Redesigned In and Out
Kia says the considerably refreshed 2024 Seltos is “designed to attraction to shoppers who take pleasure in life on the transfer.” Heck, which means everybody ought to need a Seltos, which might make Kia very completely happy. As it’s, 2023 Seltos gross sales have been up 25 p.c over the earlier yr, so Kia is anticipating to proceed this success in 2024, saying the redesigned Seltos has “a extra commanding presence, in and out.” The Kia of us could also be on to one thing. Learn on.
Easy Operator
The 2024 Seltos is available in 5 trim ranges with two engine choices and entrance wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Clear Fleet Report spent per week within the Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine operating on 91 octane gasoline to supply 195 horsepower (hp) and 195 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.). Our zero-to-60 occasions have been a decent 7.1 seconds, which was lots peppy for the three,362-pound Seltos. For finest efficiency, the 8-speed computerized has three driver-selectable drive modes—Regular, Good and Sport. Regular and Good have been each good for gas economic system, whereas turning the selector wheel all the best way to the fitting Sport gave extra spirited driving. This is identical engine and transmission mixture on the Seltos X-Line.
The EPA charges the 1.6L turbo at 25 mpg metropolis/27 freeway/26 mixed. In 166 miles driving via Southern California we averaged 27.1 mpg.
The Seltos SX, S and EX are entrance wheel drive-with a 2.0-liter engine, placing out 146 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), gas economic system is 28 mpg metropolis/34 freeway/31 mixed.
Driving Expertise: On the Street
The Seltos SX isn’t quick off the road, however as soon as the turbocharger spools up, it takes off with easy and even acceleration. On the street the Seltos’ AWD makes use of torque vectoring, which will increase traction by predicting which wheel will finest make the most of energy in a given street state of affairs. This enhances stability in corners and provides the car extra connection to the street. The great steering really feel, and the AWD system, gave a strong, secure command of the street, permitting you to assault excessive velocity cloverleaf freeway ramps at over the posted velocity restrict. There was little have an effect on from passing large rigs. The physique roll, when pushing corners a bit too quick, was minor, nothing that wasn’t predictable, manageable or controllable. With the acoustic entrance glass solely a small little bit of wind noise is heard.
The 18-inch machined alloy wheels, that are distinctive to the SX trim, are shod with Kuhmo 235/45 all-season tires. On sure paved surfaces there was noticeable street noise transmitted to the cabin, however these tires have been good for cornering, dealing with and stopping.
For added traction on snow-covered or icy roads, there’s a Heart Lock button that locks the middle coupling, providing sure-footed traction as much as about 25 miles per hour. It is a helpful function when the roads get sloppy and tough. The Seltos SX consists, and for a subcompact crossover, the general experience was nice. Whereas not sporty, the Seltos SX is enjoyable and straightforward to drive.
Refreshed and Up to date: Outdoors
The 2024 Kia Seltos slots between the Soul and Sportage, carving-up Kia’s crossover choices with even a sharper knife. The Seltos shares the platform with the Hyundai Kona (which Clear Fleet Report actually preferred), however the Seltos has been stretched by one inch within the wheelbase and eight inches in size. The outside of our check Seltos was Snow White Pearl, one among 9 strong colours (plus 4 extra with a contrasting roof). Small crossovers can mix collectively, however not the Seltos, as its styling and coloration choices will assist make yours extra customized.
The graceful exterior has just a few well-placed crisp angles. Clear Fleet Report’s SX Turbo AWD mannequin had LED projection headlights, with a stacked design, separate from the daytime operating lights. The LED fog lights are positioned on the outer corners within the backside fascia. For a cool issue, the SX upgraded signature tiger nostril grille with a horizontal LED gentle bar that runs almost the entire width of the grille.
The interesting facet view has a gently sloping windshield with chrome rack rails, black rear view mirrors with slim LED flip alerts, a color-keyed shark fin antenna and an built-in spoiler over the rear hatch window. The perimeters have minimal chrome; a strip wraps the home windows ending in a horny design aspect on the rear pillar. The horizontal LED tail lights join throughout the facility carry gate, solely interrupted by a vibrant Okay-I-A emblem. The concave design of the hatch contains Seltos and SX badges. The black bumper, with a silver-painted defuser, incorporates the back-up lights.
