The 2024 Kia Seltos has hit the market with exciting upgrades and improvements, making it one of the most anticipated vehicles in the compact SUV segment. Known for its unique blend of style, performance, and affordability, the Seltos continues to capture the attention of both urban commuters and adventure seekers alike. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll dive deep into the 2024 Kia Seltos, covering everything from its design and performance to features, safety, and pricing. Let’s explore why this SUV stands out in a crowded field of compact SUVs for 2024.
1. Introduction to the 2024 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos has been a strong contender in the compact SUV market since its debut in 2019. With its sporty design, tech-savvy features, and practical dimensions, it has appealed to a wide range of drivers. The 2024 version is no different but comes with a host of improvements that take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking for an SUV to handle daily commutes, family trips, or weekend adventures, the 2024 Kia Seltos promises to be a reliable and stylish choice.
2. Exterior Design and Styling
One of the standout aspects of the 2024 Kia Seltos is its bold and modern design. Kia has given this compact SUV a refreshed exterior, making it more attractive than ever. The front fascia has been updated with a more aggressive grille, LED headlights, and a redesigned bumper. These changes give the Seltos a more upscale appearance, making it stand out on the road.
2.1 Sleek Dimensions
The 2024 Kia Seltos maintains its compact size, which is perfect for city driving and parking in tight spaces. However, it still offers a tall and imposing stance that gives it the presence of a larger SUV. With a length of approximately 172 inches and a width of 70.9 inches, the Seltos strikes the perfect balance between agility and space.
2.2 2024 Kia Seltos Color Options
Kia has always been known for offering a wide range of color options, and the 2024 Seltos is no exception. Buyers can choose from vibrant colors like Pluton Blue, Gravity Gray, Snow White Pearl, and Cherry Black, allowing you to express your personality through your vehicle.
3. Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2024 Kia Seltos, and you’ll be greeted with an interior that prioritizes both comfort and functionality. The cabin feels premium, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements. Kia has made several updates to the interior for 2024, ensuring that passengers enjoy a pleasant ride no matter how long the journey.
3.1 Spacious Cabin
Despite being a compact SUV, the 2024 Seltos offers a surprisingly roomy interior. With seating for five, there’s ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can also be folded down to expand the already generous cargo space, making it ideal for road trips or hauling larger items.
3.2 Advanced Infotainment System
At the heart of the Seltos’ interior is its state-of-the-art infotainment system. The 2024 model comes with an 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen display that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the vehicle, offering access to navigation, music, and other essential apps.
3.3 Comfort Features
The Seltos is equipped with several comfort-enhancing features. Available options include heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control. The available sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the cabin, making it perfect for long drives under the open sky.
4. Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the 2024 Kia Seltos offers two engine options that deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience. Kia has designed these powertrains to balance performance with fuel efficiency, making the Seltos a practical choice for a wide range of driving conditions.
4.1 Standard 2.0-Liter Inline-4 Engine
The base engine for the 2024 Seltos is a 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), this engine offers a smooth and efficient driving experience, perfect for city commutes and highway cruising.
4.2 Turbocharged 1.6-Liter Engine
For those looking for a bit more power, the 2024 Seltos offers an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. This option delivers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, making it more suitable for spirited driving and off-road adventures. The turbo engine is paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring quick and smooth shifts.
4.3 Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Kia Seltos is designed to be fuel-efficient, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious drivers. The base engine offers an estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged engine is slightly less efficient but still delivers respectable numbers, with an estimated 25 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.
5. Driving Dynamics and Off-Road Capabilities
The 2024 Kia Seltos may be a compact SUV, but it doesn’t shy away from adventure. With available all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s ready to tackle a variety of terrains and weather conditions. Whether you’re driving on city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the Seltos offers a confident and composed ride.
5.1 All-Wheel Drive with Lock Mode
One of the standout features of the 2024 Seltos is its available all-wheel-drive system with Lock Mode. This system ensures that power is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels, providing added traction and control on slippery or uneven surfaces. Whether you’re driving through snow, mud, or sand, the Seltos is prepared for the challenge.
5.2 Driving Modes
To further enhance its versatility, the 2024 Kia Seltos comes with multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport. These modes allow drivers to adjust the vehicle’s performance based on their preferences or driving conditions. The Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and steering for a more engaging driving experience.
6. Safety Features and Driver Assistance Technologies
Kia has earned a reputation for producing vehicles with top-notch safety features, and the 2024 Seltos is no exception. It comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety technologies designed to protect both the driver and passengers.
6.1 Kia Drive Wise Suite
The 2024 Seltos comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of driver assistance features. These include:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist: Helps prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes if an obstacle is detected.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Provides gentle steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Collision Warning: Alerts the driver if a vehicle is detected in the Seltos’ blind spot.
6.2 Optional Advanced Safety Features
For those seeking even more safety, Kia offers several optional features. These include Smart Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, which helps prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.
6.3 Safety Ratings
While official crash test results for the 2024 model are still pending, previous iterations of the Seltos have received high safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With its strong suite of safety features, the 2024 Seltos is expected to perform just as well.
7. Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2024 Kia Seltos offers a variety of trim levels, allowing buyers to choose the model that best suits their needs and budget. Each trim comes with a unique set of features, ensuring there’s a Seltos for everyone.
7.1 Trim Levels
- LX: The base LX trim offers essential features at an affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
- S: The S trim adds more convenience features, including upgraded infotainment and driver assistance technologies.
- EX: The EX trim focuses on comfort and luxury, offering features like a power sunroof and heated front seats.
- SX: The top-of-the-line SX trim comes fully loaded with advanced features like the turbocharged engine, larger touchscreen display, and premium sound system.
7.2 Pricing
Pricing for the 2024 Kia Seltos starts at around $25,000 for the base LX trim and can go up to $31,000 for the fully loaded SX trim. This competitive pricing makes the Seltos one of the most affordable options in the compact SUV market, offering excellent value for money.
8. Kia SUV Lineup and the Seltos’ Position
The Kia Seltos is part of Kia’s comprehensive SUV lineup, which includes everything from the compact Kia Soul to the mid-size Kia Sorento and full-size Kia Telluride. The Seltos occupies the space between the smaller Kia Soul and the slightly larger Kia Sportage. It offers a perfect balance of size, performance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want the versatility of an SUV without the bulk of a larger vehicle.
9. Competitors in the Compact SUV Segment
The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive market, and the 2024 Kia Seltos faces stiff competition from several well-established rivals. Some of its main competitors include:
- Honda HR-V
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Mazda CX-30
- Hyundai Kona Each of these vehicles has its strengths, but the Seltos sets itself apart with its combination of style, tech features, and affordability.
10. Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Seltos continues to build on its reputation as a stylish, versatile, and value-packed compact SUV. With its updated design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, it’s poised to remain a top choice for drivers looking for a capable and affordable SUV in 2024. Whether you’re seeking a vehicle for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or family road trips, the 2024 Seltos has something to offer everyone. From its eye-catching design to its robust list of features and safety technologies, the Seltos makes a strong case as one of the best compact SUVs available in 2024.
