2024 Kia Seltos

2024 is the mid-cycle refresh year of the first-generation (2021–) Seltos. The volume S keeps the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four at 146 hp, while the SX's 1.6T rises 20 hp to 195 hp. The volume engine sits just below the floor of the SUV band.

The volume 2.0-liter makes 132 lb-ft, delivered high in the rev range — barely above the bottom of the SUV band.

The 2.0L/IVT combination, unchanged by the refresh, needs roughly 9.6 seconds to 60 mph — slow even for the class. The refreshed 195-hp SX is far quicker but is not the volume configuration.

The 2.0L is smooth and quiet at a cruise but must be revved hard to make progress, where it turns buzzy. The refreshed 1.6T is notably stronger and more responsive, but only on the SX.

Kia's IVT uses simulated steps that blunt the CVT rubber-band feel in town, though it still drones under hard throttle. For 2024 the SX swaps the previous 7-speed dual-clutch for a conventional 8-speed automatic, which shifts smoothly and removes the DCT's low-speed hesitation.

Kia publishes no US trailer-weight rating for the Seltos and offers no factory tow package, so it scores as not tow-capable. Overseas ratings (1,250 kg in Australia) do not apply to the US model.

AWD is standard on LX, X-Line and SX and optional on S and EX, so every trim can have it. The system adds a selectable Lock mode with a 50/50 split, and AWD cars get a multi-link rear suspension. That is broad availability with somewhat more capability than basic on-demand systems.

About 7.2–7.3 inches of ground clearance, AWD Lock mode and the new rugged-styled X-Line trim make it fine on gravel and snow. There is no low range, no locker and no real underbody protection, so the X-Line is an appearance package rather than an off-road trim.

Two gas engines (2.0L/IVT and 1.6T/8AT), but the turbo is limited to one trim and there is no hybrid, PHEV or EV in the US for 2024.

The volume S FWD with the 2.0L/IVT is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined, which is strong for a gas subcompact SUV. AWD and turbo versions give up 2–5 MPG.

EPA rates the volume FWD 2.0L at 28 MPG in the city.

EPA rates the volume FWD 2.0L at 34 MPG on the highway.

A 13.2-gallon tank and 31 MPG combined give the volume FWD trim about 409 miles of EPA range, which is mid-pack for the segment.

EPA estimates $2,150 a year in regular gasoline for the volume FWD trim at standard assumptions.

Every 2024 Seltos powertrain, including the 1.6T, runs on regular unleaded.

NHTSA published only a rollover rating (4 stars) for the facelifted 2024 Seltos; the most recent full overall rating for the first-generation Seltos is the 2023 model's 4 stars. The 5-star overall rating came with NHTSA's retest of the 2025 model, so it is not credited to 2024.

No 2024 IIHS award: Good in both small overlap tests and the original moderate overlap test, but only Acceptable in the updated moderate overlap (rear-passenger) test and Marginal in the updated side test — the two evaluations the current award criteria hinge on.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with car/pedestrian/cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and High Beam Assist are standard on every trim, but the base LX lacks blind-spot and rear cross-traffic, and adaptive cruise is SX-only — the volume trims miss one or two of the five core items.

IIHS rates the standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Poor in the updated higher-speed vehicle-to-vehicle test; the pedestrian result is only Acceptable, and that with high-beam assist credit.

Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (with active braking) and Safe Exit Warning are standard from the S trim up, covering most of the volume mix, but blind-spot is warning-only and the base LX gets none of it.

Lane Keeping Assist plus Lane Following Assist (true lane centering) is standard on every trim including the LX — generous for the class — and reviewers generally find it keeps the vehicle well centered, though it is most effective paired with the SX's adaptive cruise.

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, navigation-based curve control and Highway Driving Assist are confined to the top SX trim; LX/S/EX/X-Line buyers get fixed-speed cruise only, a notable gap when most subcompact SUV rivals make ACC standard.

No hands-free driving system is offered on any 2024 Seltos trim; Highway Driving Assist on the SX is a hands-on lane-centering aid.

The halogen projectors on the volume LX/S/EX/X-Line trims are rated Poor by IIHS, and even the SX's LED projectors manage only Acceptable; standard High Beam Assist is the only mitigation.

