The spirited Kia Seltos has caused quite a stir in a brief period. It’s constructed akin to a more robust version of the Soul, injecting a touch of muscle to the otherwise gentle essence of the crossover. And for the first time in the model’s admittedly brief history, it’s undergoing an update.
The newly-minted model for this year was unveiled on Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing a revamped exterior along with a modernized interior that’s—believe it or not—technology-oriented. Initially, Kia opted to grant the Seltos a more robust look by revising the tiger nose grille, a suitable choice considering its name is derived from “Celtos,” offspring of Hercules. The grille is adorned by Kia’s distinctive “star map” lighting and is flanked on each side by optional LED projector headlights. Kia also sought to inject a rugged impression to the front by integrating sharp shapes and enhancing the integration of its vertical fog lights.
Kia introduced distinctive geometric wheel designs for the Seltos across various trims, accompanied by three exclusive paint choices. To cap it off, the Seltos is the most recent Kia to sport an “X” edition. This includes a distinct front gunmetal grille, unique 18-inch wheels, dark accents on the doors, a roof rack, and X-Line badging.
Kia’s focus was on enhancing the Seltos’ interior to better exhibit its in-car, ahem, displays. This is primarily evident in a large panoramic screen that replaces the previous phablet-style infotainment in the outgoing model. This not only brings a modern touch to the cabin space but also encloses the two 10.25-inch displays comprising the instrument cluster and central screen into a nearly seamless unit positioned just below the peak of the dashboard, reminiscent of the Kia Sportage, EV6, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The rest of the interior retains a relatively conservative approach with intelligent lines, designs, and material selections. New for 2024 is a virtual key that enables iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users to unlock and operate their Seltos solely with their smartphones or Apple Watch.
via Kia
One notable change pleasing to some is the substantial 20-horsepower boost to Kia’s revised Gamma 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder. This engine, paired with a standard eight-speed transmission, now delivers a respectable 195 hp. An alternative 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission is also on offer, producing only 174 hp and 132 pound-feet of torque.
Let’s face it—crossovers may not be the flashiest cars around (though the 2022 Porsche Cayanne Turbo GT does earn a pass), but credit must be given where deserved. Kia and its affiliated brand Hyundai have genuinely elevated their game lately, presenting some rather stylish options for the typical driver and new EV shopper. The revamped Seltos is a fine example; it boasts a striking appearance and is likely to cater well to the requirements of younger buyers, essentially the primary goal.
Got a tip or query for the writer? Reach out directly: rob@thedrive.com
