2024 Kia Seltos Review | Team Kia of El Cajon

2024 Kia Seltos Review

Kia's subcompact SUV is getting a meaningful refresh for 2024. The new Seltos arrives with sharper styling, a stronger turbocharged engine, and a cabin that feels a step above the 2023 model. If you're shopping for a family vehicle or ready to trade up, it deserves a spot on your list. To help you decide, the Team Kia of El Cajon team pulled together the highlights below.

The Exterior of the 2024 Kia Seltos

The first thing you'll notice is the new face. Kia calls the updated look its "digital tiger" design, a modern take on the brand's signature tiger-nose grille. The grille is wider than before, giving the Seltos a broader, more planted stance, and high-utility roof rails make it simple to carry extra gear.

LED headlights and fog lights help you see and be seen in poor conditions, and available Star Map LED lighting, inspired by constellations, gives the front end a more premium finish.

New for 2024 is the X-Line trim. It takes a more rugged approach with a gunmetal grille finish, 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, gloss-black door trim, and X-Line badging. Color choices are expected to carry over from 2023, including Gravity Gray, Neptune Blue, Cherry Black, and Mars Orange.

Engine, Power, and Capabilities

The 2024 Seltos is built to handle more than the daily commute. Its available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive improves grip in rain, dirt, and other tough conditions. A center-lock mode splits power evenly between the front and rear wheels, which is most useful at low speeds on muddy or unpaved roads.

Buyers can choose between two engines:

Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission
2.0L inline-four (standard) 147 hp 132 lb-ft IVT automatic
1.6L turbocharged inline-four 195 hp 195 lb-ft 8-speed automatic

The Seltos SX pairs the turbo engine with new 18-inch wheels and roof rails ready for a kayak or surfboard. Official fuel economy figures weren't available at publication. The 2023 Seltos with the 2.0L engine was rated at up to 35 mpg on the highway, so the 2024 is expected to land in a similar range. Pricing is also expected to stay close to the outgoing model, with an anticipated starting MSRP around $25,000.

Inside the 2024 Kia Seltos

The cabin gets a noticeable upgrade in comfort and refinement. A new sound-absorbing windshield cuts down on road noise, so the ride is quieter than in the 2023 model. Available dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays sit in front of the driver, and the touchscreen makes it easy to set up navigation and other features before you pull out.

Horizontal trim wraps around the dash and echoes the exterior design. Seating options include woven cloth, leatherette, or a mix of both, and the front seats are available with heating and ventilation. There's generous head and legroom in both rows, and an available power liftgate makes loading the cargo area easier.

Safety and Entertainment Features

The new Seltos comes with a long list of driver-assistance technology, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Kia Digital Key turns your smartphone into your key, so you can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle from your paired device. You can also share digital access with family and friends through the Kia Connect app.

For entertainment, an available Bose premium audio system with eight speakers delivers rich sound, and the quieter cabin helps you hear it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, a wireless charging pad keeps your phone topped up, and USB-C ports are standard in both the front and rear rows.

Interested in the 2024 Kia Seltos? Contact us to share your thoughts or ask questions. You can also stop by our El Cajon dealership to talk with our sales team, browse our new vehicle inventory, or schedule a test drive.