2024 Kia Seltos First Impressions: A Competent All-Rounder

The 2024 Kia Seltos arrived in the Philippine market in December last year, which came with upgraded looks that are more in line with Kia’s current Opposites United styling direction, as well as having more features than before. Subcompact crossover SUVs are all the rage these days, and for the new Seltos to stand out, it needs to have a few unique selling points that set it apart from the competition.

If styling would be your priority, then the 2024 Kia Seltos is off to a great start. The sleeker headlights with its distinct “Star Map” LED daytime running lights and cleanly styled grille provide the Seltos with a very distinct front fascia. These are topped off by perfectly balanced proportions that are complemented by a new front bumper.

We drove both the mid-range 1.5 EX and 1.4 Turbo SX, and from the front fascia, their only differences are the LED headlights and LED foglights that are exclusive in the range-topping SX. At the sides, both get 17-inch wheels, though the SX gets a (subjectively) sportier two-tone wheel design. Moving towards the rear end, the SX gets a distinct set of full-width LED taillights. In the EX, this is just a reflector, while the lights themselves are halogen. Spec-wise, both models don’t look too different from each other, which is a good thing if you don’t have the need to splurge for the SX.

However, there’s something I’ll have to tell you about the Seltos. Take a look at the hood. While there’s nothing peculiar about it, it has a design cue that indicates what version of the Seltos we’re getting. The hood of the global Seltos (codenamed SP2) doesn’t reach the tip of the grille, but the model that’s being offered in the Philippines does. The reason why this is noteworthy is because what we’re actually getting is the Chinese market Seltos (codenamed SP2c), which is dimensionally shorter than the global Seltos and utilizes a platform that’s more related to the Creta. The major advantage of the SP2c Seltos we’re getting is that, it has a longer wheelbase, which contributes to its spacious interior as you’ll see later.

Just like the exterior, the interior also gets quite a facelift. There’s now a single frame that houses both the digital gauges and infotainment system, while the button layout is also new. Build quality is good enough, though the range-topping SX gets the benefit of a soft-touch dash.

As for features, the disparity between the two variants is even more pronounced inside. The EX gets a segment-type digital instrument cluster straight from the Stargazer, while the infotainment is an 8-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your key touch points are also mostly finished in fabric, while the steering itself is urethane. If you want your Seltos to be as nice as you want, though, the SX is where it’s at.

This range-topping variant gets a nicer six-speaker sound system, two 10.25-inch high-resolution screens, smart entry (push-button start is standard on all variants), wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats, and leather upholstery, just to name a few.

Space is also pretty good in the Seltos, whatever row you’re seated. Because the previous Seltos was the global market SP2 model, the Chinese market SP2c we’re getting does have incrementally more room than the model it replaces. Rear seat amenities are also good with rear aircon vents on both variants. However, it’s only the SX that gets a rear center armrest.

But when it comes to the driving experience, both variants—whether it’s the 1.5 EX or 1.4 Turbo SX, are focused more on long-distance comfort. The chassis structure is rigid and solid, even if it’s the SX with its panoramic sunroof, while sound insulation is better than most in the class—especially versus the Honda HR-V. The suspension isn’t really tuned for sportiness. Though body roll is present, it doesn’t feel unwieldy through the bends since the body movements are progressive and not dramatic. It perfectly jives with the steering, which, while is responsive enough, lacks road feel to be considered sporty.

Where you’ll enjoy the Seltos is when it’s driven sensibly. The smooth 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque, as well as the CVT (branded as Intelligent Variable Transmission) it’s mated to are engineered really well. We loved this powertrain combo in the Stargazer and Creta, and we love it equally here in the Seltos. The CVT does a good job in mimicking a traditional automatic with its simulated gear changes, plus it’s responsive and delivers the right gear ratio when you need it. It’s also pretty efficient, averaging at 11-13.5 km/l in clear city traffic and highway driving.

Now, if you want more power, you can splurge for the 1.4 Turbo SX and its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This engine produces 140 horsepower and a strong 242 Nm of torque, and the power advantage is felt. The DCT delivers smooth and rapid shifts when on the move, and while the turbo engine has a slight turbo lag, it’s something that’s easily manageable.

What you’ll probably find challenging to manage is the DCT’s attitude at low speeds. It’s a dry DCT as opposed to the wet DCTs that are becoming more common these days, contributing to its occasional low-speed jerkiness. The DCT’s rough clutch engagement is more pronounced when you’re indecisive with the throttle as well as when starting from an incline. We prefer the CVT as a result of this, but when on the move, the DCT is obedient enough.

As for fuel efficiency, getting the turbo introduced a minor fuel economy penalty. However, at 10.5-11.2 km/l, it’s still fuel efficient nevertheless and is probably a tradeoff that some buyers are willing to accept just for more power.

Finally, the 2024 Kia Seltos in 1.4 Turbo SX form also comes with the DriveWise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert aren’t included, but it’s not a deal breaker for us.

The 2024 Kia Seltos is better than ever, especially after this mid-cycle facelift. It’s better equipped and has a more handsome look. However, the problem is that, while the new Seltos is competent enough, the subcompact crossover SUV doesn’t really bring anything revolutionary or new to the table. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Seltos, mind you, but it’ll be challenging for the Seltos to stand out amidst a sea of affordable Chinese crossover SUVs that are just as well-equipped and just as good to drive but cost less.

With this in mind, we recommend the mid-spec 1.5 EX, which retails for P1,288,000–P100,000 less than its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Creta in range-topping GLS form. At the price point of the Seltos EX, it’s better positioned and priced in our opinion because the Seltos at this price point does offer a few virtues where it still manages to stand out, mostly with its smooth and frugal drivetrain, good equipment levels, and distinct, unmistakable looks.