The upright, boxy body with tall side glass and a squared-off hatch gives better natural sightlines than fastback-roofed rivals, but camera compensation is limited to the standard rear-view camera on the 2024 trims.

IIHS rates LATCH ease of use Acceptable — two outboard LATCH sets plus a center tether, with anchors that take some digging; the rear seat is roomy for the class but too narrow for three seats across.

The refreshed 2024 Seltos is a two-row, five-seat subcompact SUV on every trim (LX, S, EX, X-Line, SX); no third row is offered.

40.0 in of front headroom without the sunroof is generous for a subcompact SUV, a product of the Seltos's tall, boxy roofline; the 2024 refresh did not change cabin dimensions.

41.4 in of front legroom is mid-pack for the subcompact class and sits in the lower third of the SUV band.

38.4 in of second-row headroom gives adults good clearance for the class.

38.0 in of rear legroom is a standout for a subcompact SUV, near compact-class territory and ahead of the Kona and HR-V.

Strictly two rows and five seats; no third row exists on any 2024 trim, so it scores in the bottom band by definition.

26.6 cu ft behind the second row leads most subcompact rivals, but sits at the very bottom of an SUV band that spans full-size three-row utilities.

Folding the 60/40 rear seat opens 62.8 cu ft, among the best in the subcompact class but low against the full SUV band.

Competitive everyday storage with a useful dual-level cargo floor (flat load deck or deeper well); console and door bins are class-normal, and a wireless charging pad is available on EX/SX. Nothing sparse, nothing standout.

Front seats are criticized for limited lower-back and thigh support on long drives, and LX/S/X-Line drivers make do with a manual seat; the reclining rear bench is comparatively comfortable for the class.

A consistent complaint: the firm suspension and short wheelbase pass sharp bumps into the cabin and make the body jumpy on broken pavement; the 2024 refresh did not retune it meaningfully.

Notably loud at highway speed, with plenty of road noise and a coarse drone from the 2.0L under load — a recurring theme across reviews of the refreshed car.

Heated front seats are optional on S and standard from EX, ventilated front seats are an SX option, and the LX is plainly equipped — key comfort kit concentrates on mid and upper trims.

For the 2024 refresh year the LX is the cheapest priced configuration in Kia's published table, at $24,490 before the $1,325 destination charge. That makes the Seltos one of the least expensive AWD SUVs on sale in the US.

We treat the S AWD as the volume configuration because it adds blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance and Safe Exit Assist over the LX for a small premium. It costs $26,590 plus $1,325 destination. Kia does not publish trim mix, so the volume-trim choice is our estimate.

CarEdge projects about $520 a year in maintenance across the first five years, or roughly $2,600. We add about $1,600 for unscheduled repairs and wear items typical of the class; the 5yr/60k basic warranty covers most component failures inside that window. The naturally aspirated 2.0L in the volume trims is a simple, inexpensive engine to service.

Residual estimates vary widely. KBB's 2024 cost-to-own figures imply about 41% retained, CarEdge 48%, and iSeeCars about 60%, so we blend them to about 49%. That is below the subcompact-SUV norm and consistent with the Seltos's mainstream-brand residuals.

Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty applies to the 2024 Seltos. It is two years longer than the 3yr/36k mainstream norm.

The 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty matches the best in the segment. It applies to the original owner; later owners get 5yr/60k.

Kia includes no complimentary scheduled maintenance, which trails Toyota's ToyotaCare (2yr/25k) and Hyundai's 3yr/36k. Buyers do get 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance and a Kia Connect trial, which puts the Seltos in the 'basic roadside only' band.

$27,915 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (49% retained, or about $13,678) leaves about $14,237 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,200 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $18,437 in total.

J.D. Power rates the 2024 Seltos 'Great' on Quality & Reliability, though it carries the prior year's rating onto the refreshed 2024 model, which has the new 1.6T/8AT powertrain and updated electronics. Consumer Reports' outlook is roughly average for the model. That's above the segment median but not top tier.

Over recent J.D. Power VDS/IQS studies Kia has placed in the upper half of mainstream brands, and in Consumer Reports brand rankings it sits upper-mid-pack. Good, but not consistently top-5.

