A Comprehensive Review of the 2024 Kia Seltos: Features, Performance, and More

2024 Kia Seltos was officially introduced in the US market within the framework of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the first mid-life upgraded version of this B-size SUV from the Korean automaker since its launch.

Before launching in the US, the Kia Seltos 2024 was launched in its home country in July 2022. In the new generation, the Kia Seltos 2024 possesses exterior design upgrades, small interior improvements and engine innovations. .

Overview 2024 Kia Seltos

With its stylish appearance, spacious cabin, and enjoyable driving experience, the 2024 Seltos deserves its place in Kia’s lineup, which includes other vehicles that share similar qualities. The Seltos fits in between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, but its slightly larger-than-subcompact size allows for more cargo space compared to competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks.

A refreshed design for 2024 enhances the Seltos’ appeal, and its interior now features improved infotainment technology. There are two available four-cylinder engine options, including a 195-hp turbocharged engine that offers lively performance. Most models come with standard all-wheel drive, and even the base-model Seltos offers great value and utility, making it one of our favorite small SUVs.

The Seltos has undergone a refresh for its exterior and interior styling in 2024. The SUV’s exterior has been enhanced with a restyled grille, updated lighting elements, new wheel designs, and a rear light bar that connects the taillamps. Inside the cabin, there is an updated infotainment panel with two large screens. Additionally, the previous model’s more traditional shift lever seems to have been replaced with a rotary controller. The Seltos now offers an optional turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 195 horsepower, which is a 20 horsepower increase compared to last year’s model. This engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed unit. The lineup also includes a rugged-looking X-Line model with unique exterior styling.

Exterior Design of the 2024 Kia Seltos

The first thing that catches your eye when you see the 2024 Kia Seltos is its striking exterior design. The Seltos boasts a modern and sporty look that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. The bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and sharp body lines give the Seltos an aggressive yet refined appearance. Kia offers a range of attractive color options to suit every taste, allowing you to personalize your Seltos to match your style.

The appearance of the Kia Seltos 2024  is influenced by the new 2024 Sportage  with many similar details. While the size parameters remain the same as the old version. 

Car front

The center of the car has a large black tiger-nose radiator cluster typical of the brand. On both sides are LED headlights with a more modern design with a compact A-shaped shape on the side similar to the company’s logo design. 

Below is the front bumper area with a central air vent and large chrome trim. On both sides are air vents with integrated fog lights to increase the vehicle’s lighting capabilities.

Vehicle body

The body of the car provides a seamless shape with door handles painted in the same body color. The rearview mirror is a highlight on the side with a dark paint finish that can be electrically folded and integrated with LED turn signals. In addition, customers can optionally change the color of the roof with a unique black paint finish.

The legs still have the same set of 18-inch 2-color milled multi-spoke wheels as the 2024 Santa Fe on sale today . However, the design has been refreshed compared to its predecessor, with a more open feel. 

Rear

The rear of the car stands out with LED taillights designed to be connected, embracing the entire luggage compartment door. The rear bumper is painted glossy black with a sturdy silver panel underneath. 

The rear of the car also has embossed lines, contributing to the strong, healthy look of the Korean B-size SUV .

See more: 2024 Toyota Innova Review: The Perfect Family Car 

Interior Comfort and Space of the 2024 Kia Seltos

Step inside the 2024 Kia Seltos, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and well-designed interior. Despite being a compact SUV, the Seltos offers impressive legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The materials used in the cabin are of high quality, giving the interior a premium feel.

The Seltos also excels in cargo space. With 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, you’ll have plenty of room to transport luggage, groceries, or any other items you need for your adventures.

Stepping inside, the 5-seat SUV Kia Seltos 2024 has a significant design innovation compared to the “old one”. The cabin has a more luxurious and comfortable style. At the same time, most details in the car are minimalist and neat. 

Cockpit

The steering wheel on the car is leather-wrapped with a 3-spoke design, the bottom part is covered with dark plastic with integrated function adjustment keys. The rear also has a convenient gear shift lever. 

Meanwhile, the clock cluster and entertainment screen are placed together in a glass frame in the form of a double screen. Accordingly, the analog-digital dashboard has a standard size of 4.2 inches and a 10.25-inch touch entertainment screen. 

Right below is the start button and compact air conditioning vents. In addition, the manufacturer also made small changes in the design of the screen and control cluster with a delicate rounded shape, increasing the aesthetics of the Kia Seltos interior, replacing the sharp lines of the old version. 

Physical buttons continue to appear on the center console, where the shift lever for the US market is located instead of the knob-shaped shift lever in Korea. 

Seating system

All seats are covered in soft leather, the front seats have a sporty body-hugging design, creating a feeling of relaxation for passengers in this area. 

Meanwhile, in the back, the seats here can be folded flexibly to increase rear storage space. In addition, rear seat amenities also include rear air vents, 3-position headrests, and center armrest. 

Convenient

Comfort equipment on this 5-seat Kia car includes a number of features such as sunroof, electric tailgate, and ventilated front seats for the high-end version. While standard equipment includes a 6-speaker sound system, push-button start, smart key, manual or automatic air conditioning. 

