2024 Kia Seltos Shoppers Like 1 Trim More Than the Rest
The Kia Seltos is one of two subcompact SUVs offered by the South Korean automaker alongside the Soul. The Seltos is more traditionally styled than its funky stablemate, though it’s still stylish and provides more cargo space, a larger overall footprint, and more power. So, which trim level is right for you? Here’s a look at the most popular 2024 Kia Seltos trim among consumers and which automotive experts suggest.
The 2024 Kia Seltos is offered 5 trims, starting at $25,715
The Seltos, like much of the Kia lineup, gives buyers plenty of choice for trims. The 2024 Kia Seltos is available in five trims — LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX — with prices starting at $25,715 MSRP for the base LX model and topping out at $31,315 for the range-topping SX. The X-Line trim is making its debut for the 2024 model year, along with refreshed styling and an updated optional powertrain.
The LX joins the X-Line and SX in offering standard all-wheel drive. The S and EX models are front-wheel drive as standard with AWD available. The bottom three trims are motivated by a 146-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while the X-Line and SX feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 195 horsepower, an extra 20 horsepower over the previous output of the optional engine. The base engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission. The turbo powerplant is bolted to an eight-speed automatic.
Standard interior features include keyless entry, cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. Every Seltos is also equipped with forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention warning.
The S model adds features like a proximity key and push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, roof rails, cloth/simulated leather upholstery, and automatic climate control with rear vents.
The EX includes full synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, and one-touch automatic up/down windows.
The new X-Line trim includes most of the interior features of the S but includes exterior flourishes like unique 18-inch wheels, an exclusive grille, and gloss black door garnishes.
The range-topping SX includes LED bi-function headlights, body-color lower door garnish, a cargo cover, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Additional safety features include navigation-based smart cruise control, an enhanced forward collision avoidance assist, Highway Driving Assist, speed limit warning, and speed limit assist.
The mid-level EX is the most popular trim among consumers
According to Edmunds, most buyers are interested in the Seltos EX model, the mid-level option. That is understandable given the EX commands just $1,400 more than the base model and includes a host of desirable features like synthetic leather upholstery, wireless charging, a larger touchscreen, heated front seats, and push-button start.
Additionally, the EX offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Which Kia Seltos trim is suggested by automotive experts?
Car and Driver agrees with consumers the 2024 Kia Seltos EX trim is the most appealing. The publication states, “The best value lies” in the EX model, and it’s significantly cheaper, about $4,000 less, than the SX while remaining well equipped.
U.S. News also suggests the EX model, heralding its long list of additional equipment over the standard model for just $1,400 more.
Kelley Blue Book doesn’t outwardly suggest a preferred trim for the 2024 Seltos but does advise potential buyers to “skip the entry-level model,” suggesting the LX is too bare bones compared to its better-equipped stablemates. The outlet also loves the new X-Line trim for its rugged looks and “outdoor personality.”