The 2024 model has two NHTSA campaigns. One is a park-outside fire risk from the Idle Stop & Go electric oil-pump controller. The other covers side curtain airbags that can deploy unexpectedly. Earlier years of this generation also had the 2.0L piston-ring engine-failure recalls. The 2024 count is modest, but the fire advisory pulls this item into the middle of the band.

The volume 2.0L Smartstream/IVT carries the piston-ring oil-consumption history from 2021–2023 Seltos/Soul, which brought recalls and a Kia warranty extension. The 1.6T with a conventional 8-speed automatic is new for 2024 and replaces the earlier DCT, so it has no track record yet. Kia's 10-yr/100k-mile powertrain warranty offsets some of the risk.

The 2024 refresh brought a cleaner dash, and upper trims get the dual 10.25-inch panoramic display. Reviewers still note plenty of hard plastics, which is competitive for a subcompact SUV but not class-leading.

Reviewers describe the Korean-built Seltos as solidly assembled, with no widespread rattle or panel-gap complaints. Owner complaints center on electrical items and FCA sensor behavior rather than build quality.

Kia has roughly 750–800 US dealers, so coverage is nationwide. Service satisfaction is about the mass-market average in J.D. Power CSI.

The Seltos shares its platform and engines with the high-volume Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona, so parts are plentiful and repair costs are typical of the mainstream segment. Aftermarket support is moderate.

The 2024 refresh brought the 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen to the volume S trim and above; only the base LX keeps an 8-inch unit.

Kia's system is quick and logically laid out, and the refresh kept physical climate and audio controls alongside the screen; graphics are plain rather than cutting-edge.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto comes with the base LX's 8-inch screen, but the 10.25-inch navigation unit on the volume S and above requires a cable — most buyers plug in.

Built-in navigation with Kia Connect is standard from S up, which many rivals lack, but voice control is command-based and reviewers default to phone projection.

The six-speaker base system is adequate; an eight-speaker Bose system with subwoofer is confined to the SX and earns mixed reviewer verdicts.

For 2024 the 10.25-inch digital cluster pairs with the 10.25-inch touchscreen as a panoramic display from the S trim up; only the LX keeps analog gauges with a 4.2-inch LCD.

The Seltos is not on Kia's ccNC platform; nav-equipped trims get map and infotainment updates via Kia Connect and Kia's update portal, but not feature-adding whole-vehicle OTA.

Kia Connect (Kia Access app) on S and up covers remote start with climate, lock/unlock, vehicle locate and status; core features move to subscription after the trial period.

S and up get dual front plus dual rear USB chargers and EX/SX add a wireless pad; the LX has a single front USB and there is no AC outlet.

Smart key with push-button start arrives from S up and remote start is offered via fob/app, while EX/SX add a smart power liftgate; the LX keeps a conventional key and phone-as-key is not a mainstream feature.

A rear camera is standard and rear parking sensors appear on upper trims, but no 360-degree surround view is offered on the 2024 US Seltos and there is no parking automation.

No head-up display is offered on any 2024 US Seltos trim.

Class-leading 26.6 cu ft behind the rear seat and 38.0 in of rear legroom make strollers and rear-facing seats easy, with tall square door openings. Held back by LATCH anchors set deep in the seat (IIHS Acceptable) and a bench too narrow for three seats across.

Every trim gets forward collision avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist detection and lane following, and S and up add blind-spot and rear cross-traffic. But the IIHS record is weak — Marginal in the updated side test, Poor in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention, Poor halogen headlights on most trims, no award — and NHTSA only rated rollover for 2024; adaptive cruise is SX-only.

The reclining rear seat, rear USB ports (S and up) and genuinely usable cargo with five aboard suit family trips, but a loud cabin, stiff ride and front seats short on support limit it to medium-haul comfort.

Compact dimensions, good visibility, light controls and standard lane following make it easy in traffic; the 146-hp 2.0L is sluggish off the line and the firm ride and road noise add fatigue.

31 mpg combined in FWD form on regular fuel and modest maintenance costs make it ordinary-to-good for the class; no hybrid is offered, so electrified rivals beat it per mile.

At about 172 in long and 70.9 in wide with a ~34.8 ft turning circle, it slots into tight spaces easily and its upright glasshouse gives good sightlines; no surround-view camera is offered.

Kia publishes no US tow rating and sells no factory tow package for the Seltos, and the volume 146-hp engine has nothing in reserve; the roomy cargo hold is the only work-relevant asset.

