The Seltos’ base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, but if you plugged the Seltos into the fuel-economy testing we conducted when comparing larger compact SUVs, the turbo Seltos would’ve still only managed a fourth-place finish. In the fuel-economy testing we conducted as part of our comparison test, the Seltos SX trailed every other vehicle in the field, but it did exceed its combined mpg rating we observed an average of 28.4 mpg. The turbo 1.6-liter engine earned an EPA rating of just 25/27/26 mpg city/highway/combined, which is on the low side for its class. The glaring issue with this powertrain is its fuel economy. This interior quietness adds to the Seltos’ near-premium feel, and it combines with the vehicle’s impressive dynamics to create the sense that you’re driving something nicer than an affordable small SUV - which, in turn, makes the Seltos feel like an even better value. In our comparison test, only the cushy Subaru Crosstrek was more comfortable.Īs buttoned up as its driving dynamics are, what’s most impressive about driving the Seltos is how quiet it is given how much it costs. There’s some body roll in corners, and its ride quality is on the firm side, though it stays composed over road imperfections and bumps. Steering, handling and braking are all impressive for the class, but the Seltos is not without issues. The Seltos was the quickest in our 0-60 mph test, just beating the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid with a time of 7.82 seconds. There is some hesitancy in the powertrain when driving around town (the Seltos was only third-quickest from 0-30 mph in our testing), but power picks up quickly at higher speeds. The eight-speed replaces a dual-clutch automatic transmission that we often found clunky and aggravating, particularly at low speeds. With its new eight-speed automatic transmission, the SX’s driving experience is much smoother and more pleasant than before, with shifts that are adequately quick and crisp. Some passing maneuvers and merges may require some finesse and forethought, but tasks like crossing busy roads are much less harrowing in this Kia than they are in many competitors. Powered by its 195-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, it’s quick for what it is. In a segment of low-powered glorified hatchbacks - often plagued by noisy continuously variable automatic transmissions - the Seltos SX is a breath of fresh, compressed air. ![]() Be sure to check out the full comparison to see how the Seltos fared, along with the other five SUVs we tested. ![]() It had an as-tested price of $33,085 (prices include destination). Given how much the subcompact SUV class has grown since then, we felt the time was ripe to see if the 2024 Seltos could repeat its victory, or if its competition had caught up or even surpassed it.įor both this review and the larger comparison test, we drove a 2024 Seltos SX, which brings the optional turbo 1.6-liter engine. The 2021 Seltos won our comparison of four affordable small SUVs back in 2020. Related: What’s the Best Affordable SUV of 2023? Its available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine also gets a healthy 20-horsepower boost, for a total of 195 hp, and now pairs with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous dual-clutch automatic. For 2024, it gets revised exterior styling, a new X-Line trim level with a more rugged appearance, and available dual 10.25-inch displays in most trims. The Kia Seltos has been a favorite of ours since its debut as a 2021 model. Versus the competition: Already the benchmark in a growing segment of small, affordable SUVs, the 2024 Seltos continues to lead the way - it won our latest comparison in its class - but its performance, price and fuel efficiency might have it facing off with larger SUVs, too. ![]() The verdict: The 2024 Kia Seltos improves upon an already winning formula by pairing its available turbocharged engine with a smoother, more traditional automatic transmission in place of the old dual-clutch automatic, while continuing to offer an impressive mix of useful features and high-quality materials unfortunately, some modern conveniences are still conspicuously absent.
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