The Kia Seltos has been one of our favorite subcompact SUVs since it arrived for the 2021 model year thanks to its winning combination of practicality, comfort and value. For 2024, a freshening brings improvements that make the Seltos better still, enabling it to beat out all competitors in our recent comparison test.
Related: 2024 Kia Seltos Review: Better Than Ever
Along with updated styling inside and out, the 2024 model adds new available 10.25-inch displays and a more rugged-looking X-Line trim. But what really sweetens the deal is a boost in horsepower to the available turbocharged engine, along with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the old dual-clutch automatic.
What hasn’t changed is the Seltos’ quality interior furnishings, relatively roomy cabin and cargo area, and handy features not always found with competitors. It all adds up to a winning formula that tops an increasingly crowded assortment of subcompact SUVs.
Road Test Editor Brian Normile recently put a new Seltos in the top SX trim through its paces. While he found plenty to like, he still discovered some areas that could use improvement. Click the link above for his expert review; for a quicker look, read on for five things we like about the 2024 Kia Seltos and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Power Boost
As a category, subcompact SUVs are not generally known for lively acceleration. A welcome exception is the Seltos with its optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which gets a 20-hp boost for 2024. With 195 hp on tap, the Seltos has sufficient power to avoid unnecessary drama in most merging and passing situations; the SX trim proved quicker from 0-60 mph than any of its competitors in our recent comparison test.
2. Gear Up
Arguably the biggest improvement engineers made to the Seltos for 2024 is ditching the old dual-clutch automatic transmission for a conventional eight-speed automatic. Gone is the clunky feel of the dual-clutch auto; the result is a much smoother and enjoyable driving experience, with crisp and responsive shifts that help make the most of the turbocharged engine’s power.
3. Agreeable Cruiser
The Seltos’ handling and steering response are impressive for the class, offering a somewhat firm but still comfortable ride, as well as controlled body motions with some body lean in corners. But what’s really impressive about the Seltos is how quiet the cabin remains at speed; it lends a refined and premium feel to the driving experience.
4. Commendable Cabin
High-quality faux-leather seating and trim surfaces lend a premium feel to the cabin, and newly available 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument panel displays are vivid and easy to use. The interior is also roomy for a subcompact SUV, although six-footers might prefer more rear-seat legroom. Cargo capacity is also impressive for the class — second only to the Volkswagen Taos at 17.4 cubic feet, according to our measurements.
5. Bonus Features
In the SX trim, the Seltos comes with some features not usually found in the category, including a power hands-free liftgate and front seats that are not only heated but ventilated, as well. These little touches are welcome and add to the SUV’s premium feel.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Gas Mileage
One penalty for the Seltos SX’s relatively lively acceleration is disappointing fuel economy. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder returns just 25/27/26 mpg city/highway/combined, according to EPA estimates. We managed to get 28.4 mpg overall, beating that combined figure in our comparison test, but the Seltos still trailed all of its competitors. Lower trims with the 2.0-liter four cylinder and continuously variable automatic do slightly better, with an EPA rating of as much as 31 mpg overall when equipped with front-wheel drive.
2. Win Some, Lose Some
While the Seltos SX comes with some nice features not always found in its competitors, it also lacks others you might expect. A heated steering wheel is not available, nor is multi-zone climate control. And while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, both require a wired connection even as competitors have gone wireless.
3. It’ll Cost You
In a price-sensitive category, our tested Seltos SX rang in about $2,500 more than the next most expensive entrant in our comparison test. While its features and upscale look and feel help justify that premium, it’s worth mentioning that our test vehicle’s $33,085 sticker price (including destination charge) puts it well into larger compact SUV territory.
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