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Kia Seltos: Features of your vehicle / Exterior features

Contents:

Roof rack

If your Kia Seltos is equipped with a roof rack, you can use it to carry suitable cargo and accessories, such as a cargo carrier or roof tent, on top of the vehicle. Always make sure the accessories are compatible with the Kia Seltos and are installed securely before loading anything onto the roof.

Kia Seltos roof rack Type A exterior accessory

Type A

* The actual shape may differ from the illustration depending on vehicle specification and accessory type.

Cargo and accessories can be attached directly to the roof rack or to Kia cross members, which are available from an authorized Kia dealer. Use only properly fitted equipment to help protect the roof, rack, and cargo during travel.

Kia Seltos roof rack crossbar position notice

NOTICE

  • The crossbars should be placed in the correct load-carrying positions before items are loaded onto the roof rack.

  • When the roof rack is not being used to carry cargo, the crossbars may need to be repositioned if wind noise is detected while driving the Kia Seltos.

Kia Seltos roof rack cargo and sunroof caution

CAUTION

  • When carrying cargo on the roof rack, make sure the cargo does not scratch, dent, or otherwise damage the roof of the Kia Seltos.

  • When carrying large objects on the roof rack, make sure they do not extend beyond the overall roof length or width.

  • If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, make sure any cargo loaded onto the roof rack does not interfere with sunroof operation.

  • Do not operate the sunroof while cargo is loaded on the roof rack.

  • Never place a load directly on the sunroof or roof panels. These parts are not designed to carry loads and may break or become damaged.

  • Do not allow any cargo, strap, or accessory to interfere with the movement of the sunroof.

Load limits

The Kia roof rack can support up to 880 lbs. (400 kg), evenly distributed from side to side and from front to back, but only when the Kia Seltos is parked.

Never drive the vehicle with more than 220 lbs. (100 kg) of cargo and accessories loaded on the roof rack.

Maximum load limits may vary depending on the accessories attached. Always check the accessory label and installation instructions before loading cargo onto the accessory.

Never allow the combined weight of occupants, cargo, and roof-mounted items to exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the Kia Seltos.

Kia Seltos roof rack load limit safety warning

WARNING

  • Never drive the Kia Seltos when the combined weight of occupants and cargo exceeds the GVWR. Exceeding this limit can cause loss of control and an accident.

  • Never drive with more than 220 lbs. (100 kg) of cargo on the roof rack. Heavier loads may increase the risk of loss of control or rollover.

  • The maximum load limit may vary depending on the accessories attached. Check the accessory label before loading cargo onto any roof-mounted accessory.

  • Loads on the roof rack raise the vehicle's center of gravity and may change the way the Kia Seltos handles. Avoid sudden starts, hard braking, sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, and high speeds when carrying cargo on the roof.

  • Always drive slowly and turn corners carefully when carrying items on the roof rack. Strong wind from passing vehicles or natural wind gusts can create sudden upward pressure on roof-mounted cargo. This is especially important when carrying large, flat items such as wood panels or mattresses, because they may come loose and cause damage or injury.

  • Failure to follow these warnings may lead to serious injury or death.

Kia Seltos roof rack and vehicle overloading caution

CAUTION

  • Overloading the roof rack may damage the rack, crossbars, or mounting points.

  • Overloading the Kia Seltos may also damage the vehicle and affect driving stability.

Securing items to the roof rack

Plan carefully before placing cargo or accessories on the Kia Seltos roof rack. Make sure each item can be secured properly and that you have the correct straps, mounts, or fastening equipment before loading. If the item is heavy or difficult to position safely, get help from another person.

Before driving, confirm that the cargo and accessories do not extend too far forward, rearward, or sideways beyond the vehicle.

Do not allow any cargo or accessory to block the driver's view through the windshield or interfere with the front view camera. Also, make sure nothing blocks the High Mounted Stop Lamp.

Follow all applicable laws regarding flags, signals, or markings for cargo that extends beyond the rear of the Kia Seltos.

Always consider the effect of wind on roof-mounted cargo and accessories while driving. Flexible cargo, such as a mattress, can bend under wind pressure. Wind from vehicle speed, passing traffic, or natural gusts can create sudden upward or downward force, which may damage the cargo, cross members, roof rack, or attachments. It may also reduce visibility, distract the driver, or cause loss of control.

Before loading or securing items, park the Kia Seltos on solid, level ground, shift to P (Park), and apply the parking brake.

If your cargo is covered, make sure the cover is tightly secured so it cannot blow off, flap excessively, or distract the driver.

After driving a short distance, stop safely and check that all roof rack attachments remain secure. Recheck the cargo from time to time during longer trips.

Securing accessories

Before installing an accessory such as a cargo carrier, roof box, or roof tent, make sure it is compatible with the Kia Seltos roof rack and cross members.

Check the accessory manufacturer's manual and official product information before installation. Do not attempt to attach an accessory that the manufacturer identifies as incompatible.

If you are unsure about fitment, installation, or load limits, contact the accessory manufacturer or an authorized Kia dealer for additional information.

Always follow the accessory manufacturer's instructions, warnings, and cautions, along with the Kia Seltos roof rack precautions listed above.

Roof tents

When using a roof tent on the Kia Seltos, follow these additional precautions:

  • Make sure the combined weight of occupants and roof tent equipment does not exceed the load capacity of the roof rack system.

  • Confirm that the roof tent is securely fastened to the cross bars and roof rails before use.

  • Never move the vehicle while anyone is inside the roof tent.

  • Never leave the engine running while occupants are inside a roof tent. Do not run an internal combustion engine, generator, gas stove, gas lantern, or any other fuel-burning device near an occupied roof tent or awning. These devices can emit carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless, and deadly.

  • Follow all roof tent manufacturer instructions, warnings, and cautions.

Kia Seltos roof rack accessory and roof tent safety warning

WARNING

Failure to follow the instructions, warnings, and cautions above, as well as those provided by the accessory manufacturer, may result in damage to the Kia Seltos, cargo, roof rack components, or other road users. It may also cause an accident, serious injury, or death.

Other information:

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: All Wheel Drive (AWD) system

The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Kia Seltos distributes engine power to the front and rear wheels to help provide improved traction when driving conditions require extra grip. AWD can be useful when additional traction is needed, such as on slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads. It helps the Kia Seltos maintain more stable driving performance when road surfaces become difficult.

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Warning lights

Warning lights indicate situations that require the driver's attention. Some warnings may require immediate action, while others may indicate that the Kia Seltos should be inspected or serviced. NOTICE Warning lights After starting the engine, make sure all warning lights turn off. If any warning light remains on, it indicates a condition that needs attention.