The 2024 Kia Seltos, a compact crossover with seating for five, smoothly joins the Kia family, finding its place between the roomier Sportage and the smaller Kia Soul. In the broader market, it competes with rivals such as the Kona and HR-V, among numerous other contenders.
DESIGN
The 2024 Kia Seltos stands out in its class with a distinctive vertical tailgate, a departure from the conventional hatchback-style competitors. Our Snow White Pearl Seltos SX Turbo AWD, equipped with 18″ alloy wheels and meticulous detailing, exudes a magnetic appeal that, while appearing sophisticated from specific viewpoints, distinguishes it with a unique charisma within the SUV landscape.
Amplifying the grille for 2024, Kia extends it into the headlights of the Seltos, creating a more substantial presence. Despite the intricacies on the front end, horizontal lines are emphasized by a reflective band connecting the taillights, downplaying the car’s height. This effect is accentuated by black rubber cladding around wheel arches and beneath the doors.
Adhering to conventional small car standards, the Seltos interior features a dashboard showcasing a new Kia norm. On top models like the SX Turbo, dual 10.25-inch screens provide a clean and modern design with accessible knobs and buttons for frequently used controls.
Moreover, the SX Turbo test car, equipped with Midnight Green interior and SX Sunroof packages, introduces a power sunroof with a sunshade, smart power liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a smartphone digital key. These additions enhance the Seltos’s allure with a touch of sophistication.
PERFORMANCE
Propelled by a 195-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine, the 2024 Seltos X-Line exhibits a 20-horsepower increase compared to its predecessor. Its performance is further enhanced by an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 7-speed DCT from the previous model year.
The result is a seamlessly integrated and notably accelerated performance. During our comprehensive week of testing the SX Turbo, it consistently outperformed comparable vehicles with a significant boost in speed.
The vehicle effortlessly kept pace with surrounding traffic and demonstrated responsive acceleration when needed. The improvements to the powertrain have elevated its overall performance to meet expectations.
VERDICT
The 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD we test-drove was a pre-production model, so official pricing was not released. However, a fully loaded 2024 Kia Seltos SX, with a standard turbo engine and AWD, will top out in the low to mid-$30,000s.
Competition
The compact crossover class boasts the Kia Soul, a standout with its distinctive square design. This model’s design offers a lower load height, making it particularly convenient for individuals with pets or seniors.
Similarly, the Hyundai Kona brings its own unique style into the mix. With vibrant color choices and ample black cladding, it appeals not only to Subaru Crosstrek enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate the inclusion of a standard all-wheel-drive system.
In size comparisons, the recently revamped Chevrolet Trax outstrips the Trailblazer, while the redesigned Honda HR-V has also grown in dimensions. This expansion positions it as a competitor to the Seltos, placing both models in contention for the title of the largest compact crossovers.