Performance and Handling of the 2024 Kia Seltos

Under the hood, the 2024 Kia Seltos offers two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The base engine produces 146 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 175 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Seltos provides a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. Whether you’re driving on city streets or tackling rougher terrains, the Seltos handles with confidence and stability. The available all-wheel drive system further enhances its capabilities, providing better traction and control in various driving conditions.

In the US market, Kia Seltos 2024 has 2 engine options including:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine combined with continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. This engine helps the car produce 146 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. 
• The 1.6L turbocharged Gamma engine provides greater performance reaching 195 horsepower. Coming with this equipment is an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the 7-speed dual clutch as before. Drive of the turbocharged engine is full-time four-wheel drive. 

The above engine block helps the Kia Seltos 2024 operate strongly and stably on all roads. A ground clearance of up to 190 mm gives the Seltos 2024 the ability to easily cross terrain and rough roads. In addition, the car also has good fuel economy and 3 driving modes to help car owners have interesting experiences. 

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Technology and Infotainment of the 2024 Kia Seltos

Kia has equipped the 2024 Seltos with an array of advanced technology features to enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for hands-free calls, messaging, music streaming, and navigation.

In addition to smartphone connectivity, the Seltos offers several other tech features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and available wireless phone charging. Higher trim levels also come with premium features like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display for added convenience and entertainment.

The infotainment setup of the Seltos has undergone significant changes for 2024. Now, there is a new seamless panel that spans two-thirds of the dashboard, serving as both a digital gauge display and an infotainment touchscreen. This arrangement is optional and is similar to what other modern Kia models offer. As for the standard setup, there is a smaller display with an analog gauge cluster. Every model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but SiriusXM satellite radio and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are optional features.

Safety Features of the 2024 Kia Seltos

Safety is a top priority for Kia, and the 2024 Seltos is no exception. It comes equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): This system uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an accident.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): If you unintentionally drift out of your lane without signaling, LDW alerts you to help prevent accidents.
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): BCW monitors your blind spots and provides visual and audible alerts if another vehicle is detected in your blind spot.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW): When reversing out of a parking space or driveway, RCCW warns you if it detects approaching vehicles from either side.
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC): SCC maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting your speed.

Fuel Efficiency of the 2024 Kia Seltos

In today’s world where fuel efficiency is crucial, the 2024 Kia Seltos excels. The base engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of around 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Opting for the turbocharged engine still provides respectable fuel efficiency at around 27 mpg combined. These figures are impressive for an SUV in this class and make the Seltos an economical choice for daily commuting or long road trips.

The EPA estimates that the Seltos will deliver relatively efficient MPG figures. Highway fuel economy is estimated to be as high as 34 mpg for front-wheel-drive models with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel-drive Seltos with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine managed 32 mpg. For more information about the Seltos’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Pricing and Trim Levels of the 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos offers various trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. The base LX trim provides a solid foundation with its generous standard features. As you move up the trim levels, you’ll find additional amenities and technology upgrades.

Here is an overview of the available trim levels:

1. LX: The base trim comes well-equipped with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, rearview camera, and more.
2. S: The S trim adds features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, roof rails, and available all-wheel drive.
3. EX: Upgrading to the EX trim brings even more comfort and convenience with features like heated seats, wireless phone charging, premium audio system, and more.
4. SX: The top-of-the-line SX trim offers luxury-like features such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, head-up display, Bose sound system, leather upholstery, and other premium enhancements.

Pricing for the 2024 Kia Seltos starts around $23,000 for the base LX trim and can go up to around $30,000 for the fully-loaded SX trim.

Advantages and disadvantages of Kia Seltos 2024

Competitors of the 2024 Kia Seltos

While the 2024 Kia Seltos has many impressive features, it’s essential to consider its competition in the compact SUV segment. Some of its notable competitors include:

1. Honda HR-V: The HR-V offers similar cargo space and fuel efficiency but falls short in terms of available powertrain options and advanced safety features.
2. Mazda CX-30: The CX-30 boasts a luxurious interior design and engaging driving dynamics but may have less rear-seat space compared to the Seltos.
3. Hyundai Kona: The Kona offers sporty styling and a wide range of engine choices but may have a slightly higher starting price compared to the Seltos.
4. Toyota C-HR: The C-HR stands out with its unique design but lacks all-wheel drive option and may have limited cargo space.

It’s recommended to test drive multiple vehicles in this segment to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.

Reference: https://www.kia.com/

Feelings about 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos impresses with its attractive design, comfortable interior, solid performance, advanced technology features, and comprehensive safety offerings. Whether you’re looking for a versatile daily driver or an adventurous companion for weekend getaways, the Seltos ticks all the right boxes.

With its competitive pricing starting at $23,000 and a range of trim levels to choose from, there’s a Seltos for everyone’s budget. We highly recommend visiting your local Kia dealership to experience firsthand what sets the 2024 Kia Seltos apart from its competitors.

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