2024 Kia Seltos: A First Drive Review

Affordable AWD and More in a Compact SUV

The subcompact SUV segment is a small but fiercely competitive one. With so many great options on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for you. But if you're looking for an affordable SUV with plenty of features and a comfortable ride, the 2024 Kia Seltos is worth a look.

Top-of-the-line SX trim starts at $29,990

The Seltos is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The base LX trim starts at $22,590, while the top-of-the-line SX trim starts at $29,990. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels except the LX, and it adds $1,800 to the price.

On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel-drive Seltos with the turbocharged 1.6-liter managed 32 mpg

The Seltos offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Contrasting acceleration, this 2024 SUV set a Seltos best for 60-0-mph braking, albeit only by 2 feet, coming to a stop

The Seltos is a relatively quick SUV, with the turbocharged engine providing plenty of power for passing and merging. However, the CVT transmission can be a bit slow to respond, so you may find yourself waiting for the engine to catch up when you need to accelerate quickly.

The Seltos offers reasonable cargo capacity

The Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That's more cargo space than the Honda HR-V, but less than the Toyota RAV4.