Napleton News Review: Kia Seltos SX AWD

The 2024 Kia Seltos SX AWD is the top-shelf version of the subcompact SUV that competes against the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V. It features good looks, more technology and an excellent warranty. It even has a bit of scoot under the hood. Hop in with Napleton News, while we take a closer look.

What’s under the hood of the Kia Seltos SX AWD?

The base Kia Seltos LX is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making 146-hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. That engine matches to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with All-wheel drive. Taking a step up to the Seltos S and Seltos EX brings a standard front-wheel drive Seltos, with AWD as an available option. The Kia Seltos EX switches things up by offering an 8-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD.

But our test vehicle was the 2024 Kia Seltos SX AWD. Like the Seltos EX, it features a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 8-speed automatic transmission with AWD and torque vectoring and a center lock differential. The engine pumps out 195-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque which is 20 extra horsepower over the previous 1.6 engine. The previous 7-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with the newer 8-speed gearbox.

How does the Napleton News crew think the Seltos SX looks?

Short but not too stubby, the 2024 Kia Seltos SX AWD is a traditional sport utility vehicle that starts with an updated look at the Kia Tiger Mouth grille. Framed by new LED lighting throughout, it is modern with just the right amount of shiny bits. These help push it ahead of many of the monochrome body arrangement available today. The Kia Seltos Napleton News Review is going well so far!

Creased sheet metal wends its way up the flanks of the Seltos, giving the appearance of “shoulders” that give an imposing presence. The greenhouse (basically the cabin) features trim that climbs up to the midway point of the side glass. At the rear, a continuous light bar starts on one side of the vehicle, crossing over the tailgate to the other side.

The Inside Line of the Seltos

The Napleton News crew noticed that the interior of the Seltos SX AWD features a newer, more refined interior that takes the car even further. Start with the panoramic twin displays that now feature dual 10.25-inch screens that stretch from the gauge binnacle to the center console. Displayed as a single panel, it is impressive on the Seltos S, EX, X-Line and SX models. The entry-level LX trim level delivers with an 8-inch touchscreen.

The front seats offered us great comfort on our way from West Palm Beach to Miami and back. The second row seats even offered enough legroom for a pair of adults or up to three, in a pinch.

Cargo space is excellent, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row seats. Fold those forward and the space expands to 62.8 cubic feet. Although our test vehicle was not equipped, buyers opting for the Seltos SX with the sunroof package will enjoy the sunroof, of course, ventilated front row seating and a power tailgate.

Behind the wheel of the Kia Seltos SX

The Kia Seltos is easy to drive, easy to own and even easy to love. As small as it may be, running in the Subcompact segment, it offered plenty of power for its size. We have been in other comparably-sized vehicles and found them lacking because of their less-than-powerful engines. That’s not the case here with the newly boosted 1.6-liter turbo engine. It’s amazing what an extra 20 ponies can do for vehicle’s ego, not to mention its get-up-and-go!

It handles, too. The morning rush hour was a challenge one day this week, with drivers seemingly putzing up the highway for no reason. We decided to take matters into our own hands and found the Seltos adept at making time through lane changes that soon had us ahead of the pack. Squeezing the skinny pedal shifted to a lower gear that enabled us to get past others quickly. But the engine did let us know it was working hard to do so. Blame that on a combination of less insulation than we would like, along with Florida road surface conditions.

Still, the Kia Seltos SX AWD performed perfectly while wending its way up the highway.

Specifications of the 2024 Kia Seltos SX