Is The 2024 Seltos The “Best” Small SUV In America, Or Just The “Nicest?”
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2023
- Kia's refreshed Seltos solves most of the issues shoppers had with the first generation model. The optional turbo gains power and refinement and ditches the controversial dual clutch transmission, the dashboard gains the popular dual-screen layout, and the exterior gets crisper and more modern. Still, the big question remains: with so many options in Kia’s own SUV lineup, why buy the Seltos over the Kia Niro, Kia Soul, Kia Sportage, or Kia Sorento which could all be had for about the same price as the Seltos I spent my day in…
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I wanted a huge road trip. I bought my 2024 Seltos a month ago. I absolutely love it… still discovering new features. I hit 4k miles today. I folded down the seats, lots of room! I can sleep in it if need be.
I spent a year comparing models, prices, and particular options of all the small SUVs available. I ended up buying the '24 Seltos SX with every option including the turbo/8 speed transmission in Pluton Blue. Absolutely love it and get a lot of compliments from people wondering what model it is and that it's "really great looking". I'm glad I went for the fully loaded model, even though it stretches the budget a bit. Worth it in my opinion
Alex gets kudos for being the first reviewer I’ve seen to actually display the Dynamic view for the instrument cluster in the Kia’s.
Alex gets kudos for being the first reviewer to do a lot of things
CONSUMER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
HYUNDAI DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
Did you buy or lease a Hyundai 2015-2017 Sonata Eco, 2016-2017 Tucson, or 2016-2017 Veloster vehicle equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (“Class Vehicles”)?
A proposed class action settlement may affect your rights.
I wish kudos had more substance behind them
Say what you want about reliability, but KIA/Hyundai definitely have the best looking interiors in their class. Not only do they look great, but everything is solid and high quality. Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GMC are all junk. Honda has some quality interior materials, but they still lag in design. Mazda is up there as well in terms of the quality of materials, but the designs are also years behind.
Wireless charging is nice for passengers, but it drives me nuts when manufacturers offer wireless charging but not wireless AA/CarPlay.
You have become my go-to for reviews. As always, great job!
I tested the original Seltos right after it came out. This refresh has improvements in most all areas. I would like to see a hybrid version though...
Tommy!! Now this video has twice the geek cred.
Very comprehensive review, I really enjoyed engine and tranny option explanations. Clever to add a "passenger" for debate, it is good to see additional views. I have seen video with much more time spent on infotainment review but that would add a fair bit of time to this one. Overall you get top grades, I'm impressed, thankyou! 😊
Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video looking forward to seeing this crossover here especially when I have the 1.6 litre engine with 195 hp and 195 ft of torque 8spd automatic thanks for the presentation
I love my 2021 SX Turbo. It’s a swiss army knife of utility features that drives like a peppy hatch.
So glad to see Kia keeping physical buttons and the traditional gear stick in Seltos. The haptic touch infotainment system for Niro and Sportage, is a deal breaker for me. Corolla Cross Hybrid is a great option but it's not large enough.
Hopefully Kia retains the physical buttons when refreshing the K5 (unlike what happened with the Sonata refresh)
Trust me you don't need the space you claim... 6 years ago you were driving a car half the size and bragging to your college roommates...
@@levondarratt787true, unless you live in the damn cars… Id rather have a comfortable, nice house and a small car.. most people dont even enjoy driving at all, its a chore for many.
Love this colab with Tommy@TFL. Hope to see more in the future
Take it from me, I've researched all the sub-compact vehicles mentioned in this video. I bought the KIA Seltos. It's just better looking than all the rest, it has a turbo, it handles excellent, the brakes are very good, the interior color options (especially the new brown) are very classy looking, the new dashboard look is a big upgrade and most importantly is the new 8-speed automatic transmission. At $32K for the top trim level, the KIA Seltos is a slam dunk folks!
Alex is a huge fan of wide tires. Aside from a small amount of cornering/roadholding advantage, they also add road noise and decrease fuel economy...plus they're typically more expensive.
BINGO! You are 100% correct.
Definitely planning on buying it in a year or two. I love my current car, which is a Kia as well!
Be prepared to by hosed by dealers.
@@rafaljankowski2807they all do it now, not just Kia. They can’t force you to buy anything
If I had to pick a Kia model it would be the base Sportage hybrid, I like the physical buttons in the climate system over the touch buttons in the higher trims or the niro. The niro would be a second choice if only for the fuel economy.
Currently have a 2021 Kia Seltos. Not a big fan of the DCT. Too much weird shifting at lower speeds for me. I do like the upgrades Kia has been to the 2024 Seltos but I agree with Alex-for a little more $$, I’m more interested in the Sportage.
I had a 2021 Seltos EX. Was a very capable vehicle, lots of versatility. However, last June I took it in for an oil change & drove home in a 2022 EV6 First Edition. No regrets! I do understand this is about 1/2 price of my EV6, so it’s a very good buy.
Good looking vehicle, I am waiting to see what Kia does with the 2024 Sorento refresh, hope you do a review of that.
How did he get the brown interior with the sunroof? You can't do that package with the brown...
Alex how do the dynamics stack up to the CX30
Another awesome review as always. I'm glad Kia got rit of the dual clutches.
My last car had DCT and I LOVED IT!
