Road Test: 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD

Redesigned In and Out

Kia says the considerably refreshed 2024 Seltos is “designed to enchantment to shoppers who get pleasure from life on the transfer.” Heck, meaning everybody ought to need a Seltos, which might make Kia very completely satisfied. As it’s, 2023 Seltos gross sales have been up 25 p.c over the earlier 12 months, so Kia is anticipating to proceed this success in 2024, saying the redesigned Seltos has “a extra commanding presence, inside and outside.” The Kia people could also be on to one thing. Learn on.

20224 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD — **Casting a large web**

Clean 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 provide 195 horsepower (hp) and 195 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.). Our zero-to-60 instances have been a decent 7.1 seconds, which was loads peppy for the three,362-pound Seltos. For finest efficiency, the 8-speed automated has three driver-selectable drive modes—Regular, Good and Sport. Regular and Good have been each good for gas financial system, whereas turning the selector wheel all the best way to the fitting Sport gave extra spirited driving. This is similar 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 by 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 financial system is 28 mpg metropolis/34 freeway/31 mixed.

Driving Expertise: On the Highway

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 highway 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 highway state of affairs. This enhances stability in corners and offers the car extra connection to the highway. The great steering really feel, and the AWD system, gave a stable, steady command of the highway, permitting you to assault excessive pace cloverleaf freeway ramps at over the posted pace 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 highway noise transmitted to the cabin, however these tires have been good for cornering, dealing with and stopping.

For extra traction on snow-covered or icy roads, there’s a Middle Lock button that locks the middle coupling, providing sure-footed traction as much as about 25 miles per hour. It is a helpful characteristic 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 simple to drive.

Refreshed and Up to date: Exterior

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 stable colours (plus 4 extra with a contrasting roof). Small crossovers can mix collectively, however not the Seltos, as its styling and shade choices will assist make yours extra personalised.

The sleek exterior has a couple of 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 mild bar that runs almost the whole 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 edges have minimal chrome; a strip wraps the home windows ending in a gorgeous design component on the rear pillar. The horizontal LED tail lights join throughout the facility carry gate, solely interrupted by a vibrant Okay-I-A brand. The concave design of the hatch consists of Seltos and SX badges. The black bumper, with a silver-painted defuser, incorporates the back-up lights.

And Inside

Climbing inside, the cabin consists of 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 coated in SynTex, a mix of textile and artificial supplies that mimics the traits of leather-based, however with out using any animal merchandise.

The entrance seats are heated and ventilated with the motive force getting 10-way energy changes with lumbar, whereas the passenger will get guide changes. We like that the outlook on the highway, with 7.3 inches of floor clearance, was increased than a sedan however not as excessive as a typical SUV. The rear seat heart 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 toes of cargo house. The rear twin degree cargo ground has a handy characteristic the place the ground panel will 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 because of Kia designers for the knobs to manage 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 shade themes, altering colours and depth based mostly on quantity degree. You will have to go to your Kia seller at night time to check-out this cool characteristic.

Different options are an influence sunroof, heated and energy facet mirrors with flip alerts, three entrance USB ports, wi-fi charging, sliding entrance heart armrest, cargo cowl, rear passenger vents and USB ports, automated local weather management, distant and push button begin and a compact spare tire.

The Digital Key permits homeowners to make use of a appropriate Apple iPhone, Watch, and Samsung Galaxy as a digital key to lock, unlock and begin the automobile.

Security and Warranties

The Seltos comes with an intensive listing of normal and non-obligatory security options. Ensure to talk together with your Kia gross sales rep for what security options include which trim degree. If you’re seeking to save a couple of {dollars} in your Seltos buy, don’t skimp on the superior driver security help methods (ADAS).

Security gadgets embody 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 preserving help and departure warning, and rear cross visitors alert.

The 2024 Seltos has not been rated by the Nationwide Freeway and Security Administration (NHTSA) however The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it an general Good ranking.

The Seltos comes with these warranties:

Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
Primary – 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? When you do, it isn’t a foul factor and solely enhances the Seltos’ enchantment. Shoppers in search of 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 shade selections, there could also be a Seltos for everybody.

For versatility, experience, model, gas financial system, security tools and an amazing 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 by 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 type of electrification within the coming decade. Till then, go to your Kia seller and check drive what Clear Fleet Report feels is likely one of the finest entry-level crossovers in the marketplace. We don’t assume you’ll be upset.

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Story and pictures by John Faulkner.

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