Kia wants to make the Seltos look more rugged than before with a new facelift. If that’s not enough, it gets in-cabin tech upgrades and more power for the turbo-four.
The Kia Seltos is getting some big changes. The brand’s smallest crossover will get big changes for 2024 that include an extra 20 horsepower for its turbo engine and a new optional transmission. Kia calls the bigger new screen a segment first, and there are some small changes outside to help make Seltos stand out.
2024 Seltos Styling
Kia’s styling changes start with a much larger new grille. It is an evolution of the brand’s tiger nose that takes up much more of the front of the crossover than before.
Though it shares a few elements with the latest Kia Sportage, its larger sibling, Kia’s family resemblances are very small. At this point in its development, the tiger nose seems to be little more than just the small chrome tooth at the top center.
New headlights get a “heartbeat” LED strip. That’s what Kia calls the design, one we first saw on the HabaNiro concept and later the 2023 Niro. You can get full LED lamps, another upgrade for both styling and function.
Chrome bookends on either side of the lower grille make for a more confident stance, Kia says. The vertical fog lights that are also the daytime running lamps are meant to add to that effect.
More Power for 1.6L Turbo-Four
Kia’s entry-spec models get the same 147 horsepower 2.0L four.
AWD will also be standard on the lowest-priced model and all but the S trim. Kia’s AWD system is unique for the segment, letting you lock the differentials and send equal power to all four tires at speeds under 19 mph.
The 1.6L turbocharged four offered on higher trims gets the big upgrades. With 195 horsepower, it has 20 more ponies than before. Kia didn’t mention torque, but last year’s engine made 195 pound-feet.
Last year the turbo engine had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic attached. This year it has an eight-speed automatic, still with all-wheel drive as standard. The new transmission should improve vehicle refinement, Kia said. One company spokesperson noted that buyers expressed some frustration with the old DCT.
Kia Seltos Gets Panoramic Dash Screen
Tech updates inside start with new screens all around. Lower-spec models get a 4.2-inch digital gauge pack in the dash. Upper-spec models get a new panoramic display that combines a 10.25-inch digital dash and matching-size center display into one big bezel. Kia already uses the setup in a few other new models, which helps make the cabin look pricier than it is.
There are four USB ports in the cabin this year, along with available ventilated front seats. A power liftgate also joins the options list, though those last two are only offered with the SX Sunroof Package.
For 2024, the system will support Digital Key 2 Touch. This is an option on SX and lets users with an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Samsung Galaxy use the device as a key. It will be able to unlock, start, and drive the Seltos. The infotainment system will also support over-the-air updates for maps and other improvements.
Driver Assistance Upgrades
Kia is updating the driver assistance systems, too. New for 2024 is Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. The Seltos will have blind spot collision warnings, intelligent speed limit assist, and intelligent speed limit warnings.
Kia Adds X-Line Trim
Last but not least, Kia has added its X-Line trim to the 2024 Seltos. That’s Kia’s trim aimed at buyers who want a more rugged and outdoorsy appearance.
It comes with a gunmetal finish front grille, X-Line 18-inch wheels, gloss black door trim, and a black roof rack. X-Line is the one you see in the photos, highlighted in the new Pluton Blue paint shade.
2024 Kia Seltos: Pricing & Availability
The 2024 Kia Seltos is set to arrive at dealers in the first half of next year. The company didn’t announce the price, but we expect it to be a bit more than the current 2022 model year’s $22,840 starting price.
