Ace of Base: 2021 Kia Seltos LX

Kia is no stranger to the Ace of Base series, given its propensity to stuff its cars and SUVs to the gunwales with features generally found on cars one octave higher in price. What is a stranger to the AoB pages is the 2021 model year. Welcome to the future, folks (there are still no hoverboards).

While the little Seltos hasn’t yet been added to Kia’s build-n-price tool, the media site has more than enough collateral with which to determine the base car’s level of kit. Does it continue Kia’s value-added ways? Will it be another hit for Kia? Is it colder than the surface of Hoth outside your author’s home? The TTAC Magic 8 Ball says “signs point to yes” for all of these questions.

As with most other Kia vehicles, the base Seltos is called the LX. Powered by a 2.0-liter four banger, it’s good for 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Neither of these figures will set the world on fire, but they are perfectly average for a car in this segment. A 175 hp/195 lb-ft turbo is available on more ‘spensive trims. A continuously variable transmission with seven Fake News gears is the lone transmission choice with the smaller mill. Alas.

Outwardly, Seltos LX is endowed with 17-inch alloys and color-keyed trim. It would seem the days of spotting base models thanks to their caster-sized steelies and black door handles are long gone. LED lighting is reserved for snazzier Seltos trims and the grille has been denuded of all brightwork. The latter will help sales staff quickly identify them on the lot as the lower-margin models from which they will inevitably steer prospective customers away.

Those customers should continue marching towards the LX, however, as its interior includes a tilt and telescope wheel, six-way adjustable cloth seats, and the same 8-inch infotainment touchscreen found in costlier EX and S models. Air, cruise, USB ports, and remote entry are all on board for the asking sum of $21,990.

And before you all carp in the comments, we know that’s not the base model shown above. Absent of the build and price tool, we went with an available picture. Use your imagination to substitute slightly smaller wheels and a lack of LED fog lamps. There’s no guarantee the jazzy blue shown here will be available gratis on base models, but Kia’s track record is pretty good in this regard.

Kia has long shed its bargain basement image, if the number of new Tellurides in the tonier parts of town is any indication. Continuing to appeal to the other end of the market is equally as important because, as we know, hooking a first-time customer often leads to repeat business.

[Images: Kia]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less.