Trims, Powertrains, and Performance
Buyers of the 2024 Kia Seltos will have five trims to choose from: LX, S, X-Line, EX, and SX. The LX, S, and EX each get the same 146-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from last year; however, the X-Line and SX come with a revised turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 195 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 1.6-liter gets the new eight-speed automatic.
The S and EX are the only trims to come with front-wheel drive, although they’re both eligible for all-wheel drive, which is standard in the LX, X-Line, and SX. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the S and EX is 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway; with AWD, those same trims – along with the LX – achieve 27 city/31 highway. The X-Line and SX return 25 city/27 highway.
LX
As entry-level trims go, this one is certainly superior to most. It has an array of attractive convenience features, starting with remote keyless entry (with vehicle immobilizer), power-adjustable side mirrors, automatic headlights, a 12V power outlet, a front-console USB data port, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, and a dual-level cargo floor. Kia also includes a great multimedia system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free, and a six-speaker sound system. For safety, a number of advanced driver-assist technologies are installed: forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.
S
The S adds a generous dose of upscale equipment, including Smart Key, remote start, roof rails, heated side mirrors, fog lights, and proximity keyless entry. The S’s cabin is especially upgraded, automatic climate control, getting push-button start, two USB charging ports, a sliding center armrest and a folding rear armrest with cupholders, combination cloth and synthetic-leather (SynTex) upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and rear A/C vents. What’s more, this trim’s safety suite is strengthened with blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. The options consist of a two-tone exterior, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and heated front seats.
EX
The EX gets a few of the S’s optional features as standard – the 10.25-inch touchscreen, built-in nav, SiriusXM, and heated front seats – along with a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, illuminated vanity mirrors, full SynTex seating, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Nightfall Edition
The uniquely styled Nightfall Edition reverts to the combination cloth/SynTex seats and does not get the sunroof, wireless phone charger, illuminated vanity mirrors, and power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, it does have a sportier aesthetic and eye-catching black exterior accents. The two-tone color scheme is optional, too.
SX
This top-tier trim builds upon the EX’s standard equipment list with LED headlights and fog lights, a 7-inch gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an electronic parking brake, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, a premium eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a cargo-area cover. It also has an enhanced forward collision system with cyclist detection, plus adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, and safe exit warning. The sunroof remains optional, though, and like the S and Nightfall Edition, the SX can be ordered with the two-tone exterior.
