Does the Kia Seltos qualify for the car loan interest deduction?
The 2025–2028 deduction turns on where a vehicle is finally assembled — not the badge. Here's where the 2025–2026 Kia Seltos is built and what it means for your loan interest.
Assembly data: NHTSA vPIC + our verified plant lists · Not tax advice · Methodology
✕
FAIL — assembled outside the USA
The Kia Seltos does not qualify on the assembly test. Assembly is one of four gates — you also need a new vehicle, personal use, a 2025–2028 loan, and income under the phase-out.
The short answer
The Kia Seltos is built in South Korea, so it fails the OBBBA final-assembly-in-America test. Being new and personal-use doesn't help, because the crossover isn't US-assembled. For a US-built Kia SUV, the Georgia-built Telluride is the one to check, and decode the VIN on a Sportage since it's split.
Where the Kia Seltos is assembled
The Kia Seltos is imported for the US market — its final assembly point is outside the United States, so it fails the assembly test regardless of the brand.
Confirm the other three tests
A US-assembly result is only the first gate. Each remaining condition has its own guide:
New & personal-use — used cars and leases don't qualify→ Loan dated 2025–2028 — refinancing keeps eligibility→ Income under the phase-out — run the MAGI calculator→
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Seltos made in America?
No. The Seltos is assembled in South Korea, so it does not meet the US final-assembly requirement.
Which Kia SUVs are US-built instead?
The Telluride (West Point, GA) is US-assembled. The Sportage and Sorento are split between Georgia and Korea, so decode their VINs.
Could a future Seltos qualify?
Only if Kia moved final assembly to a US plant. As long as your Seltos's VIN decodes to Korea, it fails — always confirm with the VIN.
Advertiser disclosure
Financing a Kia Seltos? Compare rates before you sign.
A lower rate means less interest — and the qualifying interest is what's deductible. Compare partner lenders; checking won't affect your credit score.