The 2023 Kia Seltos is a stylish, spacious, subcompact SUV that has a great many things going for it. Some of the best features are ones you might not expect. A few experts have a lot to say about the new additions to the “middle child” of Kia SUVs. Although it’s not a Telluride or Sportage, the Seltos might be the perfect choice for some SUV buyers. Here are three of the standout features of the 2023 and 2024 Kia Seltos.

1. New panoramic display screens for 2023

First, a standout feature of the 2024 Kia Seltos is the panoramic display screens. According to HotCars, it’s “by far the best feature.” The panoramic display features two 10.25-inch screens, which HC says is a first for the subcompact SUV segment. This cascading screen across the dash catches all passenger’s eyes, with a view rivaling that of a luxury electric vehicle. HC compared the Kia to Mercedes and BMW products.

Fewer buttons and bigger screens are all the rage with futuristic vehicles. Putting this display in a small, affordable SUV is a power move by the automaker for sure. Some buyers and critics complain about a lack of buttons because they’re easier to use than a touchscreen while driving. However, Kia clearly did its research and determined the best course of action to be a giant panoramic screen across the Seltos dashboard.

2. Standard safety features

Most vehicles start under $30,000, so buyers don’t expect to get many standard features. However, the 2023 Kia Seltos comes with plenty of safety features. Even with the LX base model, buyers get forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. It might not sound like a lot, but for $24,135, the Kia subcompact SUV is well-equipped.

Additionally, the higher trims add even more standard safety. Next is the S trim, which gains blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Finally, the fully-loaded SX trim has adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping system. Although more costly than the base model, even the highest Seltos trims are value-filled since the price doesn’t exceed the $30,000 mark.

3. A low starting price for all trims

Speaking of value, the 2023 Kia Seltos is highlighted by the immense value it provides. According to Edmunds, the LX base model starts at $24,135. That’s lower than the starting price of many smaller vehicles and similar to most subcompact SUVs. Other trims, however, provide even more value. The Edmunds-recommended EX trim is a mid-tier model and starts at $27,435.

Regardless of which version of the Seltos a buyer chooses, they’ll receive a tremendous amount of value. For example, the EX trim adds a sunroof, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, among other things. With this amount of value in a mid-tier trim, it’s no wonder experts like Edmunds recommend the EX model over the fully-loaded Seltos SX.

2023 and 2024 Kia Seltos standout features

In conclusion, the 2023 and 2024 Kia Seltos is an excellent and affordable subcompact SUV. Within the Kia lineup, it’s sometimes overshadowed by more popular models. However, for the 2023 model year, it looks to make a name for itself by providing these standout features to buyers.

First, the new panoramic display screens make the sub-$30,000 SUV rival luxury EVs on the inside. Next, it has a growing number of standard safety features throughout the lineup, many of which are much more costly on rival vehicles. Finally, the overall value provided by the Kia SUV, with its low starting prices, makes it an excellent option in any trim level.