And Inside
Climbing inside, the cabin contains ample leg and headroom for 2 six-footers up entrance, with the rear seat offering good house and luxury for 2 adults, three for brief journeys. The SX Turbo has seats lined in SynTex, a mix of textile and artificial supplies that mimics the traits of leather-based, however with out the usage of any animal merchandise.
The entrance seats are heated and ventilated with the driving force getting 10-way energy changes with lumbar, whereas the passenger will get guide changes. We like that the outlook on the street, with 7.3 inches of floor clearance, was larger than a sedan however not as excessive as a typical SUV. The rear seat middle armrest has cup holders. If there are not any passengers out again, fold down the 60:40 break up rear seat for 62.8 cubic ft of cargo house. The rear twin degree cargo flooring has a handy function the place the ground panel may be dropped-down about two inches, producing further house for taller gadgets.
The Seltos SX got here with a ten.25-inch touchscreen housing Kia’s UVO telematics and navigation. The 8-speaker Bose sound system, with a subwoofer, produced wonderful sound for AM/FM//MP3/and Sirius/XM and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Siri Eyes Free, with smartphone integration through Bluetooth, full the audio system. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for audio, phone and cruise management.
Massive due to Kia designers for the knobs to regulate the radio channels and quantity, and for the temperature management. The audio system have multi-dimensional grilles, giving a singular look in comparison with a primary flat speaker cowl. For enjoyable, the Bose system has sound-connected temper lighting that pulsates with six coloration themes, altering colours and depth primarily based on quantity degree. You’ll need to go to your Kia supplier at evening to check-out this cool function.
Different options are an influence sunroof, heated and energy facet mirrors with flip alerts, three entrance USB ports, wi-fi charging, sliding entrance middle armrest, cargo cowl, rear passenger vents and USB ports, computerized local weather management, distant and push button begin and a compact spare tire.
The Digital Key permits homeowners to make use of a suitable Apple iPhone, Watch, and Samsung Galaxy as a digital key to lock, unlock and begin the automotive.
Security and Warranties
The Seltos comes with an intensive checklist of ordinary and non-compulsory security options. Be certain to talk together with your Kia gross sales rep for what security options include which trim degree. In case you are seeking to save just a few {dollars} in your Seltos buy, don’t skimp on the superior driver security help techniques (ADAS).
Security gadgets embrace entrance, facet and curtain airbags, ahead collision avoidance, stability management, adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go, blind spot collision warning and collision avoidance, park help with entrance and rear sensors, car stability administration, traction management, hill begin help, tire strain monitoring system, engine immobilizer, lane conserving help and departure warning, and rear cross site visitors alert.
The 2024 Seltos has not been rated by the Nationwide Freeway and Security Administration (NHTSA) however The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) has given it an general Good ranking.
The Seltos comes with these warranties:
- Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
- Fundamental – 5 years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Help – 5 years/60,000 miles
Pricing
The 2024 Seltoscomes in 5 trim ranges with these base costs, together with the obligatory $1,375 vacation spot cost.
LX AWD $25,865
S FWD $26,465
S AWD $27,965
EX FWD $27,265
EX AWD $29,465
Observations: 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
Does anybody else see a little bit of the Land Rover Evoque within the Seltos? If you happen to do, it isn’t a nasty factor and solely enhances the Seltos’ attraction. Customers searching for one thing a bit bigger than a small crossover and a bit smaller than a midsize crossover will probably be drawn to the Seltos. With 5 trim ranges, every with extra options and a loopy large assortment of exterior coloration decisions, there could also be a Seltos for everybody.
For versatility, experience, model, gas economic system, security gear and an awesome guarantee, the 2024 Kia Seltos is difficult to beat. We will simply see an proprietor utilizing the Seltos for commuting, weekend errands and filling it with tenting gear and heading off into the huge unknown. The AWD evokes confidence for on-road driving and gentle off-roading.
In January 2020, Kia introduced it will likely be providing 11 electrical autos by 2025, with the primary fashions hitting showrooms in 2021. With the Seltos being all-new for 2021 and now going via this vital refresh, it’s too early to take a position on future adjustments. However since Kia at present sells hybrid autos and has introduced electrical autos are coming quickly, don’t be shocked if the Seltos will get some kind of electrification within the coming decade. Till then, go to your Kia supplier and check drive what Clear Fleet Report feels is without doubt one of the finest entry-level crossovers in the marketplace. We don’t assume you can be disillusioned.
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Story and pictures by John Faulkner.
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