2024 KIA SELTOS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON FEATURES, SPECS, AND PRICING

The Kia Seltos was launched on the U.S. market for the 2021 model year as a competitor for models like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and the Chevrolet Trax. Despite the fact that it’s priced like a sub-compact crossover, it’s actually just a bit larger, which is how it’s able to lay claim to best-in-class second-row legroom and AWD passenger space. An impressive vehicle that feels more on the premium side and offers a fairly engaging drive, the Seltos was updated for 2024 to bring a fresh exterior and interior appearance as well as very welcome updated infotainment system.

With a starting price of $24,490 and a slightly larger footprint, the Seltos has so much to offer, and this guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about it.

Whats New For 2024

Highlights

• New 10.25-inch, twin-screen infotainment system and instrument cluster duo
• Sportier, more modern external appearance
• New X-Line trim level brings some ruggedness to the Seltos
• AWD available on most models
• Standard panoramic driver information center
• Roomier than most of the competition

For its third year on the market, and seemingly a bit early, Kia gave the Seltos a pretty sizable facelift for the 2024 model year. The most important updates come in the form of an updated front end with a new headlight layout and a new front fascia. The rear end also received an updated fascia to go with a new taillight design that includes a new light bar that connects both light units. And, if you’re into vehicles that have a more rugged appearance, a new X-Line trim level brings a certain degree of that into the mix as well.

On the inside, Kia gave the Seltos an updated infotainment system and some fresh optional technology. It comes standard with a panoramic driver displace, but you can have for the dual 10.25-inch display screens that include OTA updates for navigation and multimedia functions on all but the base model.

Finally, there are some welcome updates under the hood as well, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder getting a 20-horsepower bump up to 195 horsepower. A new eight-speed automatic takes the place of the seven-speed unit that used to be found on all turbocharged models.

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The 2024 Kia Seltos is offered with a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated inline-four in the base LX trim as well as the S, and EX. The Seltos X-Line and SX come standard with the more desirable 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The former pumps out 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the subcompact crossover with the least horsepower currently on the market. The turbocharged mill, however, is good for a respectable 195 horsepower (20 more than last year) and 195 pound-feet of torque.

The 2.0-liter engine is paired exclusively with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission, which is – essentially – just a fancy way to say CVT. The X-Line and SX come with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly enough, AWD comes standard on the base LX model, though for the S and EX, FWD is the standard offering with AWD being a paid option. The rugged X-Line and range-topping SX models also come standard with Kia’s AWD system.

According to Kia, naturally aspirated FWD models can hit 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, while those equipped with AWD, due to the extra weight, will take 9.6 seconds to hit the same benchmark. The turbocharged X-Line and SX models (which also have AWD) make the same sprint in 8.0-seconds flat.

Off-Roading Capability And Towing

Kia’s sales portal and official communication share absolutely zero information about towing capacity for the U.S. market. Various dealers say anything between 1,323 and 2,425 pounds, which is basically a conversion from euro-model specifications. If you plan to tow with the Kia Seltos, it is highly advisable to reach out to your local sales rep to verify its capability and what equipment is needed.

As far as off-roading is concerned, the Kia Seltos is certainly not designed to tackle any major off-roading expeditions. With AWD, and especially with the X-Line trim, you can certainly venture off the asphalt a bit, but don’t expect to handle any rock climbing or extra-rough trails.

Off-Road Specifications

Fuel Economy And Estimated Fuel Cost

The Kia Seltos does pretty well in terms of fuel economy, but it doesn’t break any records. You’ll garner as much as 34 mph on the highway with a FWD model equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. The turbocharged models don’t do quite as well, with 27 mpg on the highway being the best. Annual fuel costs is estimated to run anywhere between $1,750 and $2,100 depending on the engine and driveline configuration.

Interior Technology And Comfort

As is the case with all Kia models these days, the build quality materials and fitment of panels inside the Seltos scream “premium”. Sure there’s some plastic bits here and there, especially on the base model, but in general it looks like it costs well beyond the $30,000 mark. This becomes even more true when you are looking at a model that has that beautiful duel-screen infotainment and instrument cluster combo.

We haven’t had the chance to sit inside an updated Kia Seltos yet, but the pre-facelift model was comfortable and certainly felt more spacious than the bulk of its competitors. In terms of materials, you can expect a basic, woven cloth seat in the LX, while the S and X-Line have SynTex with Cloth trim. The EX and SX models come with SynTex seat trim.

