The 2024 Kia Seltos: Upscale Interior, Affordable Excellence, Turbocharged Excitement

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. 

Fashion Forward, Wallet Friendly: The 2024 Kia Seltos Rocks the Ball-Drop + Release Runway!

2023 was a groundbreaking and very successful year here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis: we had the pleasure of raking in esteemed rewards, listening to testimonials from our satisfied customers, and offering test drives of the finest vehicles around! The 2024 Kia Seltos is situated in a category that is ripe with firm competition, and an underlying need to always be relevant and satisfying. The new model offers an assortment of changes and upgrades, with the turbocharged four-cylinder commanding center stage as the life of the party. 

The Dayton Daily News’ auto writing team was enjoying a blustery and cold day and prepping for their own test drive, when they noticed they were going to be sampling the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. This model cranks out 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque and offers a very athletic sprint while remaining cordial for daily driving duty. Here it is well-stated that there are many crossovers in this segment that feel a bit sluggish, and the optional 8-speed automatic transmission stepping in as a drastic improvement over the prior year’s CVT. 

This warrants a crossover that is begging for attention beyond the typical errand list. The Seltos is held in high regard here for not falling into the “safe and frilly” design trap that characterizes so many other vehicles in the segment. Some long standing Kia fans have found the Seltos a bit too youthful for their taste, and the new model’s use of higher-quality materials inside allows for the finished package to rise quite nicely above ordinary. One vital and creature-comfort friendly stat that those on a winter’s long excursion are concerned with is headroom, which the Seltos also chalks up segment-leading results in. 

The Kia infotainment system has long been a favorite among industry experts, as the Digital Trend contributors agree that it is now setting a high bar for how all these systems should work. It is like what a smartphone offers as a blueprint for access, and after swiping right there’s a functional and straightforward layout of maps and vital settings. The processing power under the hood allows for a very responsive operation style, as encountering an in-demand situation on the road calls for prompt reaction time. 

The 8-inch touchscreen doesn’t completely overtake the dashboard, but still offers up all the great features desired along with the vital smartphone integration. USB ports are a commodity that is always appreciated, as the premise of transferring data or communicating with another device is that much easier. Many families and businesses on the rise are thrilled with the 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and if you don’t have any passengers in tow, can boost things to 62.8 cubic feet. EPA ratings for the Seltos are currently situated at 25 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway, with the average test drive yielding just over 25 mpg. 

The Edmunds.com review crew praised the 2024 Seltos for being “stylish, roomy, and available with plenty of the latest technology and safety features.” The top-of-the-line Seltos SX gets up to 60 mph in just 8.1 seconds, with very responsive steering and excellent suspension rendering it great for time spent on the twisty two-lane that you’ve been neglecting. Finishing strong as a renowned finalist for U.S News & World Report’s 2023 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award, the Seltos is an excellent example of what a budget-friendly model can do when it sets out to eloquently exceed expectations! 

Sculpted for Success: 5 Must-See Features of the 2024 Kia Seltos SUV"

 

The sub-compact SUV segment currently has so many models that are eagerly competing to fulfill the promise of providing an ample amount of car for an awesome price! The Seltos began to stake its family-friendly and eco-conscious claim here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis in 2019, with a name inspired by the ancient Greek gods and smack dab in the middle of the segment. Thanks to its true colors and real diversity, modern design, and ideal stance on the road, it stands out smartly against the competition.

Here are a few of the characteristics that see the Seltos at the top of drivers’ lists who are on the hunt for a car that embraces the future while “checking all the right boxes” in the present.

Boldness Beyond Ordinary: The Seltos’ Likable Look

The Seltos now rides on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul but possesses a sharper and eye-catching sense of styling up front. This year’s model offers a resized grille, along with a modern velvet-rope evoking refreshed lighting system. The wider Tiger-Nose grill gives the 2024 Seltos a front end that makes a memorable statement, and stance with noticeably much more width. The rear lighting now sees a refresh with a light bar connecting both tail-lights, which provides a look that makes you feel like you just ditched a smartphone with a shoddy camera!

Amplified Power & Fresh Transmission:

One criticism that was frequently dished out for the outgoing Seltos is that there was a very noticeable lack of power off the line. There is now a 1.6-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine that offers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, boasting a sizable 20 horsepower increase. There's also a brand-new HP automatic transmission, taking over eagerly on shifting duty for the outgoing 7-speed automatic. The Seltos currently holds its own just fine with a robust acceleration quality against rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek. 

The Numbers that Matter: Delving into MPG Metrics

Even with a boost in power, the 2024 Seltos’ fuel economy is still above par. As inflation regrettably ticked upward again this July, drivers are still very concerned with getting the absolute most value out of every single dollar. The 1.6-liter is only available with all-wheel drive, and the EPA estimated number is 27 mpg while eagerly hitting the open highway. The city figure remains at 25 mpg, and the 2.0-liter engine with the FWD combination adds the most economical 29 mpg combined.

Innovate & Navigate: The Modern Explorer’s Blend

When you notice the dual 10.3-inch digital displays at first glance of the new Seltos, it begins to feel like much more than an under $30,000 model! Directly below the touchscreen there is a shelf that is ergonomically designed to keep your hands steady while tapping and selecting on the very large screen. There is an optional Bose premium eight-speaker stereo system with an external amp and subwoofer, while the S trim and up provides enhanced and embedded smartphone connectivity. One of the coolest advents of modern technology is the available Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows you to share access to your Seltos over text to your friends and family’s smart devices.

