The compact SUV market is more competitive than ever, with numerous automakers vying for the attention of buyers seeking a balance of style, performance, and practicality. Amidst this crowded field, the 2024 Kia Seltos has emerged as a true standout, offering a blend of design, technology, and value that sets it apart from its rivals. This article delves into the key aspects of the 2024 Kia Seltos, from its exterior design to its performance capabilities, and explores why it’s capturing the attention of both critics and consumers alike.
Exterior Design: Striking and Modern
The 2024 Kia Seltos boasts a design that is both contemporary and distinctive. The exterior is characterized by bold lines, a confident stance, and a front fascia that immediately catches the eye. The signature Kia “tiger-nose” grille has been refined, giving the Seltos a more sophisticated look while maintaining a sense of ruggedness that is fitting for an SUV.
The LED headlights, now slimmer and more angular, contribute to a sleek and aggressive front profile. Moving to the side, the Seltos features sharp creases and an athletic silhouette that hints at its dynamic performance capabilities. The optional two-tone roof adds a touch of personalization, allowing buyers to express their style. At the rear, the LED taillights and a sculpted bumper enhance the vehicle’s modern aesthetic, ensuring that the Seltos looks as good leaving as it does arriving.
Interior Comfort and Space: A Premium Feel
Stepping inside the 2024 Kia Seltos, the first impression is one of unexpected luxury. The interior materials have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery that elevate the cabin’s ambiance. The design is driver-focused, with an intuitive layout that puts controls within easy reach.
Space is another area where the Seltos shine. Despite its compact classification, the Seltos offers generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are particularly noteworthy, providing ample space even for taller passengers, a rare find in this segment. The cargo area is equally impressive, offering 26.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and expanding to 62.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. This versatility makes the Seltos an ideal choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Technology and Connectivity: Cutting-Edge Features
Kia has equipped the 2024 Seltos with a suite of advanced technology that rivals even some luxury brands. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available on higher trims, which provides crisp graphics and responsive controls. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones.
Additionally, the Seltos offers a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and an available Bose premium audio system that delivers rich, immersive sound. Kia’s UVO link services add another layer of connectivity, offering features such as remote start, vehicle tracking, and diagnostics via a smartphone app. The inclusion of these tech features ensures that the Seltos is not only a comfortable ride but also a connected one.
Performance: A Balance of Power and Efficiency
The 2024 Kia Seltos offers two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 146 horsepower and is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This combination is designed for efficiency, providing smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy, making it ideal for city driving and long commutes.
For those seeking more power, Kia offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which provides quick and precise shifts. The turbocharged engine makes the Seltos more engaging to drive, with spirited acceleration and confident handling.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is available across the lineup, enhancing the Seltos’s capability in adverse weather conditions and on rough terrain. The AWD system includes a locking center differential and torque vectoring, which distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed to maintain traction and stability. Whether navigating city streets or exploring off-beaten paths, the Seltos delivers a driving experience that is both enjoyable and reassuring.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Safety has always been a priority for Kia, and the 2024 Seltos is no exception. The vehicle comes equipped with a host of standard and available safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Standard on all trims is Kia’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Higher trims offer additional safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The adaptive cruise control system is particularly useful in heavy traffic, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead and even bringing the Seltos to a complete stop if necessary.
The Seltos also features a strong body structure, with extensive use of high-strength steel that enhances crash protection. Together, these safety features and structural enhancements give the Seltos a reassuring presence on the road, whether you’re driving solo or with family.
Fuel Efficiency: Cost-Effective Driving
With rising fuel costs, fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many buyers. The 2024 Kia Seltos manages to deliver competitive fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The base 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more economical choices in its class.
The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, while more powerful, still offers respectable fuel efficiency, with an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures make the Seltos a great option for those who want a versatile and capable SUV that won’t break the bank at the pump.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Options for Every Budget
Kia offers the 2024 Seltos in several trim levels, each catering to different needs and budgets. The base LX trim is well-equipped, with standard features including an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety features. Despite being the entry-level model, the LX offers great value for money, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The S trim adds a few more amenities, such as the 10.25-inch touchscreen, remote start, and roof rails, while still maintaining a reasonable price point. For those looking for more luxury and technology, the EX and SX trims offer additional features like leather upholstery, the Bose audio system, a sunroof, and more advanced safety technologies.
Pricing for the 2024 Seltos starts at around $24,000 for the base LX trim and goes up to approximately $30,000 for the fully loaded SX Turbo model. Given the level of equipment and the overall quality of the Seltos, these prices represent excellent value in the compact SUV segment.
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Capability
The driving experience in the 2024 Kia Seltos is one that blends comfort with capability. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth ride over a variety of surfaces, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. The cabin remains quiet, even at highway speeds, thanks to effective sound insulation and aerodynamic design.
For those who enjoy a bit more excitement behind the wheel, the turbocharged engine option transforms the Seltos into a surprisingly agile performer. The steering is responsive, and the vehicle feels composed even during more spirited driving. The AWD system further enhances the driving experience, providing extra confidence in challenging conditions.
Whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or venturing off-road, the Seltos delivers a versatile driving experience that adapts to your needs.
Competitors: How the Seltos Stacks Up
The compact SUV market is full of strong contenders, so how does the 2024 Kia Seltos compare to its rivals? Some of its closest competitors include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona. Each of these vehicles has its strengths, but the Seltos manages to carve out a niche by offering a well-rounded package of style, space, and technology at a competitive price.
Compared to the Honda HR-V, the Seltos offers more powerful engine options and a more upscale interior. Compared to the Mazda CX-30, the Seltos provides more rear-seat space and cargo capacity, making it a more practical choice for families. And while the Hyundai Kona shares some similarities with the Seltos, particularly in terms of technology, the Seltos stands out with its bolder design and slightly larger dimensions.
Ultimately, the Seltos excels by offering a little bit of everything: it’s stylish, spacious, and tech-savvy, all while remaining affordable. This well-rounded approach makes it a formidable competitor in the compact SUV market.
Ownership Experience: Reliability and Maintenance
Kia has earned a strong reputation for reliability, and the 2024 Seltos is expected to continue this trend. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are both included in Kia’s industry-leading warranty for the car. This level of coverage provides peace of mind for buyers, knowing that Kia stands behind the quality of its vehicles.
Routine maintenance for the Seltos is straightforward and affordable, with service intervals that are in line with industry standards. Kia’s extensive dealer network also ensures that service and repairs can be easily accessed, no matter where you live.
The overall ownership experience of the Seltos is one of low stress and high satisfaction, making it an excellent long-term investment for those in the market for a compact SUV.
Conclusion: A Compact SUV That Checks All the Boxes
The 2024 Kia Seltos is more than just another option in the crowded compact SUV market; it’s a vehicle that truly stands out. With its striking design, spacious and comfortable interior, advanced technology, and strong performance, the Seltos offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a stylish ride, a family needing space and safety, or an adventurer seeking capability and reliability, the Seltos delivers on all fronts.
Its competitive pricing and comprehensive warranty further enhance its appeal, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality or features. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that offers a little bit of everything, the 2024 Kia Seltos deserves serious consideration.
FAQ Section
What are the engine options available for the 2024 Kia Seltos?
The 2024 Kia Seltos offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower.
Is all-wheel drive available on the 2024 Kia Seltos?
Yes, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all trim levels of the 2024 Kia Seltos, enhancing its capability in various driving conditions.
What is the fuel efficiency of the 2024 Kia Seltos?
The base 2.0-liter engine offers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine provides an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
What safety features are standard on the 2024 Kia Seltos?
Standard safety features on the 2024 Kia Seltos include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
How much cargo space does the 2024 Kia Seltos offer?
The 2024 Kia Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
What is the starting price of the 2024 Kia Seltos?
The starting price of the 2024 Kia Seltos is approximately $24,000 for the base LX trim.
How does the 2024 Kia Seltos compare to its competitors?
The 2024 Kia Seltos stands out in the compact SUV segment by offering a balanced mix of style, space, technology, and value. It competes well against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona, particularly in terms of interior space, engine options, and overall value for money.
