Kia Shows Us an Improved Seltos for 2024

The Kia Seltos arrived on the market during the pandemic (in 2020 as a 2021 model), and yet the Korean brand’s small crossover – which is also a non-identical cousin of the Hyundai Kona – sure did not miss its entry in the smaller crossover segment.

And since the category is so popular, the automaker is making changes to its urban vehicle right away for the 2024 model year. You’ll have to be more patient, though, as the redesigned version will arrive later in 2023.

At first glance, the new 2024 Seltos doesn’t change that much on the outside, but when you take a second look, you’ll notice that the grille takes up more space and the signature LED daytime running lights are redesigned, the light strips that are also showing up in the center of the grille on the plush (SX) liveries. The rest of the front bumper is also new, with fog lights placed vertically as it already is on the outgoing version. From a side point of view, the Seltos remains true to the 2020 design, although the wheel design is also renewed for 2024.

As is customary, the rear section is also revised with a new unique taillight that stretches from left to right, the new brand crest that sits under the rear window in the middle of this light strip. The bumper design has also been redesigned.

Inside, the signature of the Korean empire’s recent models is applied to the urban crossover with a large panel that extends from behind the steering wheel to the middle of the redesigned dashboard. While the portion behind the steering wheel acts as an instrument gauge, the center portion is appropriately touch-sensitive. Underneath the touch screen, you’ll find all the buttons you need to adjust the temperature in the cabin daily. As for the center console, it still uses a good old shift lever, unlike the Niro, for example, which uses a thumbwheel to select gears for its transmission.

Given its size, the Kia Seltos is not a good candidate for a large engine. Besides, it would have been surprising if engineers hadn’t attempted this kind of makeover in an era where electrification and climate change are everywhere. Under the hood, the 2024 Seltos also keeps its entry-level powertrain, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with 146 horsepower and 132 ft-lb of torque. This engine is exclusively available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while it is possible to order this variant with two or four-wheel drive.

The turbocharged engine is still available, but its power is increased to 195 horsepower, a gain of 20 in this case. However, the most significant change is undoubtedly the gearbox, with the old dual-clutch unit replaced by an eight-speed automatic, which should be smoother for passengers.

And on the safety front, Kia has made a point of strengthening its various systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. There’s also Blind Spot Collision Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, three new systems that add to the already extensive array of features.

Pricing for the 2024 Kia Seltos is not yet known, but at least we know that it is expected next spring, in 2023.