Enjoying a Vast & Versatile Cabin:

Immediately after you enter the Seltos, it feels more like a downsized Telluride than a confining sub-compact. Road noise is kept to a minimum with insulation, and the addition of acoustic front glass last year does wonders for maintaining an ideally quiet cabin. Upper-end options such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob along with an optional panoramic sunroof add a nice element of much-needed extra space. Top trim levels offer the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, ventilation, and extra-comfy heating functions for chilly Missouri mornings!

2024 Kia Seltos Remains Modern, Inspiring, & “Incredible Value for Inflationary Times”

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!

2024 Kia Seltos Boasts Entry-Level Value With Youthful Appeal, Ideal Daily Drive Tact

As drivers here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis seek out the best possible vehicle on a budget, the Kia Seltos shines with segment-leading value and performance. Next year’s model has all the right stuff to boast a youthful appeal, with a modern approach to an efficient and practical daily driver. At first glance, the rear features a different glow, and taillights with an updated look. The new X-Line model is the suave replacement for the Nightfall Editions, which offers a special grille, different wheels, gloss-black trim, and a cool black roof rack. 

The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder in the X-Line and SX trims is now equipped with a longer stroke than the previous model as well as a larger turbocharger, new injectors, and an adjusted cylinder head that cranks out an increase of 20 horsepower. The transmission is now a more traditional 8-speed model with a torque converter, replacing last year's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Car and Driver crew were impressed during their test drive with the engines’ power, with the smoothed-out performance from the transmission being the slightly unassuming star of the show.

The 2024 model’s suspension remains unchanged, which offers ideal control over body motion, and brake-based torque vectoring offers excellent performance during the unexpected rapid stop. There have been so many modern feats of engineering over the past decade, as some of the new features on crossovers everywhere would have never been imagined just a few short years prior. The 2024 model’s addition of acoustic front glass keeps the cabin quite quiet for a budget crossover, keeping all intrusive noise to a minimum from the front end and side mirrors.

The steering quality of many crossovers out there sometimes becomes so precise that the element of spirited fun can be taken out of the daily drive. If your daily commute has the usual dose of stop-and-go that many St Louis drivers face, the 2024 Seltos’ revised cabin will render the A to B quite a bit more bearable. Every model except the base LX trim comes with an awesome pair of 10.3-inch touchscreens, and both the infotainment and climate controls are still maintained by hand. 

Perfect for constantly changing urban environments, cyclist detection is now included across the lineup as a component of forward collision warning. One of the most evident and eager forms of competition against the Seltos is the Chevy Trax, and the Seltos’ overall stance, standard features, and price point put up a thoroughly rigid fight. The Motor Trend reporting pros were enthusiastic about the jumping power from the turbo engine, excellent cargo capacity, and very stylishly detailed exterior. They also enjoyed a very relaxed ride, light steering, and breaking with a refreshingly natural characteristic. 

Second-row legroom is smartly above average for the segment, and a few exemplary instances of instrumented testing showed the Seltos outperforming the Subaru Crosstrek regarding many of the vital drive stats. Automatic emergency braking and available blind spot monitoring have now been enhanced for greater capability, in a fully programmable speed limiter can also be added on. Other additions that will please the tech-loving crowd are available projection LED headlights, a power liftgate, and ventilated front seats. 

2024 Kia Seltos Exudes Greatness Courtesy of X-Line Trim, Gain in Horsepower

The third and capable crossover SUV in the Kia lineup this year is the Kia Seltos, and it is available with all-wheel drive. Featured in Car and Driver over the last week, the introduction of the new X-Line trim has rugged vehicle fans nationwide buzzing with chatter and excitement. 

This trim offers 18-inch wheels, a unique grille design, and special badging. Even without this trail-ready and capable trim addition, the 2024 Seltos now boasts a revised front end with a larger grille, updated front and rear fascias, and a taillight design that is much wider than before. Inside, the current Selto’s analog gauges are traded in for a digital set that features a 4.2-inch digital display screen, and an even larger 10.3-inch instrument cluster for you to efficiently control all the vehicle’s vitals. 

As the age of electrification draws near and astutely reminds consumers of all the luxuries they enjoy most, current models have had to step up their game to retain savvy buyers. The new Seltos’ cabin offers many perks, such as lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, power opening liftgate, and cooling front seats on the top-line SX trim. The 2.0-liter or turbocharged 1.6-liter powertrain are great power sources prepared for long haul.

The second and more powerful option now benefits from a 20-horsepower increase, allowing it to clock in at 195 horsepower total. There's also a brand-new HP automatic transmission that replaces this year's 7-speed unit. The Motor Trend team all agreed that the Kia Connect features such as digital key and OTA functionality allow for a level of competitive edge and appeal that drivers will desire. The body’s recent overhaul allowed for Kia to work with some new lighting features that tie the front LED projection lights in nicely with the iconic Kia grille.

The Seltos was named “Best Subcompact SUV” for the second year in a row by Kelley Blue Book, solidifying its worth in a large sea of vehicles. The Seltos’ spacious upscale interior with modern technology, class-leading cargo room, and reasonable price were all factors in this accolade that deemed it a segment leader. With its abundance of attitude, the Seltos is going to be one of our favorite 2024 models. As the holidays get into full swing, there's no time like the present to carefully weigh your options for your next amazing automobile!