Should You Choose the 1.6L Turbo or 2.0L Engine on the 2026 Kia Seltos for Thornton, CO Driving?

Grand Kia - Should You Choose the 1.6L Turbo or 2.0L Engine on the 2026 Kia Seltos for Thornton, CO Driving?

Shoppers comparing the 2026 Kia Seltos often ask one central question: which engine is the smarter pick for everyday life in Thornton, CO — the standard 2.0L or the available 1.6L turbocharged option? At Grand Kia, serving Denver, Northglenn, and Broomfield, we guide our neighbors through that decision by focusing on real-world needs: I-25 commuting, weekend drives to the foothills, winter traction, and in-cabin tech that makes every mile easier.

The 2026 Seltos lineup gives you two compelling paths. On LX, S, and EX, you’ll find a 2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 147 hp & 132 lb.-ft. of torque that emphasizes smooth, efficient daily driving with Kia-est. 34 MPG HWY. Performance-minded shoppers can look to the SX, which upgrades to a 1.6L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine w/ 190 hp & 195 lb.-ft. of torque, an 8-Speed Auto Transmission, and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). No matter your choice, the Seltos surrounds you with confidence-building technology, standout design, and an interior that punches above its class.

Thornton drivers also consider weather and terrain. The available All-Wheel Drive System w/ Lock Mode — offered across the lineup and included on SX — is engineered to help enhance traction and control in a variety of conditions. With a push of a button, power can be set to distribute 50/50 between the front and rear wheels, which is reassuring when roads turn slick on your way up US-36 or after a Front Range snowfall. If winter capability is high on your list, AWD w/ Lock Mode is a smart pairing with either engine, and especially compelling with the turbo’s added torque.

To make the decision easier, here is how we help local shoppers align engine characteristics with everyday Thornton use cases.

• Daily I-25 commuting: Choose the 2.0L for its relaxed power delivery and Kia-est. 34 MPG HWY on LX, S, and EX. It’s tuned for smoothness and efficiency on longer highway stretches.
• Weekend mountain getaways: Opt for the 1.6L turbo on SX for stronger passing power at elevation and an 8-Speed Auto Transmission that keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
• Four-season confidence: Add the available AWD System w/ Lock Mode to 2.0L trims, or enjoy included AWD on SX, to help enhance traction when Thornton weather changes fast.
• Feature-focused balance: EX blends comfort and tech—think 10.25-in. Dual Panoramic Displays, heated front seats, and an available power sunroof—while keeping the 2.0L’s efficiency.
• Premium performance and tech: SX layers on LED Projector Headlights, Bose® Premium Audio, Smart Power Liftgate, and advanced driver assistance alongside the turbo powertrain.

Beyond powertrains, both routes deliver the thoughtful design and technology that make Seltos ownership easy in Thornton. Available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation provides an immersive, intuitive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ keep your apps front and center, and available Bose® Premium Audio elevates every playlist. Driver assistance is a standout across the lineup: Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Car, Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection is standard, while SX adds Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Junction Turning Detection and Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go. Available Highway Driving Assist can help maintain speed and distance on longer highway runs to Denver or Broomfield.

If you’re cross-shopping trims, it helps to think step-by-step about your priorities. Use this quick decision framework and bring it with you when you test-drive at Grand Kia in Thornton.

1. Define your daily drive: Estimate your weekly miles on I-25 and in-town. If efficiency tops the list, the 2.0L suits most daily commutes.
2. Plan for elevation and payload: Frequent mountain trips or fully loaded weekends may benefit from the turbo’s extra torque and the SX’s 8-speed automatic.
3. Account for winter: Add the available AWD System w/ Lock Mode on LX, S, or EX, or go SX for included AWD to help enhance traction when conditions deteriorate.
4. Map out must-have tech: If you want the most driver assistance and premium audio, the SX makes the decision easy; if you seek a value-rich tech suite, the EX is a sweet spot.

Our team can help you experience both powertrains on the same loop near 104th Avenue so you can feel the difference in throttle response, transmission behavior, and cabin refinement. Either way, you’ll appreciate the Seltos interior’s versatility with up to 62.8 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the first row, plus available heated and ventilated front seats for year-round comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which trims have each engine?

LX, S, and EX feature the 2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 147 hp & 132 lb.-ft. of torque. The SX features the 1.6L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine w/ 190 hp & 195 lb.-ft. of torque and an 8-Speed Auto Transmission.

Is there a fuel economy difference?

Yes. Kia-est. 34 MPG HWY is available on LX, S, and EX, while the SX is Kia-est. 27 MPG HWY. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving habits, and conditions.

Do both engines offer All-Wheel Drive?

AWD is available on LX, S, and EX and is included on SX. The available All-Wheel Drive System w/ Lock Mode can be set to distribute power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels at the push of a button.

What tech differences should I expect if I choose SX?

SX adds performance and premium features, including LED Projector Headlights & LED Fog Lights, Bose® Premium Audio, Smart Power Liftgate, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and advanced driver assistance like Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Junction Turning Detection.

Will the 2.0L feel underpowered in the city?

The 2.0L is tuned for smooth, efficient everyday use and feels right at home around Thornton with responsive low-speed drivability. If you routinely carry passengers and gear into the foothills or prefer stronger passing power, the turbocharged SX offers a noticeable step up.

Still weighing the 2.0L vs. 1.6L turbo? Visit Grand Kia at 1950 W 104th Avenue in Thornton, CO, and let our team set up back-to-back drives. We will help you explore trims, available AWD w/ Lock Mode, and features like Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation, Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™, and available Highway Driving Assist so you can confidently choose the Seltos that fits your life here along the Front Range.

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