Proven consumer powertrain backed by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but nothing is built for hard use: no fleet track record, cloth/SynTex trim, no heavy-duty components.

Roof rails on most trims, cargo hooks and a dual-level cargo floor are enough to strap down tools, but there is no AC inverter, factory hitch or upfit ecosystem.

Range is adequate — about 409 miles FWD, 383 AWD — and Highway Driving Assist helps but only on the SX. A loud cabin, stiff ride over expansion joints and under-supportive front seats are real endurance limits.

Available AWD with Lock Mode (standard on LX, X-Line and SX), ~7.2–7.3 in of ground clearance, drive modes and roof rails make it a competent gravel-road companion; the new X-Line adds rugged styling but no skid plates, all-terrain tires or tow rating.

26.6 cu ft behind the rear seat and 62.8 cu ft folded lead the subcompact class, aided by the dual-level floor and 60/40 split; no factory hitch rules out hitch-mounted racks.

Secure and predictable, with a well-tuned stability control system, but grip is near the bottom of the class with noticeable body lean and front-end push at the limit; AWD trims gain a multi-link rear suspension.

Consistently weighted and accurate enough to place the car, but largely devoid of feel — typical electric-assist subcompact-crossover steering.

60–0 mph stops around 135 ft are middling for the class; pedal feel is unobjectionable with no fade reported.

The volume 146-hp 2.0L with IVT is sluggish from a stop (~9.6 s 0–60) though the stepped IVT avoids the worst rubber-banding. The 2024 SX's new 195-hp 1.6T with an 8-speed automatic replaces the old DCT and is far smoother, but is not the volume configuration.

The 2.0L must be worked hard and drones coarsely under load, and the cabin does little to suppress it.

A tight 34.8 ft turning diameter from the short 103.5 in wheelbase is a genuine urban strength, unchanged by the 2024 refresh.

High hip point, thin A-pillars and a boxy greenhouse give good sightlines, and physical climate/audio controls remain; power adjustment with lumbar is limited to EX/SX and front seats lack thigh support.

In volume 2.0L/IVT form it is transportation rather than entertainment — slow, low on grip and stiff-riding. The 2024 SX's 195-hp turbo (~7 s to 60) is genuinely lively but is a single trim.

The 2024 refresh makes AWD standard on the LX and brings standard forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, high-beam assist and rear occupant alert. The S, at about $26k, adds blind-spot, rear cross-traffic and Safe Exit Assist. Rivals at the same price (Trailblazer, HR-V, Kicks) generally include less, but adaptive stop-and-go cruise is SX-only.

AWD from $25,815 delivered, a well-equipped S near $28k, and a 195-hp turbo X-Line/SX under $31.5k make the Seltos one of the stronger value plays among subcompact SUVs. The industry-leading warranty adds to that. The base 2.0L's weak acceleration is the main drag on capability per dollar.

There are five trims (LX, S, EX, X-Line, SX) in seven configurations spaced about $600–$1,500 apart, with FWD or AWD on S and EX and two engines. That is a well-graduated ladder for the class, but it has no hybrid and the turbo is limited to the top two trims.

The Seltos is a steady mid-pack seller in the crowded subcompact class: solid volume and rising around the 2024 refresh, but well behind segment leaders such as the Trax, Crosstrek and HR-V.

Kia's image has risen sharply on the strength of the Telluride, EV6 and its 2021 rebrand, and the long warranty supports buyer confidence. As a mainstream brand it is still not aspirational, and residual values lag Toyota, Honda and Subaru.

Through the 2024 model year Kia commonly offered cash rebates and subsidized financing or lease deals on the Seltos. Discounts ran to a few hundred to roughly $1,500, with no sign of distress pricing.

2024 is the mid-cycle refresh year of the first-generation Seltos, which launched in the US for 2021. It gained new styling, a revised interior with an available dual 10.25-inch display, the 195-hp turbo with an 8-speed automatic, and the X-Line trim. The platform is mid-cycle rather than new, and a second generation was unveiled in December 2025.

Reviewers rate the refreshed Seltos well for space, features, value and the stronger SX turbo, while criticizing the slow base engine. It places in the upper half of subcompact SUV rankings but is rarely the outright class pick.