At this price point, it shouldn’t surprise you that the standard offering is a 6-way manual adjusting driver’s seat. This is found on the LX, S, and X-Line models. You can get a 10-way power driver’s seat in the EX and SX only. The base model is void of any leather, but from the S trim up, you’ll get a leather-wrapped shifter knob and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though the range-topping SX model has a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Technology

In terms of technology, the Kia Seltos has two different personalities. In the base, LX model, you get an eight-inch touchscreen display to go with an analog instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch digital display. This setup does include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker audio system, and multi-device connect via Bluetooth. Other basics include a 12-volt socket up front as well as a USB media port and two USV-C charging ports in the rear.

Moving beyond the base trim to the S or higher nets you the duo 10.25-inch panoramic displays that serve as the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. All trim levels except for the range-topping SX are still stick with that six-speaker audio system, though a front USB-C charging port, Sirius XM radio, remote start, keyless entry and starting, Kia Connect, and pre-cooling and heating al come standard from the S trim on up. Wireless phone charging is limited to the Seltos EX and SX models, while the 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with a mood lamp is standard on the SX. As of the time of this writing, the Bose system is not optional on any other models.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

All Kia Seltos models come standard with the basic electric nannies that you’d expect, including ABS, stability control, stability management, hill-start assign, downhill brake control, and tire pressure monitoring. Kia’s Drive Wise technology is shared across the lineup, though, what you get depends on the model. The base offering on the LX includes forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.

Beyond the base model, there are a few more features in addition to the aforementioned systems. This includes safe-exit warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance, and blind-spot collision warning. Meanwhile the best of the best is reserved for the range-topping SX trim level that includes five additional technologies:

• Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go
• Smart cruise control with stop and go
• Highway driving assist
• Intelligent speed limit assist

In terms of safety testing, the updated 2024 Kia Seltos hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA quite yet, though there have already been 2 recalls and 7 complaints for this model year. Most of the complains focused around the vehicle speed control system or engine problems. The two recalls are both quite important to take note of. The most recent was issued on December 7, 2023 and claims that the side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly. The other recall, issued on July 31, 2023 is even more critical, and revolves around the electric oil pump assembly overheating, which could cause the vehicle to catch on fire when parked.

The IIHS shares a similar story as the NHTSA, having not crash tested the Seltos since late 2021 when the 2022 models hit dealers. In these tests, the Seltos received Good ratings (the best you can get) for the small front overlap test, moderate overlap front original test, and side-impact original test.

IIHS Crash Test Video

• NHTSA Recalls: 2 Recalls, one for unexpected side-curtain airbag deployment and the other for an overheating oil pump that could lead to a fire.
• NHTSA Complaints: 7, mostling revolving around the engine and electric system
• NHTSA Investigations: None
• Awards: None

Warranties

The Kia Seltos comes with one of the best powertrain warranties in the industry, which runs for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The basic limited warranty, anti-perforation corrosion warranty, and roadside assistance plan are all also good for five years. The former and latter are good for up to 60,000 miles while the corrosion warranty is good for up to 100,000 miles. Note that warranties based on year and mileage expire when at the time limit or mileage, whichever comes first.

2024 Kia Seltos Versus Its Competitors

With Kia’s evolution from an economy car builder to an automaker that produces vehicles that raise the bar for affordable premium vehicles, it becomes easier for Kia’s models to compete in whatever segment they are in. With the Seltos, the subcompact crossover segment is practically overflowing, but it’s not exactly easy to find a model under $30,000 that offers the same level of technology, safety, warranty coverage. Its closest competitors are, arguably, the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-30 that has also been praised for its high-quality cabin.

How The Kia Seltos Compares To The Mazda CX-30

• 2024 Kia Seltos	2024 Mazda CX-30
  Model	Kia Seltos	2024 Mazda CX-30
  Engine	2.0-Liter | 1.6-Liter Turbo	2.5-Liter Inline-Four (Turbo and Non-Turbo)
  Transmission	IVT | 8-Speed Auto	6-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	146 - 195 HP	191 - 250 HP
  Torque	132 - 195 LB-FT	186 - 320 LB-FT
  Driveline	FWD | AWD	AWD (Standard)
  MSRP	$24,490 - $30,090	$24,995 - $36,800
  Fuel Economy	Up To 34 MPG	Up To 33 MPG HWY
  Towing Capacity	None	Up To 1,500 Pounds

It would be difficult to find another sub-compact vehicle under the $30,000 mark that offers a true panoramic, dual-screen system. There simply aren’t many of them out there yet. The Mazda CX-30, doesn’t have this option, either, but the 10.3-inch infotainment system still comes with its own set of bragging rights. Beyond this, the CX-30 features a sporty, modern cabin that’s largely based on the Mazda3, and is, truly, just as comfortable as it looks. The Kia Seltos is, largely, on par in terms of build quality and materials, especially in higher trims, though if you’re looking at the base model, the Mazda CX-30 might be a better option.

