A Week With: 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD

Possessing one of the broadest and deepest line-ups of crossover utility vehicles the marketplace has to offer, Kia seems intent upon covering all bases in the segment. From Soul at the low end to Telluride at the high end, there is indeed a Kia CUV for pretty much any circumstance. 

As remarkable as that is, what’s even more noteworthy is the marque has pulled this off without incurring cannibalization. 

For example, at first glance, Seltos and Sportage could be said to serve the same customers. However, you’ll see they appeal to two completely different psychographics when you look closely. What’s more, the distinction is even more pronounced going in the other direction. Soul and Seltos attract two completely different mindsets. 

Clearly, the product planners at Kia know what they are doing. 

Overview

Introduced in 2019, the Seltos, whose name is derived from “Celtos” the son of Greek mythological figures Hercules and Celtine, is offered by Kia in three different configurations around the world. The one we get here in the States, codenamed SP2, is designed specifically for mature marketplaces; such as we have here in North America. 

The other two versions, SP2i for India and SP2c for China are low cost versions configured to appeal to emerging markets. Interestingly, Seltos is not offered in Europe.  Refreshed for the 2024 model year, Seltos has a host of new features to tout.

Exterior

Someone at Kia knows one of the most direct paths to the hearts of American car buyers is through our eyes — and it shows. To that end, the marque offers some of the most handsome vehicles in their respective classes. 

For 2024, the Seltos gains a new grille and headlight treatment to complement revised wheel choices and a slightly restyled rear tailgate. 

Expanding the grille gives the Seltos the appearance of a wider stance, intended to express more strength. Meanwhile, the restyled front bumper projects a more rugged image. 

Taken as a whole, the look is at once refined and sporty.

Interior

Inside, the panoramic instrumentation/infotainment panel, which is rapidly becoming de rigueur across the industry, dominates the dash redesign. Further, a rotary dial, also in keeping with contemporary mores, has replaced the old-school shift lever. 

And, of course, Kia’s long suit, value for the dollar, remains intact. Looking around the Seltos, one gets the impression the car costs far more than it does. 

Judicious applications of premium-looking (and feeling) materials, upholstering sophisticated design elements, enable the passenger cabin to radiate a substantive aura. Speaking of radiance, ambient lighting elements can be set to pulse with the audio system, just like in the Soul. 

Carrying capacity is more than adequate, whether the second row is deployed or folded away. You’ll find more than enough room (both leg and cargo) to accommodate four adults and luggage for a short trip. 

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. This is up 20 hp over the engine it replaced. An 8-speed automatic transmission routes thrust to all four wheels. 

The Seltos’ all-wheel drive system is capable of torque vectoring, which gives it the ability to funnel power to a single wheel if required to keep the Kia in motion. The system also uses a center-locking differential to split power between the front and rear wheels. 

Stated fuel economy is 25 city, 27 highway and 26 combined. I averaged 25.5.

Safety and Technology

New tech allows smartphones and smart watches to serve as virtual “keys” to lock, unlock and drive Seltos. What’s more, these capabilities can be shared with others via text messages. Over the air updates automatically keep the nav and infotainment systems current.

The driver assistance suite incorporates Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Other standard safety features include Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Rear View Monitoring and Rear Occupant Alert.

Driving Impressions

Ride quality is a bit on the firm side, though not uncomfortably so. The tradeoff for this is what could reasonably be considered crisp handling. Turn-in is predictable, grip is good and braking is suitably proficient. 

And yes, I know this is coming across a bit as faint praise, but the reality is Seltos is primarily designed to be competent and safe. Thrilling wasn’t an action item on its design brief. To that end, the Kia comports itself well over any type of tarmac.

The 1.6-liter engine offers more than enough power to move the 3200-pound Seltos confidently. Merging into fast-moving traffic is readily accomplished and passing power is more than sufficient for getting you around slower vehicles on two-lane roads. 

All in all, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a competent automobile.

2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD Specifications

Wrap Up

Just two years into its presence here in the United States, the Kia Seltos has been updated for the 2024 model year. Improvements include new styling elements, a more powerful engine offering and even more contemporary tech. Meanwhile, the value proposition underpinning every Kia product remains firmly in place. And yes, this includes what is arguably the best powertrain warranty coverage in the industry — 10 years or 100,000 miles. 

2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD — Frequently Asked Questions