Can the 2026 Kia Seltos AWD Handle Winter Drives to Ontario's Ski Country?

For drivers in Pickering looking to escape north on winter weekends, the challenge involves more than simply getting to the ski hills—it requires getting there safely and comfortably. The 2026 Kia Seltos AWD positions itself as a compact SUV ready for Ontario's unpredictable winter roads, but does it deliver the capability needed for Durham Region families heading to Blue Mountain or beyond?

The Seltos AWD comes equipped with all-wheel drive across multiple trims, paired with features designed to handle slippery conditions and changing elevations. From heated seats to advanced safety systems, this compact SUV aims to make winter road trips less stressful. Here's how the Seltos stacks up for weekend drives through snow, ice, and winding northern highways.

All-Wheel Drive: The Foundation for Winter Confidence

The 2026 Seltos offers all-wheel drive starting with the LX AWD trim and continuing through EX AWD, EX Premium, SX, and X-Line models. This AWD system includes a locking differential, which helps maintain traction when one wheel loses grip—a common scenario on icy highway ramps or snow-covered parking lots at ski resorts.

Key AWD capabilities:

• All-wheel drive available across five trim levels
• Locking differential for improved traction control
• Downhill Brake Control (DBC) for steep descents
• Hill-Assist Control (HAC) for uphill starts on slippery surfaces

The system works in tandem with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) to help maintain control when road conditions deteriorate. For drivers navigating Highway 400 northbound during snowfall or handling the winding approach roads to ski resorts, these systems provide measurable support.

Power Options: Balancing Efficiency and Performance

The Seltos offers two engine choices, each suited to different driving priorities:

LX and EX Trims:

• 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque
• Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
• Fuel consumption: 8.8 L/100 km city, 7.5 L/100 km highway (AWD models)

SX and X-Line Trims:

• 1.6 L 4-cylinder Turbo-GDI engine producing 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel consumption: 9.7 L/100 km city, 8.6 L/100 km highway

The turbocharged engine provides stronger acceleration for highway merging and passing—useful when navigating busy cottage-country traffic. The additional torque also helps when carrying a full load of passengers and gear. However, the naturally aspirated 2.0 L engine offers better fuel efficiency for drivers prioritizing lower operating costs on longer trips.

Cargo Space: Room for Skis, Boots, and More

Winter trips north require space for bulky equipment. The Seltos provides:

• 752 litres of cargo capacity with rear seats up (rear cargo floor lowered)
• 1,778 litres with rear seats folded flat
• Integrated roof rails for oversized cargo like ski boxes or snowboards
• Dual-level cargo floor for flexible storage configurations

The power liftgate (available on EX Premium, SX, and X-Line) opens automatically when you stand near the vehicle for three seconds with your Smart Key—helpful when your hands are full of ski equipment or groceries after a weekend away.

For a family of four heading to the hills, the Seltos can accommodate ski bags laid diagonally with seats up, or handle multiple sets of equipment with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats partially or fully folded. The roof rails expand capacity further for longer trips or larger groups.

Winter-Ready Features: Comfort and Convenience

Ontario winters demand more than just AWD. The Seltos includes features designed to make cold-weather driving more manageable:

Standard Across All Trims:

• Heated front seats
• Heated sideview mirrors
• Heated washer nozzles
• Remote keyless entry

Available on Higher Trims:

• Heated rear seats (EX Premium, SX, X-Line)
• Heated steering wheel (EX and above)
• Remote car starter (EX and above)
• Automatic climate control (EX and above)
• Air-cooled front seats (EX Premium, SX, X-Line)

The remote starter allows you to warm the cabin and defrost windows before leaving home—a practical advantage on sub-zero mornings. Heated rear seats keep passengers comfortable during the 90-minute drive from Pickering to Collingwood or the two-hour trek to Horseshoe Valley.

Safety Systems: Support for Highway and Mountain Roads

The Seltos comes equipped with driver-assist technologies designed to reduce fatigue and improve safety on long winter drives:

Standard Safety Features:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
• Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist
• High Beam Assist
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Available on EX Premium and Above:

• Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
• Highway Driving Assist
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering to help reduce driver fatigue on long stretches of Highway 400 or Highway 11. The system maintains a set distance from vehicles ahead and helps keep the Seltos centered in its lane—useful during monotonous highway driving or when visibility drops during snowfall.

Downhill Brake Control automatically manages speed on steep descents, which can be helpful when navigating the winding roads leading down from ski resort parking areas after a long day on the slopes.

Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Road

Modern road trips demand connectivity. The Seltos delivers:

Standard Technology (LX):

• 8" display audio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
• 6-speaker audio system
• 4.2" TFT LCD instrument cluster

Upgraded Technology (EX Premium and Above):

• 10.25" multimedia interface with integrated navigation
• 10.25" TFT LCD Supervision instrument cluster
• HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio
• Kia Connect (free for first three years)
• Wireless phone charger (EX Premium and above)

Premium Audio (SX and X-Line):

• Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers

Kia Connect provides remote start with climate control, remote door lock/unlock, and Find My Car functionality through a smartphone app. For EV-curious buyers, the system also includes a charging station locator, though the 2026 Seltos lineup consists of gasoline-powered models only.

The available navigation system is useful for exploring new routes or finding alternate paths when Highway 400 traffic backs up on Sunday evenings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (standard on all trims) allows passengers to stream music or podcasts during the drive.

Trim Comparison: Which Seltos AWD Fits Your Needs?

Real-World Considerations for Durham Region Drivers

Highway Noise: Compact SUVs can experience wind noise at highway speeds. The Seltos includes sound-dampening features, but drivers sensitive to cabin noise may want to test highway driving before committing.

Ground Clearance: While the Seltos provides adequate clearance for most winter driving scenarios, it's not designed for deep snow or off-road conditions. Stick to plowed and maintained roads.

Fuel Tank Capacity: The 50-litre fuel tank is smaller than some competitors. Plan fuel stops accordingly on longer trips, especially when traveling beyond Barrie, as gas stations become less frequent.

Tire Choice: All-season tires come standard, but dedicated winter tires significantly improve traction on snow and ice. Consider swapping to winter rubber from November through March for optimal safety.

Is the Seltos AWD Ready for Ontario's Ski Hills?

For Pickering families planning weekend escapes to Blue Mountain, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, or Horseshoe Resort, the 2026 Kia Seltos AWD offers a practical package. The all-wheel-drive system, winter-focused features, and adequate cargo space handle typical winter road trip demands without requiring a larger, less efficient SUV.

The naturally aspirated 2.0 L engine provides sufficient power for highway driving and mountain approaches, while the turbocharged 1.6 L option adds confidence for passing and merging. Advanced safety systems reduce driver fatigue on longer trips, and heated surfaces throughout the cabin keep everyone comfortable.

The Seltos won't tackle unplowed logging roads or extreme off-road terrain, but that's not its purpose. For maintained highways and resort access roads—the routes most Durham Region drivers actually travel—it delivers the capability needed without excess size or cost.

Experience the 2026 Kia Seltos AWD at Bessada Kia in Pickering

Ready to see how the Seltos handles Ontario winter conditions? Visit Bessada Kia in Pickering to explore the full AWD lineup, compare trim levels, and arrange a test drive that includes highway and varied road conditions. Our team can walk you through available features, answer questions about winter performance, and help you find the Seltos configuration that fits your driving needs.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia Seltos, visit Kia.ca