The 2024 Seltos has been one of the hottest vehicles to keep a watch on here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis! Eagerly earning awards such as “The Affordable Car Challenge” in 2023 from Cars.com, its excellent available features and amenities at an affordable price have kept it quite popular. Not much has changed for the 2025 model year, but one notable mention is that each model receives improved interior materials for a more upscale feel.
The S trim level now rolls on standard two-tone 17-inch wheels and features a 4.3-inch screen in the gauge cluster. The SX and EX trims now receive rear parking sensors as standard equipment. The all-wheel-drive EX and SX now get power liftgates, while the standard powertrain remains the normally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It cranks out 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The “EPA-rated goodness” that any model cranks out is one of its largest draws in today’s market, and the Seltos is now situated at 28/34/31 mpg.
Stepping things up to the X-line or Seltos SX trim spruces things up in the power department with the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. This engine cranks out 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic. The X-Line and SX are rated at 24/27/25 mpg. Today’s buyer can be rightfully concerned with the features included on entry-level trim levels, and here the LX shines brightly against the competition. Here you get to enjoy various goodies such as standard AWD, keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system, and an 8-inch touchscreen with AppleCarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition.
The S trim foregoes standard AWD but also adds LED daytime running lights and taillights, bright exterior trim, available two-tone paint and push-button start. Just one attractive trim level up the line here features very alluring synthetic-leather seat trim, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and satellite radio. The EX trim also upgrades the seating with full synthetic-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and very convenient power adjustment for the driver.
This trim also boasts the larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while the X-Line trim includes dark exterior trim and 18-inch wheels. The top trims of today have been pleasing buyers here at Jim Butler with their added luxury touches, and high-end approach to everyday driving. The SX trim now features Highway Driving Assist, forward collision avoidance, and speed limit assist. There’s also the very cool auto-dimming rearview mirror, top-tier 8-speaker Bose sound system, and optional ventilated front seats.
The Edmunds.com auto review team loved the Seltos’ “stylish, roomy, and tech-rich” persona. The turbocharged engine was most definitely the favored test drive pick, while the SUV remained consistently fun to drive. They also loved the spacious interior, as it was “like Mary Poppins’ bag, seeming to swallow items that simply shouldn’t fit.” They tested the top-of-the-line SX trim and also commended it for its responsive steering and taut suspension. They also recommended stepping up to the X-LIne for its more powerful engine, rugged styling, and upper-end comfort such as heated seats. Other tip-top touches are black roof rails and accents, the 10.25-inch display, and abundant safety features.
