First Spin: 2024 Kia Seltos | The Each day Drive
5 min read
By Sue Mead
Kia says its 2024 Seltos is a small sport utility able to large issues. Launched within the US in 2021, after coming to the worldwide market in 2019, this subcompact crossover is positioned between the maker’s smaller Soul and the larger Sportage. It now will get a mid-cycle replace that brings new styling in and out, provides extra energy, and gives extra options and know-how. Additionally new is the X-Line trim stage that replaces the Dusk Version. On sale now, Seltos is available in LX (begins at $24,390 and obtainable in all-wheel drive solely); S ($24,990 with FWD, $26,490 with AWD); EX ($25,790 FWD, $27,990 AWD); X-Line ($28,690 AWD commonplace); and SX ($29,990 AWD commonplace).
Historical past:
This Korean automaker has come a great distance since becoming a member of the American automotive trade in 1992. At the moment, Kia Motors America supplied solely small vehicles that had been offered at low retail or “discount basement” costs. Over the previous three many years, Kia has not solely grown its portfolio of fashions, however has been award-winning in almost each class of the market. Final yr was record-breaking for Kia in plenty of methods; the carmaker loved best-ever retail gross sales within the US, grew its market share to 5 %, raised its conquest charge to 60 %, and was primary in J.D. Energy’s VDS (Automobile Dependability Satisfaction) survey–the primary time a non-luxury marque has taken this spot.
What’s it?
Wanting on the Seltos, you’ll discover that its new styling offers a barely retro impression general, with a extra rugged exterior design; it rides on 17-inch wheels. The tiger-nose grille is extra distinguished, beset by new built-in signature lighting, together with a redesigned entrance and rear bumper, obtainable LED headlights and 4 completely different wheel choices. A sensible energy liftgate is on the market. The brand new X-Line trim stage enjoys an unique grille design with gunmetal end, distinctive 18-inch wheels, a black bridge-type roof rack, and gloss-black door garnish.
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The cabin that has an open, ethereal really feel with engaging supplies and floor finishes that change with completely different trims. The “tech-focused” inside has been reworked, and sports activities a brand new seamless infotainment panel that stretches throughout the dashboard. Sprint parts embrace a digital gauge show, and a ten.25-inch panoramic touchscreen (a smaller show with analog gauges is commonplace on decrease trim ranges). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace on all trim ranges, whereas SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, wi-fi charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are choices. A Bose premium audio system with eight high-performance audio system is on the market, as are heated and ventilated entrance seats.
In response to an growing variety of consumers who’re excited about going off-the-beaten path, Kia has partnered with the AllTrails+ app (see beneath).
What strikes it?
There are two engines obtainable for the 2024 Seltos. Out there in decrease trim ranges is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a CVT automated. The engine produces 146 horsepower. The EPA estimates freeway gas economic system of 34 mpg for FWD fashions with the two.0-liter.
Additionally obtainable is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 195 horsepower. That’s up 20 horsepower over final yr’s 1.6-liter turbo. The engine mates completely by an 8-speed automated transmission. With AWD, the 1.6-liter engine will return an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the freeway.
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The Drive and Takeaways:
I drove the brand new Seltos powered by the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine on a first-drive held within the Newport, Rhode Island. The engine was peppy, and moved this small runabout nicely when navigating metropolis streets, touring alongside winding again nation roads, and motoring on a busy freeway. Notable had been the smooth-operating transmission, and the quietness of the cabin. Hyundai credit the hushed inside to sound-absorbing windshield glass. Additionally spectacular is the crisp steering response and well-mannered brakes.
Though I didn’t have the chance to evaluate traction on dust roads or another traction-compromised surfaces, I’m impressed that Kia’s AWD system is torque-vectoring, with a lock mode that can distribute the ability evenly between the entrance and rear axles.
I additionally appreciated this CUV’s good ergonomics, with loads of elbow room for its measurement and its interesting and smart-looking styling. Kia says the Seltos has best-in-class inside room and second-row legroom. The rear cargo space can swallow as much as 27 cubic-feet of stuff with the again seat up, and 63 toes with the rear seat folded.
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Security:
Seltos has a protracted checklist of security options that features Kia’s Ahead Collision Avoidance and Help 1.5 with Bicycle owner Detection and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Retaining Help (on all trims). Additionally commonplace are Blindspot Collision Warning with Rear Cross Visitors Alert, Collision Avoidance Help, navigation-based Sensible Cruise Management with Cease and Go and Curve Detection, Freeway Driving Help. And obtainable on higher trim ranges is Clever Velocity Restrict Help/Clever Velocity Restrict Warning.
ALLTrails+ App:
Kia America has teamed up with the AllTrails+ app to amplify outside adventures. Now via December 31, 2023, clients that buy or lease a brand new 2023 or 2024 Seltos SUV are eligible to obtain a promo code for a six-month trial of the AllTrails+ premium app, an outside and journey path app with an intensive suite of options designed to assist customers save time, keep secure, be ready, and by no means miss a flip when planning outside adventures. The AllTrails+ platform helps customers discover and discover new trails, hook up with routes finest suited to their distinctive wants, and get outdoors with peace of thoughts offered by navigation instruments, unique options, and opinions and images from different AllTrails+ customers. The app boasts path protection on all seven continents and inside each nation, making it the world’s largest and most trusted world exploration app.
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