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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2024 Kia Seltos Review
The 2024 Setlos has gotten some notable updates this year. We review its new styling, upgraded infotainment system, and more.
2024 Kia Seltos – netcarshow.com | Shop 2024 Kia Seltos on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2024 Kia Seltos?
The 2024 Kia Seltos is getting its first refresh. To that end, it gets a new front-end design along with new lighting designs at the rear as well. It offers a matured design compared to the slightly smaller Soul and includes all-wheel drive as a standard feature on the base model and the top two trim levels as well. Kia has redesigned the infotainment experience with a new dual-10.25-inch screen situation that we love.
Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
8.25/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Great infotainment
Standard AWD base trim
Spacious interior
Lackluster powertrains
Boring dash
Limited content
The Seltos 2024 refresh keeps up with the times
2024 Seltos Specs
- 146 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 26.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 62.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- New dual 10.25-inch screens
- AWD standard on base trim
- 10-year powertrain warranty
2024 Kia Seltos Powertrain 7.5/10
Under the hood of most 2024 Kia Seltos models will be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes just 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission and the combination is one that really inspires frustration.
The Seltos base powertrain will struggle keeping up with everyday highway traffic. Forget about overtaking other cars without a large window to do so. That’s almost too much like the car it’s gunning for, the Subaru Crosstrek. The chassis also isn’t playful enough to make the best use of the meager power on offer. As such, we’d highly suggest skipping the 2.0-liter engine if at all possible.
Above it is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 195 hp and the same amount of torques. It sends its power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic and while not a sporty powertrain by any means, it’s certainly a dramatic step up from the 2.0-liter.
The gearbox makes a big difference too as it’s not hunting around for the right ratio constantly like the CVT. Of course, to enjoy the benefits of having the more powerful motor you’ll have to settle for EPA-estimated fuel economy scores that are lower than those of the base motor. The turbo version gets up to 25 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway whereas the non-turbo version gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
2024 Kia Seltos Interior 8.25/10
The interior of the Seltos is a bit good and a bit disappointing and that’s somewhat expected at this price point. Gone are the fun and funky colors and styling touches that we love in the smaller Soul and in return we don’t get much.
The dash is very basic and simple. Functionality gets high marks but Kia knows how to improve the interior experience beyond what it’s done with the 2024 Seltos. The plastics are a bit too broad and spacious, the dash is a little too plain, and there’s nothing else about the cabin that feels special at this price.
Thankfully, the passenger volume is large enough that most folks and their passengers should have ample room to stretch out and relax. The seats are simple but very supportive and the trunk can hold up to 27 cubic feet worth of gear. That’s not too shabby for a vehicle in this space and at this sort of price.
2024 Kia Seltos Technology Features 8.5/10
Kia still kicks off the Seltos lineup with a relatively basic 8-inch infotainment system and a 4.2-inch digital driver information display. As a whole, these two screens offer good graphics and modern-enough features that we imagine most buyers will appreciate what they’re getting for the money.
Every other trim benefits from a new-for 2024 on the Seltos dual 10.25-inch infotainment/driver information display setup. It’s the same infotainment screen that we’ve seen across other Kia and Hyundai products for some time and it’s a welcome addition to the Seltos where it almost looks bigger due to the diminutive size of this platform. The way it reacts to touches is admirable too.
We even like the layout Kia chose as it’s simple and straightforward. It’s hard not to love the climate controls as they continue on in physical form with clear instructions and no sign of the flippable media/climate controls found in some other Kia products.
Every Seltos comes with forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist, driver-attention warning, and rear occupant seat reminders. Upper trim levels add rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, and an intelligent adaptive cruise control program that slows for curves.
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has yet to reveal safety data about this newly updated Kia. Despite that, we’re happy with the safety aids that are available though we wish more were standard across the line in the interest of customer safety.
2024 Kia Seltos Trims & Pricing
LX – $25,715
The base Seltos now comes with all-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive along with keyless entry, power windows, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear-seat climate vents, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a sound-absorbing front windshield, woven cloth seat trim, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, second-row USB charging ports, and privacy glass.
S – $26,315
The S trim gets a push-button start, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear shift, LED interior lighting, LED tail lights, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, roof rails, fog lights, LED DRLs, and goes back to front-wheel drive. AWD remains available.
EX – $27,115
The EX adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, solar control glass, illuminated vanity mirrors, a wireless device charger, and a driver’s side window with a one-touch up-and-down function.
X-Line – $30,015
The off-road-esque X-Line trim adds black roof rails, 18-inch wheels, front and rear skid plates, and other unique exterior features. In addition, it includes the 1.6-liter powertrain, an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive.
SX – $31,315
The top trim level keeps AWD and the 1.6-liter engine but adds an electronic parking brake, LED fog lights, LED headlights, a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker BOSE sound system.
2024 Kia Seltos Overall Value 7.75/10
The Kia Seltos gets an overall value score of 7.75 as it offers a very attractive price but barely above-average content compared to rivals. There’s no doubt that the top end of the Seltos lineup actually offers the most value as it includes highly desirable features like the larger engine, smart cruise control, and still keeps a full 10-year powertrain warranty. It’s worth noting that new car incentives could always make the Seltos more tempting on paper.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8/10
2024 Kia Seltos – netcarshow.com | Shop 2024 Kia Seltos on Carsforsale.com
While there are many good things about the Kia Seltos, it’s a bit of a letdown compared to the rest of the Kia lineup. It doesn’t offer the fun vibes of the Soul or the little high-value features of cars higher up in the family.
Rivals offer better driving experiences, and more luxury but fall short on warranty coverage and top-end features like intelligent adaptive cruise control. If it were my money I’d look long and hard at a Mazda MX-30 or a Hyundai Kona.
2024 Kia Seltos FAQ
Does the Kia Seltos have a sunroof?
While the Seltos doesn’t come standard with a sunroof it is available on the SX trim.
Does the Kia Seltos have 3rd row seating?
No. The Seltos is strictly a two-seat SUV.
Does the Kia Seltos have a liftgate?
Yes, the Kia Seltos has a liftgate and on some models it’s powered.
