The Seltos is the smallest all-wheel-drive (AWD) crossover in Kia's lineup, introduced for the 2021 model year. With raised ground clearance and a more traditional squared-off SUV style similar to the larger Telluride, the 5-passenger Seltos slots into the lineup between the entry-level Soul and popular Sportage.
Kia has introduced an updated Seltos for the 2024 model year that features the following:
Kia offers the 2024 Seltos in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. Prices range from around $25,000 for the base-level LX to $30,000 for the fully loaded Seltos SX. The three lower trims get power from a 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the SX and new X-Line get a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering a plentiful 195 hp—a considerable bump in power from the previous year. All-wheel drive is standard on the LX, X-Line, and SX, optional on the remaining trims.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2021 Kia Seltos. This review focuses on the Seltos' updates for 2024 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Kia Seltos competes in the Small SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2022 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 60 percent of new Kia Seltos buyers are female (vs. 58 percent for the segment), and the median age of a new Seltos buyer is 51 years (vs. 54).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated the Seltos in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
In the 2022 APEAL Study, the Seltos ranks 5th out of 19 rank-eligible Small SUV models.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a top-of-the-line Seltos SX Turbo AWD painted in Pluton Blue with no added options. The test vehicle's price was $31,315, including the $1,325 destination charge.
Photo: Perry Stern
Kia outfits the updated 2024 Seltos with a new panoramic display that presents both the driver and infotainment displays as one unit. Other Kia models use this design, and it's nice to see it working its way into the more entry-level vehicles.
Base-level trims have an 8-inch infotainment display and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, while higher trims get dual 10.25-inch displays. Both versions fit in the same single screen. This new display is better integrated than the previous version, improving the interior styling and giving the Seltos a premium look.
The Kia infotainment system is one of the best on the market, and it works especially well with the upgraded 10.25-inch display. Navigating the system is intuitive, and the screen is easy to read with large, clear icons that respond quickly to touch. Kia keeps climate controls separate for easy access, and the physical knobs for volume and tuning are always welcome.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard on all trim levels of the 2024 Seltos, but this integration requires a wired connection. I paired my Samsung Galaxy S21 with no issues, and Android Auto started up immediately. Android Auto works well, but with its complete takeover of the display, you must go into the menu to exit Android Auto to access the native Kia features.
While the seats haven't changed for the 2024 model year, they remain stylish with decent support. The front seats were quite comfortable, even after several hours behind the wheel.
There's good storage up front with dual cupholders and a covered center console. A wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports within easy reach of the driver keep devices charged. Seat heater controls are conveniently next to the gear selector in the center.
The Seltos is not a large crossover. However, the rear seat is surprisingly roomy, with good legroom and headroom. There's even good space for the middle passenger, although the middle-seat bottom and seatback are rather stiff and would likely be uncomfortable for an extended trip. Dual USB ports are available for rear-seat passengers.
With more than 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Seltos offers a reasonable level of utility. There's more than adequate space for a few pieces of luggage or several bags of groceries. Folding the rear seats increases the total area to 62.8 cubic feet.
As the Seltos was all new just a few years ago, the refresh for the 2024 model year is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Most customers probably won't recognize the Seltos has an updated exterior design unless the two models are side by side.
The larger grille flanked by the available full-projection LED headlights is the most noticeable exterior change. Kia added "Star Map" LED lighting that connects the headlights, running lights, and grille and gives the Seltos a distinct look at night. The vertical fog lights integrate better into the bumper, and the updated lower bumper provides the Seltos with a more adventurous appearance.
At the rear, Kia updated the taillights with a vertical design, connected via a light bar that spans the tailgate, giving the Seltos a bolder look. Backup lights and rear reflectors in the bumper mimic the shape and style of the fog lights up front.
Completing the updated look are new geometric wheel designs that help to differentiate the trim levels. Kia offers the Seltos in three new colors: Pluton Blue, Fusion Black, and Valais Green. Painted in the new Pluton Blue, my test car garnered a surprising level of attention from passers-by who didn't know what the vehicle was but really liked the color.
Photo: Perry Stern
Kia offers the Seltos with two engine options. The base 2.0-liter engine remains unchanged at 146 hp, but the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine gains 20 hp for a total output of 195 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque. The updated engine teams with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous version's 7-speed.
With close to 200 hp in a relatively small crossover, the Seltos performs quite well. The Kia isn't going to win any races, but acceleration is good, and the Seltos quickly gets up to highway speeds. The turbocharged engine works well with the 8-speed automatic, delivering smooth gear changes and quick downshifts when needed.
Like previous versions of the Seltos, this 2024 model is enjoyable to drive with a quiet, solid ride aided by a firm suspension without being too stiff. The steering provides good feedback, and the Seltos feels stable even when pushed hard on a winding road. The added power simply adds to the overall enjoyment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the turbocharged motor at 25 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That's about 3 mpg lower on the highway than the 2023 model—the price you pay for 20 more horses. After about 200 miles of primarily high-speed driving, the trip computer indicated just under 28 mpg, matching closely to the EPA. The EPA rates the less-powerful 2.0-liter engine at 27 and 31 mpg, respectively, with AWD.
All trims of the 2024 Kia Seltos get some level of advanced driver-assist features. Most variants come standard with features like automatic emergency braking with cyclist detection and lane-keeping assistance, but the base-level LX misses out on rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot warning. The top-level SX also gets Highway Driving Assist and automatic braking with intersection turn assistance.
Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't rated the crashworthiness of the updated 2024 model, the structurally similar 2023 Seltos earned 4 stars (out of a possible 5) overall. As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't crash-tested the updated 2024 Kia Seltos.
For the 2024 model year, Kia adds the X-Line trim level to the Seltos. Kia also offers the rugged-style X-Line on the Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride SUVs. The X-Line stands out from the rest of the Seltos lineup with tinted front windows, gunmetal front and rear skid plates, a unique gunmetal grille pattern, black roof rails, and special 18-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish.
Inside, the X-Line gets heated seats trimmed in cloth and SynTex synthetic leather with a high-gloss center fascia. The X-Line also comes standard with dual 10.25-inch displays.
The Seltos X-Line comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and AWD. Kia's AWD system features torque vectoring and a center lock for better on- and off-road capability and handling. While the X-Line has a more rugged appearance, its off-road capability is the same as the rest of the AWD lineup, with a respectable 7.3 inches of ground clearance for all trims.
I didn't have the opportunity to test the Seltos AWD system off-road, but the system provided excellent stability when I experienced an extreme rainstorm outside of Detroit, Michigan. Cruising at highway speeds, the Seltos provided a confident ride, even when hitting standing water at speed.
Photo: Perry Stern
The car-buying public received the Seltos well when Kia introduced it in 2021, and its sales have steadily increased since it came on the market. The updated 2024 model continues this trend, as May 2023 was the best sales month ever for the Seltos. With a responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain, an advanced AWD system, a roomy, comfortable interior, and good cargo space, the Seltos makes an excellent choice as a daily driver.
At a time when crossover SUVs tend to have sleek styling with soft curves, the Seltos is a refreshing change with its traditional SUV lines and rugged appearance. As the Seltos moves into the 2024 model year with bolder styling, more power, and a high-tech interior style, the small Kia should continue to stand out in the crowded 5-passenger crossover market.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Living in the Pacific Northwest, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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