
2020 Soul  |
2021 Seltos  |
2020 Sportage  |
|---|---|---|
| $17,490 | Under $22,000 | $23,990 |
Base MSRP (excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.)
Each model offers its own design “flavor”...and purpose
With so many customers heading into the Entry CUV segment, having multiple CUV “flavors” is an incredible advantage for Kia. With Seltos, you now have three smaller SUV options, each with its own vibe, focus, and appeal. Here’s an at-a-glance view of some conversational points about each model...
| 2020 Soul |
2021 Seltos |
2020 Sportage |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Styling | Rectangle / Iconic | Bold / Sporty | Sleek / Refined |
| Vehicle Focus | Utility | Capability | Versatility |
2020 Soul GT-Line Turbo  |
2021 Seltos SX Pre-Production  |
2020 Sportage SX Turbo AWD  |
Encourage your customers to sit inside each car and determine which one appeals most to their design preference and driving needs.
2020 Soul GT-Line Turbo  |
2021 Seltos SX Pre-Production  |
2020 Sportage SX Turbo AWD  |
Each Kia SUV has a few “notably unique” features.
While each Kia SUV delivers stand-out build quality, intuitive technology, and a longer industry warranty*, there are a few features unique to Soul, Seltos, and Sportage that you’ll want to be aware of...
| 2020 Soul | 2021 Seltos | 2020 Sportage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable Unique Identifiers |
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Seltos offers a few truly “new to segment” features.
Thinking beyond the Kia SUV lineup, Seltos offers a few truly “new to the segment” class-leading features. These include available second-row air vents and standard two-step reclining second-row seating.
At the end of the day remember this...
Seltos was not introduced to outshine the Soul and Sportage, but instead meet the growing demand of a burgeoning demographic within the Entry CUV segment. To maximize your sales opportunities, take the time to first understand your customer's needs, check if they are open to seeing other vehicles, and then present each Kia SUV offering to your customers and help them make an informed choice.
Until next time, make it a great week,
Kia University
2021 Seltos SX Pre-Production model shown with optional features. Not all colors, color combinations, and optional features can be equipped onall trims. Some colors and option selections may include, exclude, or require the purchase of additional options and package
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect allobjects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
All-wheel-drive (AWD): No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
Bose: Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.
Cargo: All cargo should be evenly distributed and properly secured, and never piled higher than the seatback.
Head Up Display (HUD): Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drivesafely and use caution.
Images: Vehicles shown may include optional features. Some features may vary
MSRP: MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and mayvary.
Paddle Shifters: Driving while distracted is dangerous and should be avoided. Remain attentive to driving and be cautious when using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters while driving.
Remote Start: Do not use remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote start command.
Smart Power LiftgateTM: Driving with the liftgate open may be unlawful and can draw dangerous exhaust fumes into your vehicle; if you choose to do so, keep air vents and all windows open for proper ventilation.