The compact SUV segment is very competitive here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as reasonable pricing, features such as all-wheel drive, and excellent cargo capacity are all important traits needed for the leader of the pack. The Kia Seltos has received many awards, accolades, and excellent reviews, and the refreshed version for 2024 boasts a few noticeable differences. The Motor Trend team spent a few hours behind the wheel of the new model and found it to be a modern, spacious, and capable rival when stacked up against the brand-new Subaru Crosstrek.
Launched in 2021, the Seltos’ most notable changes for the 2024 model are a set of visually spruced-up taillights, and the new Pluton Blue paint option. Inside the cabin is also the very latest panoramic dual driver information cluster, and the infotainment screen that Kia fans familiar with the Telluride will recognize. The base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder cranks out 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, with the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder seeing a 20 horsepower increase up to 195.
There’s also the brand-new X-line appearance trim, replacing the outgoing Nightfall Editions. This comes loaded with unique features such as 18-inch wheels, a black roof rack, gloss-black door trim, and a very cool gunmetal-finish front grille. The Motor Trend team was very interested in how the Seltos would fare on the highway and around town first, where merging went very smoothly and the noise isolation in the cabin was impressive. The steering remained light and progressive, and the suspension had a habit that really grew on the crew of leaning more into the corners very nicely when taking them at high speed.
The addition of the new panoramic display is an excellent improvement, and it is very clear even while you’re traveling during peak sunshine hours. Kia has won so many repeat owners over by being accessible and practical, and the Seltos stands out as a “useful ride that presents itself strikingly as one of the finer things to appreciate in life.” This year’s Seltos also provides a brand-new acoustic glass windshield added to all models, and new standard safety features added to the S trim.
Storage-wise, the Seltos is one of the leaders in its class with a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 feet. The all-wheel-drive model’s EPA estimate is 25 city/30 highway, and you’ll be fully covered with Kia’s fantastic 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The EX trim offers an excellent group of features for the price, coming with standard equipment such as all-wheel drive, faux leather upholstery, heated seats, and a larger touchscreen with navigation.
The SX trim tops off the Seltos line with LED headlights and fog lights, a Bose premium audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sport steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, and a very useful cargo cover. The Kelley Blue Book auto review staff named the Seltos their “Best Subcompact Buy of 2023”, ranking it higher than its competition with its roomy, efficient, and appealing composure. The Seltos is a perfectly head-turning SUV that has found the ideal balance of rugged and premium. Also receiving a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, you’ll be confident to entrust your loved ones during drives of any distance!
