{"id":112098,"date":"2024-03-03T03:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-03T03:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interior-news.com\/2024\/03\/03\/2024-kia-seltos-small-but-lively-utility-model-offers-host-of-improvements\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T08:08:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T08:08:09","slug":"2024-kia-seltos-small-but-lively-utility-model-offers-host-of-improvements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interior-news.com\/2024\/03\/03\/2024-kia-seltos-small-but-lively-utility-model-offers-host-of-improvements\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Kia Seltos: Small but lively utility model offers host of improvements"},"content":{"rendered":"

A series of subtle, but meaningful updates have turned the Kia Seltos into a smoother, peppier and more stylish compact utility vehicle for 2024.<\/p>\n

The Seltos is one of four compact utility vehicles in Kia’s lineup: For the 2021 model year, it joined the gasoline-powered Niro, Soul and Sportage.<\/p>\n

Although the Seltos shares platforms with the Hyundai Kona (Kia is a division of Hyundai), the two models follow separate paths in terms of styling. The updated-and-enlarged 2024 Kona and the Seltos both have about the same cargo capacity, whether their rear seats are upright or folded flat.<\/p>\n

The Kia’s most noticeable change is the redesigned grille and restyled headlights that combine to create a sharper, more aggressive look. The fog lights have been integrated with the daytime running lights resulting in less clutter.<\/p>\n

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The Kia\u2019s most noticeable change is the redesigned grille and restyled headlights that combine to create a sharper, more aggressive look. PHOTO: KIA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The chrome strip that connected the taillights has been replaced with a light bar extending across the liftgate, and there are new wheel designs. The end result is an eye-catching shape that enhances the Seltos’ appeal.<\/p>\n

The dashboard has also changed appreciably from the original shape and now comes with a single panel containing key driver’s information and analog-style gauges. There’s an available 10.25-inch infotainment display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.<\/p>\n

Although attractive enough, much of the dashboard and door trim are made of hard plastic as opposed to soft-touch materials. A traditional floor shifter carries over unaltered from the original Seltos.<\/p>\n

The split-folding rear seat reclines, and the cargo floor can be lowered somewhat to accommodate taller objects.<\/p>\n

Powertrain choices for 2024 consist of a carry-over 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is standard with LX and EX trims and is rated at 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Standard with premium SX and X-Line versions is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder that’s rated at 195 horsepower (up 20) and 195 pound-feet.<\/p>\n

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is linked to the 2.0, while the turbo engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic, which is one more gear than the 2023 version had.<\/p>\n

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For 2024, the optional turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder is rated at 195 horsepower, up 20 from before. It\u2019s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. PHOTO: KIA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For both, selectable settings include Normal, Smart (Eco) and Sport — which actually does feel sporty — and alter the engine, transmission and steering performance.<\/p>\n

Fuel consumption of the front-wheel-drive 2.0 is rated at 8.3 l\/100 km in the city, 6.8 on the highway and 7.6 combined. The turbo engine with AWD is rated at 9.4\/8.7\/9.1.<\/p>\n

The available on-demand AWD comes with a centre-locking differential that, when engaged, splits the torque equally between the front and rear wheels, providing more traction for off-road use.<\/p>\n

Torque vectoring — or yaw control — another AWD inclusion, applies light braking force to the inner-radius wheels when turning, a function that Kia says increases vehicle control.<\/p>\n

AWD-equipped models also get independent rear suspensions, while the FWD Seltos has a less-sophisticated torsion-beam rear axle.<\/p>\n

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The dashboard of the Seltos has a single panel containing key driver\u2019s information and analog-style gauges. There\u2019s an available 10.25-inch infotainment display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. PHOTO: KIA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At a starting price of $27,800 including destination charges, the FWD LX is equipped with the basics, including most driver-assist technologies such as pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and forward-collision avoidance. Absent, however, is blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert that’s standard with all other trims.<\/p>\n

The Seltos X-Line test vehicle was equipped with a navigation system, power sunroof, protective off-road skid plates and premium seat coverings. The Bose-brand audio package has a mood-lighting feature; six different colours that change with the beat from the system’s eight speakers.<\/p>\n

The energetic turbocharged engine and smooth-shifting automatic transmission are a pleasant surprise and propelled the Seltos smartly, whether from a standing start or in highway-passing situations.<\/p>\n

The fact that the Seltos is capable of heading off-pavement when called upon — aided by a generous 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance — makes it a multi-purposes compact utility vehicle deserving of at least a look-see for utility shoppers.<\/p>\n

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The Seltos\u2019 split-folding rear seat reclines, and the cargo floor can be lowered somewhat to accommodate taller objects. PHOTO: KIA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What you should know: 2024 Kia Seltos <\/strong><\/p>\n

Type:<\/strong> Four-door, front- \/all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle<\/p>\n

Engines (h.p.):<\/strong> 2.0-litre I-4 (146); 1.6-litre I-4, turbocharged (195)<\/p>\n

Transmissions:<\/strong> Continuously variable (2.0); eight-speed automatic (1.6 turbo)<\/p>\n

Market position:<\/strong> The updated Seltos continues to demonstrate its ability to provide style and comfort along with available better-than-average performance on- or off-road. It’s a strategy that other automakers recently adopted with their similar offerings.<\/p>\n

Points:<\/strong> Revised bodywork is a welcome improvement over the original design. • Updated interior keeps up with the competition. • Increased power for the optional turbocharged engine is a smart play. • There are no hybrid or EV versions to consider, at least not yet. • Adding an off-road-capable trim level is an image-enhancing move.<\/p>\n

Active safety:<\/strong> Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (std.); front emergency braking (std.); driver-attention alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.); rear-occupant alert (std.)<\/p>\n

L\/100 km (city\/hwy):<\/strong> 8.3\/6.8 (FWD)<\/p>\n

Base price (incl. destination):<\/strong> $27,800<\/p>\n

BY COMPARISON<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mazda CX-30<\/strong><\/p>\n