What's New
The Seltos gets a mid-generation refresh with revised front and rear fascia designs, a new transmission, more power, and a revised dash panel to incorporate seamless-looking dual 10.25-inch screens, similar to the layout found in other models such as the Sportage and Telluride.
Choosing Your Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is available in five trims, LX, S, EX, X-Line (new for 2024), and SX. Base prices range from $24,390 to $31,315.
Engine Choices
The Seltos is available in two powertrains. The LX, S, and EX trims utilize a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously-variable transmission.
Interestingly, all-wheel drive is standard on the base trim while front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on the S ($1,500) and the EX ($2,200; it also includes a sunroof) trims.
As in years past, the top two trims are fitted with the more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s been modified to generate 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and the clunky seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission has been pulled in favor of an eight-speed traditional automatic with a torque converter which is expected to improve drivability performance.
The EPA estimates the Seltos will achieve 31 miles per gallon combined in its base configuration, 29 mpg when fitted with all-wheel drive, and 26 mpg with the updated power unit. Those figures are good for the class, however, there is no hybrid powertrain option which would likely bring improved efficiency.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Seltos is efficient with its size. Despite measuring seven inches shorter (176 inches) than a Honda HR-V or new Chevrolet Trax, the Kia’s cargo space (26.6 cubic feet) and rear legroom (38 inches) are slightly greater than most of its competitors, including the new Corolla Cross. The Kia’s packing advantage is furthered with the rear seat folded where it offers 62.8 cubic feet of space.
The Seltos is not rated for towing, which is common for this class.
Safety Features
The Seltos is equipped with basic active driver aids such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.
The S trim adds blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, and the SX trim includes a more sophisticated system that incorporates junction assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and lane-centering functionality.
The IIHS awards the Seltos with the Top Safety Pick award with a Poor rating for any non-SX trim’s headlights and NHTSA gives the Kia four-out-of-five stars for its overall rating.
Connectivity
The base trim is equipped with an infotainment system that operates through an eight-inch touchscreen that incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are also four USB ports and two 12V outlets onboard. The S and up trims utilize a 10.3-inch touchscreen that blends into the digital gauge cluster and is additionally equipped with SiriusXM and remote connectivity capability. The new system is also able to receive over-the-air updates.
2024 Kia Seltos LX – MSRP From $24,390
The 2024 Seltos receives a more rugged look with a larger grille, sharper creases in the updated front and rear bumpers, and new 17-inch alloy wheels while continuing to include features such as body-colored mirrors and door handles, cloth seats with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and rear passenger air vents.
2024 Kia Seltos S – MSRP From $26,315
The S trim adds a significant number of features, such as LED daytime running lights, grille accent, and rear lights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, front fog lights, chrome accents on the grille, window surrounds, c-pillar trim, and roof rails, molded-in-color silver front and rear faux skid plates, and proximity entry.
Inside, the S trim gains a fully digital 10.25-inch gauge cluster, LED lighting, cloth and synthetic leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
2024 Kia Seltos EX – MSRP From $27,115
The EX trim gains 17-inch machine-finished wheels, heated synthetic leather seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and stitching on the dash panel.
2024 Kia Seltos X-Line – MSRP From $30,015
The new trim follows suit of other X-Line trims across Kia’s line-up by featuring a unique grille with a dark chrome finish that matches the front and rear faux skid plates and gloss-black 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and lower door garnishes.
2024 Kia Seltos SX – MSRP From $31,315
The SX is uniquely equipped with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lights, and a flat-bottom steering wheel while offering a digital key, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and a hands-free power tailgate for $1,200.
Compare Seltos Trims Side-By-Side
The Seltos S packs updated infotainment technology and several everyday convenience features that make it worth the selection over the LX trim and lessens the value of paying more for the higher trims.