2024 Kia Seltos: More Power, Bolder Looks, and Bigger Screens

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.