“Enhanced and updated looks and performance”
By Arv Voss
OVERVIEW:
The Kia Seltos bowed as an all-new model in 2021 adding yet another dimension to Kia’s already diverse SUV stable. It’s not the smallest SUV in the lineup, nor is it the largest. It is positioned neatly between the popular Soul and Sportage models and it is a five door, five passenger small SUV or crossover. What’s in a name? A Kia spokesperson informed us that the inspiration for the name came from Greek mythology – named for Celtos, supposedly a son of Hercules. Kia changed the “C” to an “S” to better tie in with the Soul and Sportage, with the “S” suggesting speed.
A VARIETY OF CHOICES:
Kia offers the 2024 Seltos in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. The three lower trims receive power from a 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, with the SX and new X-Line getting a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering a healthier 195 hp—a respectable increase in power from the previous year. All-wheel drive is standard for LX, X-Line, and SX models and optional on the remaining trims.
The 2024 Seltos is based closely on the Soul platform. It has a great deal to offer, and continues to be a serious contender in what is one of the industry’s fastest growing segments.
The EX trim serves up the best value, while the SX model comes loaded with practically everything; The EX is well equipped, but costs considerably less. All-wheel drive increases the price of all four versions.
ENERGY SOURCE
The 2.0-liter engines are naturally aspirated in-line four-cylinders that generate 146 horsepower at 6,200 rpm along with 132 pound feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 1.6-liter four bangers are turbocharged engines that deliver 195 horses at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm
REFRESHED ALLURING EXTERIOR STYLING:
New for the 2024 model year is a more prominent “tiger nose” grille, available full-projection LED headlights, unique signature running lights, updated taillights, new wheel designs, a more powerful turbocharged engine, an available panoramic display screen and an available X-Line trim.
The Seltos is not a miniature Telluride, but the design theme is really quite similar, blending with sophisticated details. Its stance is tall and upright. The tall front end and 7.2-inch ground clearance equate to a serious attitude with an adventurous spirit. Kia’s familiar tiger nose grille and aggressive persona leads off with a more pronounced presence. Sculpted surfaces and well-executed lines lead to a distinctive profile highlighted by a chrome beltline (available on S, EX and SX) that blends into the D-pillar for an aerodynamic effect.
Other key design features include: a long wheelbase and hood, grille and headlamp design with full LED “Beat” lighting, a lower front bumper design that serves up a sharper approach angle for off-road sojourns, front and rear skid plates and black wheel arch cladding, Sleek and tapering greenhouse, tailgate garnish connecting rear lamps, sculpted dual exhaust outlets connected by chrome trim, and stylish 17-, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
COMFORTABLE CABIN:
Accommodations are both spacious and versatile. Seating for five is comfortable as well as supportive. Inside, there’s noticeably more space for passengers and cargo than found in the Kona and the materials used throughout the cabin are on a par with the brand’s bigger brother Telluride SUV. As in the Soul, interior ambient lighting is standard on the upscale SX trim level and can be set to pulse along with the beat of the music. Cargo space is adequate for a substantial amount of gear.
In terms of Infotainment and Connectivity, every Seltos model will have a touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but there’s a preferred optionally available 10.3-inch unit that comes with navigation and the ability to split the screen display for viewing the map and directions simultaneously, while making entertainment changes. The Seltos SX may also be equipped with a wireless smartphone-charging pad, up to three USB ports, a head-up display, and a 7.0-inch color display in the gauge cluster. A Bose audio system with eight-speakers is another option featuring fractal-textured speaker grilles.
Seltos is equipped with the UVO Link telematics system introducing a number of innovative vehicle features.
KEY SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES:
Kia offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features on the Seltos, as an option. Key safety features include: available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection; available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; and available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
AS TESTED:
My Kia Seltos came in SX trim with the turbocharged engine mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD (Kia’s Magna Dynamax Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system with torque vectoring, Center lock and Drive Mode Select.) The base price was set at $29,990., while the final sticker came to $33,085. after factoring in options and the inland freight and handling charge. Options included: carpeted floor mats, Snow White Pearl paint, and the SX Sunroof Package which came with the power sunroof and sunshade, smart power liftgate, ventilated front seats and Smartphone Digital Key.
PERFORMANCE:
The all-new Kia Seltos performs admirably on all levels. First off, it is visually appealing; next, it is exceptionally comfortable, spacious and versatile. While the base 2.0-liter engine connects to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in our test vehicle came with a seven-speed DCT automatic and AWD. The Seltos ride quality was firm but smooth and the handling characteristics delivered an exceptional agility for an SUV. The DCT transmission, while preferable to a CVT for most drivers, delivered an acceptable but not really well defined gear change transition at lower speeds.
OUR FINAL TAKE:
Essentially, there is nothing about the 2024 Kia Seltos SX turboicharged AWD to find fault with. It is a totally desirable small SUV that is superior to many of its competitors in every way. If you want more boldness push for the Kia Seltos X-Line Concept. It is roomier than the majority of subcompact crossovers and the dual screen infotainment system is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. The ride is balanced and the handling leans to the sporty side. The ride may seem too firm for some, but that adds to the sporty feel.
Kia’s warranty continues to be the best in the industry offering a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage on its models, which is matched only by SUVs from its sister company Hyundai.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
Base Price: $29,990.
Price as Tested: $33,085.
Engine Type and Size: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine.
Horsepower (bhp): 195 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 195 @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.
Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Magna Dynamax Active On-Demand AWD with torque vectoring with center lock and Drive Mode Selector
Suspension: Front – MacPherson Strut with gas shock absorbers.
Rear – Multilink with gas shock absorbers.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS and DAW.
Tires: Kumho Majesty 235/45 R 18 94V mounted on 5-grooved “Y”-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length Overall: 172.0 inches
Width: 70.9 inches
Height: 63.6 inches – W/O roof rails / 64.2” with.
Curb Weight: 3,317 lbs.
Min Ground Clearance: 7.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 25 mpg city /27-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
0 – 60 mph: 6.9 seconds
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