Where the Mazda CX-30 really takes the win is in its overly impressive driving dynamics – a Mazda trademark – and the available powertrains. The base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated mill that is good for 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for the slightly more expensive turbo models, you’ll get a 2.5-liter, turbocharged mill that puts out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet when running on premium fuel. These figures but the naturally aspirated and turbocharged Seltos as a big disadvantage in terms of power output, and it’s very clear when you test drive them back-to-back. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the lineup, as is standard AWD and a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, the latter of which the Seltos can’t compete with.

Pricing for the CX-30 starts at $24,995 and climbs to as high as $36,800. This gives the CX-30 a very similar starting point (it’s just $505 more expensive in base form), but it does carry a $6,000+ premium for the range-topping model.

How The Kia Seltos Compares To The Honda HR-V

• 2024 Kia Seltos	2024 Honda HR-V
  Model	Kia Seltos	Honda HR-V
  Engine	2.0-Liter | 1.6-Liter Turbo	2.0-Liter Inline-Four
  Transmission	IVT | 8-Speed Auto	CVT
  Horsepower	146 - 195 HP	158 Horsepower
  Torque	132 - 195 LB-FT	138 Pound-Feet
  Driveline	FWD | AWD	FWD | AWD
  MSRP	$24,490 - $30,090	$24,600 - $28,150
  Fuel Economy	Up To 34 MPG	Up To 32 MPG
  Towing Capacity	None	None

The Honda HR-V quite simply can’t compete with the Kia Seltos when it comes to technology. It’s not that the HR-V’s technology isn’t up to modern specs, but you certainly won’t find any panoramic dual-screen setups here. What you will get is a stylish, analog instrument cluster with a small digital display and a 7.0-inch infotainment system as standard. At this point in the range, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay isn’t an option. If you move up higher in the range, you’ll get a 9.0-inch infotainment system that does come with these wireless Bluetooth features, but you’ll still have to pay a bit extra for the Wi-Fi hotspot and Sirius XM if that’s your thing. Like the Seltos, however, the HR-Vs cabin feels a bit more premium than what you’d expect to find in the affordable segement, especially if you move beyond the entry-level model.

The HR-V’s biggest claims to fame, outside of affordability, is Honda’s reputation for reliability and, of course, fuel economy. As such, you’ll get as much as 32 mpg on the highway, but on the performance front, it’ll take you nearly 10 seconds to hit 60 mph. The only form of motivation is a 2.0-liter inline-four that’s paired with a CVT. This engine produces 158 horsepower (less than the Seltos) and 138 pound-feet of torque. Like the Seltos, there is no towing capacity to speak of, though, you can opt for AWD across the lineup. Pricing for the Honda HR-V starts out at $24,600 and climbs to as much as $28,150 for the range-topping model.

Kia Seltos Trim Levels And Pricing

The Kia Seltos is available in five different trim levels, staring with the base model LX that is honestly designed to be as affordable as possible with mostly basic amenities. Moving up to the S, EX, X-Line, or SX will net you better technology, still without breaking the bank, with a maximum MSRP of $30,090 before options and taxes.

Is It Worth Buying The Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos comes from a long line of evolution that has seen the brand’s quality and craftmanship skyrocket, and this compact crossover is a prime example of that. Sure, the base model isn’t all that well equipped, but even on a tight budget, you won’t feel like you’re driving something extremely cheap. The sweet spot in the lineup is, arguably the EX. It comes with the power driver’s seat, syntax seat trim, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and that gorgeous panoramic twin-screen setup, among other things. Even better yet, it’ll only set you back an extra $1,400 over the base model, which comes off as a very good deal. So, unless you’re looking for something that can tow a bit or something that’s super fun to drive, then the Kia Seltos is a prime choice as a small, efficient family vehicle or a reliable daily driver.

2024-04-29T12:32:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd