Subcompact crossovers usually are not probably the most thrilling class of car, however the has 2024 Kia Seltos managed to pique our curiosity. The Seltos was just lately refreshed for the 2024 mannequin yr with up to date styling, improved tech, and extra energy from its optionally available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Kia additionally swapped out the dual-clutch transmission, one among our lone complaints with the outgoing mannequin, in favor of a standard computerized transmission. These small however significant adjustments lead to one of many most interesting subcompact crossovers in the marketplace.
We appreciated the Seltos earlier than, however this new 2024 mannequin is extra compelling than ever. The Seltos is inexpensive, trendy, full of expertise, and surprisingly enjoyable to drive. When you’ve got at most $30,000 to spend on a brand new automobile and desire a ton of options, the Seltos ought to be in your buying checklist.
Exterior: Bettering What Works
The Seltos was already a comparatively cute and enticing little crossover, so Kia was clever to not dramatically alter the components with this facelift. The tiger nostril grille is barely bigger, flanked on both facet by obtainable LED headlights that retain their total form however get a brand new lighting sample inside. As with the pre-facelift mannequin, higher trims get “Star Map” signature lighting within the grille that almost connects the 2 headlights into one mild bar. On the again, the taillights at the moment are related throughout the liftgate.
There are new wheel designs throughout the lineup, together with the geometric 18-inch ones on our SX tester. Kia additionally added three new colours to the palette, together with Fusion Black, Valais Inexperienced, and Pluton Blue. Pluton Blue will be had as a whole-body paint job or as a two-tone colour paired with the Fusion Black roof, as pictured right here, and we predict it offers the Seltos a extra premium look. Sadly, not the entire trims will be had with a sunroof, so maintain that in thoughts when buying.
Inside: Packed With Options
Kia is understood for packing in luxurious options at an inexpensive worth, and this turns into abundantly clear whenever you step contained in the Seltos. The bottom LX trim will get a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, however all different trims embrace twin 10.25-inch shows (instrument cluster and infotainment) in what Kia calls a segment-first panoramic display show. In typical Kia vogue, the infotainment is well understandable, and the design evokes a price range BMW really feel. Sadly, Kia nonetheless hasn’t built-in wi-fi CarPlay or Android Auto into the ten.25-inch display, so remember to carry a cable.
It could not have wi-fi cellphone mirroring, however the Seltos SX is jam-packed with superb options that you just would not anticipate finding at this worth level; the bottom mannequin is a bit more economy-focused however larger up within the vary, you get heated seats, wi-fi cellphone charging, a Bose audio system, and a full suite of Superior Driver Help Techniques. Our tester wasn’t outfitted with it, however a value-packed $1,200 SX Sunroof Package deal provides a panoramic glass roof, digital key, ventilated entrance seats, and an influence liftgate over and above what’s already commonplace on the SX. To call only a few, which means that eight-speaker Bose audio setup, SynTex upholstery, ten-way energy adjustment on the driving force’s seat with lumbar help, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, navigation-based sensible cruise management, and freeway driving help.
Practicality: Small Automotive, Huge House
The Seltos avails 26.6 cubic ft of house behind its again seat, and that quantity will increase to 62.8 cubic ft with the seats folded. That places the Seltos forward of opponents just like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Volkswagen Taos is the one subcompact crossover that boasts extra space than the Seltos.
Passenger house within the Seltos is beneficiant, too, with 41.1 inches of legroom for entrance occupants and 38 inches for rear passengers. Riders within the again even get their very own air vents and USB-C ports.
Efficiency: Bye Bye DCT
The LX, S, and EX trim ranges are powered by a usually aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an Clever Variable Transmission (IVT), which is what Kia calls its CVT. This setup is way from potent, with simply 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, yielding a sluggish 9.6-second 0-60 mph time. The bottom engine does not less than get fairly first rate gas financial system: 28/34/31 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed with front-wheel-drive or 27/31/29 mpg with the obtainable all-wheel-drive.
We a lot desire the optionally available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine within the X-Line and SX trims. Output has been elevated by 20 hp, so it now delivers 195 hp and 195 lb-ft. That is sufficient to drop the 0-60 time to a extra respectable 8.8 seconds. Extra importantly than the facility bump, Kia changed the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on the older mannequin with an eight-speed torque converter computerized. In one thing enthusiast-focused like a BMW M3, this may seem to be a detrimental transfer, however the computerized is smoother in site visitors than the DCT with out sacrificing responsiveness. Admittedly, the turbo’s gas financial system figures aren’t stellar at 25/27/26 mpg, however we exceeded these estimates throughout our week of testing.
The vast majority of the driving expertise is nice. The steering is correct, tightening extra in sport mode, and the experience is compliant on bumpy roads. We drove the Seltos on the freeway for over three hours, and the Bose audio system has no bother drowning out the minimal street noise, even at a medium quantity.
Pricing: An Inexpensive Discount
Regardless of being one of many largest and most well-optioned automobiles in its class, the 2024 Seltos won’t break the financial institution, even in its highest trims. The LX acts as the bottom trim for $24,390 (not together with a $1,325 vacation spot price), however contains AWD as commonplace. The S is extra well-equipped at $24,990, however comes with FWD (AWD and heated seats obtainable for $1,500 further), and the EX begins at $25,790 (AWD, heated seats, and a sunroof obtainable for $2,200).
Beginning with the X-Line at $28,690, AWD comes commonplace alongside the turbocharged engine. Even the highest SX trim squeezes in beneath $30k at $29,990, and that SX Sunroof Package deal is a must have add-on. All-in with vacation spot, a fully-loaded Seltos will run to round $32,515. That is lower than any of the subcompact luxurious crossovers in the marketplace – and also you get options like ventilated seats that are not even obtainable at a a lot larger worth. We beforehand stated the Seltos was a transmission away from perfection, and now we’re left with none complaints. The Seltos proves that inexpensive can equal glorious.