Highway Check: 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD

July 8, 2024

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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 desire a Seltos, which might make Kia very joyful. As it’s, 2023 Seltos gross sales had been up 25 % over the earlier 12 months, so Kia is anticipating to proceed this success in 2024, saying the redesigned Seltos has “a extra commanding presence, in and out.” The Kia people could also be on to one thing. Learn on.

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

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 had been a decent 7.1 seconds, which was lots peppy for the three,362-pound Seltos. For finest efficiency, the 8-speed computerized has three driver-selectable drive modes—Regular, Good and Sport. Regular and Good had been each good for gas economic system, whereas turning the selector wheel all the way in which to the proper 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 means of 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 economic 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 clean and even acceleration. On the street 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 street scenario. This enhances stability in corners and offers the car extra connection to the street. The great steering really feel, and the AWD system, gave a strong, secure command of the street, permitting you to assault excessive pace cloverleaf freeway ramps at over the posted pace restrict. There was little have an effect on from passing huge 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 street noise transmitted to the cabin, however these tires had 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 useful characteristic when the roads get sloppy and tough. The Seltos SX consists, and for a subcompact crossover, the general trip 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 strong colours (plus 4 extra with a contrasting roof). Small crossovers can mix collectively, however not the Seltos, as its styling and coloration choices will assist make yours extra customized.

The sleek exterior has just a few 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 situated 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 practically the entire width of the grille.

The interesting aspect 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 sexy design factor on the rear pillar. The horizontal LED tail lights join throughout the facility carry gate, solely interrupted by a shiny Okay-I-A emblem. The concave design of the hatch contains Seltos and SX badges. The black bumper, with a silver-painted defuser, incorporates the back-up lights.

And Inside

Climbing inside, the cabin contains ample leg and headroom for 2 six-footers up entrance, with the rear seat offering good area 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 street, with 7.3 inches of floor clearance, was larger 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 cut up rear seat for 62.8 cubic ft of cargo area. The rear twin stage cargo ground has a handy characteristic the place the ground panel might be dropped-down about two inches, producing further area for taller objects.

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 glorious sound for AM/FM//MP3/and Sirius/XM and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Siri Eyes Free, with smartphone integration by way of 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 regulate the radio channels and quantity, and for the temperature management. The audio system have multi-dimensional grilles, giving a novel look in comparison with a primary flat speaker cowl. For enjoyable, the Bose system has sound-connected temper lighting that pulsates with six coloration themes, altering colours and depth based mostly on quantity stage. You have to to go to your Kia vendor at night time to check-out this cool characteristic.

Different options are an influence sunroof, heated and energy aspect mirrors with flip alerts, three entrance USB ports, wi-fi charging, sliding entrance heart armrest, cargo cowl, rear passenger vents and USB ports, computerized 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 in depth checklist of normal and non-obligatory security options. Ensure that to talk together with your Kia gross sales rep for what security options include which trim stage. In case you are trying to save just a few {dollars} in your Seltos buy, don’t skimp on the superior driver security help techniques (ADAS).

Security objects embrace entrance, aspect 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 retaining help and departure warning, and rear cross site visitors alert.

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

The Seltos comes with these warranties:

Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
Fundamental – 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? In case you do, it isn’t a foul factor and solely enhances the Seltos’ enchantment. Customers searching for one thing a bit bigger than a small crossover and a bit smaller than a midsize crossover can be drawn to the Seltos. With 5 trim ranges, every with extra options and a loopy huge assortment of exterior coloration decisions, there could also be a Seltos for everybody.

For versatility, trip, model, gas economic system, security tools and an incredible guarantee, the 2024 Kia Seltos is tough 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 conjures up confidence for on-road driving and delicate 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 means of this important refresh, it’s too early to invest 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 kind of electrification within the coming decade. Till then, go to your Kia vendor 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 can be upset.

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Story and pictures by John Faulkner.

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