Possessing one of many broadest and deepest line-ups of crossover utility automobiles {the marketplace} has to supply, Kia appears intent upon overlaying all bases within the section. From Soul on the low finish to Telluride on the excessive finish, there may be certainly a Kia CUV for just about any circumstance.
As exceptional as that’s, what’s much more noteworthy is the marque has pulled this off with out incurring cannibalization.
For instance, at first look, Seltos and Sportage might be stated to serve the identical clients. Nonetheless, you’ll see they attraction to 2 fully completely different psychographics while you look intently. What’s extra, the excellence is much more pronounced going within the different path. Soul and Seltos entice two fully completely different mindsets.
Clearly, the product planners at Kia know what they’re doing.
Overview
Launched in 2019, the Seltos, whose title is derived from “Celtos” the son of Greek mythological figures Hercules and Celtine, is obtainable by Kia in three completely different configurations all over the world. The one we get right here within the States, codenamed SP2, is designed particularly for mature marketplaces; resembling we have now right here in North America.
The opposite two variations, SP2i for India and SP2c for China are low price variations configured to attraction to rising markets. Apparently, Seltos will not be supplied in Europe. Refreshed for the 2024 mannequin 12 months, Seltos has a number of recent options to tout.
Exterior
Somebody at Kia is aware of one of the vital direct paths to the hearts of American automotive patrons is thru our eyes — and it reveals. To that finish, the marque gives among the most good-looking automobiles of their respective lessons.
For 2024, the Seltos beneficial properties a brand new grille and headlight remedy to enrich revised wheel decisions and a barely restyled rear tailgate.
Increasing the grille offers the Seltos the looks of a wider stance, meant to precise extra energy. In the meantime, the restyled entrance bumper initiatives a extra rugged picture.
Taken as a complete, the look is without delay refined and sporty.
Inside
Inside, the panoramic instrumentation/infotainment panel, which is quickly changing into de rigueur throughout the trade, dominates the sprint redesign. Additional, a rotary dial, additionally in line with up to date mores, has changed the old-school shift lever.
And, after all, Kia’s lengthy swimsuit, worth for the greenback, stays intact. Trying across the Seltos, one will get the impression the automotive prices excess of it does.
Even handed functions of premium-looking (and feeling) supplies, upholstering subtle design parts, allow the passenger cabin to radiate a substantive aura. Talking of radiance, ambient lighting parts may be set to pulse with the audio system, similar to within the Soul.
Carrying capability is greater than ample, whether or not the second row is deployed or folded away. You’ll discover greater than sufficient room (each leg and cargo) to accommodate 4 adults and baggage for a brief journey.
Powertrain
A 1.6-liter turbocharged direct injected 4-cylinder engine motivates the Seltos SX Turbo AWD I sampled. Output is rated at 195 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. That is up 20 hp over the engine it changed. An 8-speed automated transmission routes thrust to all 4 wheels.
The Seltos’ all-wheel drive system is able to torque vectoring, which provides it the power to funnel energy to a single wheel if required to maintain the Kia in movement. The system additionally makes use of a center-locking differential to separate energy between the entrance and rear wheels.
Acknowledged gasoline financial system is 25 metropolis, 27 freeway and 26 mixed. I averaged 25.5.
Security and Know-how
New tech permits smartphones and good watches to function digital “keys” to lock, unlock and drive Seltos. What’s extra, these capabilities may be shared with others through textual content messages. Over the air updates robotically preserve the nav and infotainment methods present.
The driving force help suite incorporates Ahead Collision Avoidance Help, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Clever Velocity Restrict Help. Different normal security options embrace Driver Consideration Warning, Lane Following Help, Rear View Monitoring and Rear Occupant Alert.
Driving Impressions
Experience high quality is a bit on the agency aspect, although not uncomfortably so. The tradeoff for that is what might fairly be thought of crisp dealing with. Flip-in is predictable, grip is sweet and braking is suitably proficient.
And sure, I do know that is coming throughout a bit as faint reward, however the actuality is Seltos is primarily designed to be competent and protected. Thrilling wasn’t an motion merchandise on its design temporary. To that finish, the Kia comports itself effectively over any kind of tarmac.
The 1.6-liter engine gives greater than sufficient energy to maneuver the 3200-pound Seltos confidently. Merging into fast-moving site visitors is quickly achieved and passing energy is greater than adequate for getting you round slower automobiles on two-lane roads.
All in all, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a reliable car.
2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD Specs
| Dimensions | L: 172.6 inches/W: 70.9 inches/H: 70.2 inches/Wheelbase: 103.5 inches |
| Weight | 3,247 kilos |
| Powertrain | 1.6-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder engine; 7-speed automated transmission, AWD |
| Gas Economic system | 25 mpg metropolis/27 mpg freeway/26 mpg mixed |
| Efficiency Specs | 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque |
| Value | Base value: $24,390; As examined: n/a |
| On-Sale Date | Out there now |
Wrap Up
Simply two years into its presence right here in the USA, the Kia Seltos has been up to date for the 2024 mannequin 12 months. Enhancements embrace new styling parts, a extra highly effective engine providing and much more up to date tech. In the meantime, the worth proposition underpinning each Kia product stays firmly in place. And sure, this consists of what’s arguably the very best powertrain guarantee protection within the trade — 10 years or 100,000 miles.
2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD — Steadily Requested Questions
Is the Kia Seltos dependable?
In keeping with Shopper Experiences, the Kia Seltos scored a reliability verdict of three.0 out of 5.0, which is a median rating.
Is the Kia Seltos larger than the Kia Sportage?
The Sportage is longer and wider than Seltos.
What’s the crash score of Kia Seltos?
The Seltos earned a 4-Star general score from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Prime Security Choose honors from the Insurance coverage Insitute for Freeway Security (IIHS).
