Kia Seltos FWD
30 MPG The 2027 Kia Seltos FWD is EPA-rated at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 33 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 500 gallons, $1600 a year in fuel, or $0.107 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2021–2027 run it averages 30.8 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.107 | $1067 | $1600 | $2133 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.117 | $1167 | $1750 | $2333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 30 MPG | 28 | 33 | $2100 | 298 | 1 |
| 2025 | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $2000 | 288 | 1 |
| 2024 | 31 MPG | 28 | 34 | $2000 | 288 | 1 |
| 2023 | 31 MPG | 29 | 35 | $2000 | 283 | 1 |
| 2022 | 31 MPG | 29 | 35 | $2000 | 283 | 1 |
| 2021 | 31 MPG | 29 | 34 | $2000 | 285 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Kia Seltos FWD ranks 21 on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD (31), Volkswagen Taos (31), Nissan Rogue FWD (32), Nissan Rogue FWD SL/Platinum (32), Toyota Corolla Cross (32).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 298 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Seltos FWD get?
The 2027 Kia Seltos FWD is rated at 30 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 33 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 30.8 MPG, ranging from 30 to 31 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Seltos FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 30 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 500 gallons — roughly $1600 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.107 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2027 model is $2100.
Has the Kia Seltos FWD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 31 MPG in 2021 to 30 in 2027. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Kia Seltos FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 21 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG. That is 4.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.