Cars / Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos depreciation in USA
A Kia Seltos loses about 13.9% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $25,500 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $16,263 (64% retained); after 5 years, about $12,049 (47%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Kia Seltos depreciates at a moderate, mainstream rate, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $595/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $595/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $21,405 total
| Down payment / cash price | $25,500 |
| Sales tax | $1,785 |
| Insurance | $4,500 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,260 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $3,060 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$15,450 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $15,450 (range $13,705 to $17,907)
If you rent: $25,920 total
| Rental payments | $25,920 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Kia Seltos depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $25,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 13.9% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $21,950 (86% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $18,893 (74% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $16,263 (64% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $12,049 (47% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $14,426 to $18,850 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $595/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 92 data points · R² 0.90 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Kia Seltos depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 13.9% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Kia Seltos be worth after 3 years?
Around 64% of what you paid, about $16,263 on a $25,500 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Kia Seltos in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $595/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 92 · R² = 0.90 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology