Car Buyer Labs

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A trim of the Kia Seltos for sale, a blue 2024 Kia Seltos S is shown driving during a sunset, with a mountain in the background.

Your 2024 Kia Seltos Buyer’s Guide

First introduced just a few years ago for the 2021 model year, the Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover with a fantastic array of features and options available. In the short time since it was released, the Seltos has won over many fans, and it only takes a few minutes with this ride to easily understand why that is. Now, for the 2024 model year, the Seltos has been refreshed with a gorgeous look and updates inside and out that make it better than ever before. However, with five different trims available, deciding which one is right for you and offers everything you need can take time and effort. Before you head out looking for a Kia Seltos for sale, take a few minutes to get to know your options and decide on which model has what you have been looking for.

The 2024 Kia Seltos LX

We will start with (surprise, surprise) the starting trim for the Kia Seltos, which is the LX; don’t let the “starting trim” idea fool you, however, as this is a great little crossover. The LX is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that offers 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. I love that AWD is the standard here as it provides an excellent driving experience; if you want more power in your subcompact crossover, then look at the X-Line or SX trims (we will get to them further down). The LX comes with 17-inch wheels and auto headlight control, plus you get a black front grille, silver front, and rear skid plates to protect the underside, and more.

Inside the Kia Seltos LX, you’ll find a wide range of fantastic features, including comfortable woven cloth seating featuring a six-way manual driver’s seat and a four-way front passenger seat. An 8.0-inch Infotainment display is standard, paired with a 4.2-inch instrument display for the driver; plus, you get a standard six-speaker sound system, numerous USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Remote keyless entry is standard, along with Kia Drive Wise safety features that include a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection along with a Driver Attention Warning. You also get a Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and more to protect you and your loved ones.

The 2024 Kia Seltos S

If you like a lot about what comes standard in the Kia Seltos but you want some select upgrades, then the S trim is a great one to check out. The Seltos S has the same engine and excellent performance but features a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) rather than AWD. You can still choose AWD if you prefer it with the Seltos S, but this FWD setup gets better fuel economy with an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway; by comparison, with AWD, the Seltos receives an estimated 27 MPG in the city and just 31 MPG on the highway for fuel efficiency. The Seltos S has LED daytime running lights and tail lights for improved visibility.

Inside the Seltos S, you will find SynTex and cloth seating for added comfort and durability, ensuring you will look forward to every chance you get to drive the Seltos. Heated front seats are available for the S trim, plus you get a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel for an added touch of luxury. The most significant upgrades inside the S are the 10.25-inch Infotainment display and the 10.25-inch instrument screen for the driver. Safety is also enhanced with a Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist added to the impressive starting features of the Kia Drive Wise package.

The 2024 Kia Seltos EX

The ultimate version of the Seltos with the standard engine, the EX includes several interior improvements for a more sophisticated ride. For starters, SynTex seating features a 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar, standard heated front seats, LED interior lighting, a wireless phone charger, and a Kia smart key with remote start functionality. Much like the S trim, the EX features FWD standard with AWD available so you can choose the driving experience you prefer, along with the same upgraded safety features and advanced technology to enjoy.

A blue 2024 Kia Seltos is shown driving on a dirt path.

The 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line

If you are looking for a more exhilarating driving experience with your subcompact crossover SUV, then the X-Line is a great place to start. With the X-Line, you get a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers an impressive 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; some people prefer the feel of a traditional automatic, while others like the smoothness of the IVT, so keep that in mind when considering your options. The X-Line rides on 18-inch wheels, and features LED daytime running lights and tail lights. Plus, it comes with AWD, a gunmetal front grille and skid plates, and a two-tone roof.

Inside the Seltos X-Line, you will find the six-way manual driver’s seat and four-way front-passenger seat, with heated front seats, SynTex and cloth seating, and leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. You get the pair of 10.25-inch displays up front in the X-Line, perfect for enjoying yourself every time you get behind the wheel, with remote start functionality and much more. The X-Line also has the improved version of Kia Drive Wise with a Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.

The 2024 Kia Seltos SX

For the ultimate expression of what the Kia Seltos offers, you must check out the SX trim, which starts with the same powerful 1.6L turbocharged engine as the X-Line. This one comes with LED projection headlights and fog lights for even better overall visibility in low-light conditions, plus a black and chrome front grille. You will find the 10-way power driver’s seat inside the SX trim, with heated front seats, available ventilated front seats, and an optional sunroof. SynTex seating is standard in the SX, along with a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel for an added track-inspired detail.

LED interior lighting is standard in the Seltos SX, along with a Kia smart key with push button start, an available Digital Key 2 Touch function that lets you use your smartphone and other compatible devices as a virtual key to your vehicle, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You will find the two 10.25-inch displays inside the SX, a wireless phone charger, and a Bose Premium sound system featuring 8-speakers with a sound-connected mood lamp to create an interior that reflects the music you are listening to. The SX also has advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go; Highway Driving Assist; and more.

A white 2024 Kia Seltos is shown driving on a muddy road.

Are You Ready? The Right Kia Seltos Is Waiting for You

By offering these five trim levels for the refreshed 2024 Seltos, Kia has created a fantastic lineup that gives you plenty of options without going overboard. The differences between one trim level and the next can be subtle, but they are still meaningful, and it is easy to consider your options and get the Seltos that perfectly meets your needs. All you have to do now is figure out what you need in your next vehicle—once you know what you are looking for, it is easy to look at each Seltos trim and see which one perfectly checks your boxes. Just keep in mind the two engines you have available, whether you prefer FWD or AWD performance, and the kinds of extra touches and niceties you want in your subcompact crossover. Once you have that figured out, then you can choose the right Seltos and get driving!