Can you please start doing pricing and sound system check thank you
Kia has always had nice aesthetics, the issue is what is under the hood. 35k Lexus vs a 31k Kia that will need a $10k engine, $3k catalytic converter within 60-100k miles due to all the carbon. On top of that dealing with a company that has a 1star BBB rating and several engine failure settlements. Also need to mention a manufacture that say don't park in garage due to fire. Just say NO to kia/hyundia
Alex, You should have posted a WARNING that you were going to shoot your headroom and legroom evaluations from the passenger side of the car. It was very disconcerting. 😂 In regard to the competition, the Corolla Cross Hybrid offers 15 mpg more with quicker acceleration while the HR-V is far more spacious.
Too bad its hardddd to find a CC Hybrid anywhere…. HRVs are ok…
Alex I see you guys opinions on HR-V which I also find boring -- however, it’s just so popular and vastly available that you see most among new Honda models now!
Hope we get some info on a hybrid version
Love the collab with TFL!
I live IN Rhode Island (Middletown, near Newport). Where was this review filmed?
I bought an used niro ex 2018 hev this year. Due to the inflation the price is still higher than before.😢 I would buy an used plugin hybrid sportage in 3 years later😊
I would probably go with the Seltos because I like something in a smaller form factor.
Interesting that the Soul has an optional power seat and struts to prop the hood up.
I really like what KIA and Hyundai are doing over the last decade. The only downside is lots of engine problems and recalls. Great designs, I just wish they would do better for long term reliability! I hope they have fixed some of the major mechanical failures.
What's the point of buying a car that looks good and under the hood all sorts of issues? Just get a RAV-4 with zero issues.
Because the RAV4 is boooooorrrrrring. And that interior and noise. My goodness. @@Arctic5fox
Very true! And they cost as much as Toyotas, its mind blowing! Id, maybe, consider a kia model if it cost 5k or less compared to Toyotas or Hondas.
Was this near Watch Hill, RI? One of the best places in NE…known as Little Newport.
Alex, would this be a competitor to the Mazda CX-30 turbo? which one do you like better and why?
Heck no! The CX-30 turbo has 250horses and 320 pound feet torque. Also a tried and proved 2.5 engine.
It's a competitor, but a slightly different flavor. The back seat and cargo area are not as accommodating the the CX-30, but I feel the quality of materials and driving dynamics are significantly better. Folks will complain about the torsion beam rear axle, but I recall Alex thinking it and the 6 speed transmission suited the CX-30 well. The CX-30 doesn't have the modern dash, but everything is clear and well designed, if a bit old school.
@@razorraysolarsavings70 Also has a back seat made for toddlers.
Hello Alex. First of all, I really enjoy your reviews and you’re my first choice to go to for auto reviews. As far as the Seltos, I think think that this a really good package in this segment, if a bit on the slow side. It offers several higher end options with very pleasing styling. As far as the instruments, I liked the white on black option.
No heated steering wheel option or package in the USA. That's just annoying. Head up display in Canada, but again, no option in the USA.
I would like to hear from owners of the 2.0 Seltos with the cvt about how the acceleration is, I had that combo in a 2020 Soul and it was peppy. This is bigger than that and I wonder if it would be real slow.
One think that you don't mention was if that new transmission tends to overheat like tha DCT of the 1023 Kia Seltos SX AWD.
43k miles, country hills, city streets, 2021. No overheat here. EVER. Did I say off road and hills in the countryside? That's based on one video where it was put past what is normal for folks buying this car.
why do you mainly compare this to the crosstrek and not the kona?
Great reviwew!
I agree that the Sportage may be the best "bang for the buck", (ride, mileage, size, etc.), but the Seltos size may be more convenient in the urban enviorment.
For this 2023 IONIQ 5 owner: I agree with your selection of the Sportage as I don’t think the Sorrento does three rows well enough for me to have as an expanded adult seating option. I would probably get the 2024 Sonata N if I wanted a second vehicle. Looking forward to that review. 25:08
I like your reviews, Alex, they are great and detail oriented. Regardless, I do find them slightly biased towards Kias and Hyundais. I dont know what the deal is… You should mention the negatives too, which are commonly know by anyone that keeps up with car news. Thank you anyways!
It has separated (independent?) climate control (A/C) control panel! instead of a clumsy in-screen thingy. That's awesome.
And a full fledge audio/multimedia control buttons! Thanks KIA 👍
Nothing against Megan Trainor, however I would of chosen Made You Look by Nas.
Always a good Alex Easter Egg when reviewing the infotainment screen!
Hooray for keeping a spare tire. We have terrible potholes and lots of nails in N. California, so you gotta have a spare.
AWESOME! Thank you alex, for another great informative video.
If you buy a Seltos, normally you get one year free of KIA Connect Ultimate which is an app for your phone. A great feature where you can start/stop, lock/unlock, and much more.
I bought a 2022 in March of 2022. I had my 1 year free that ended in March 2023. Just last week Kia offered me 6 months free if I pay for a 1 year subscription. Undecided after going 5 months without it.
Hyundai gives you 3 years free, and 3 years free maintenance. You would think KIA would do the same.
@@Ricky-mo6mv More good info. I've been contemplating the Santa Cruz as well as the Sportage.
@@twofry64 Someone I work with bought a new Santa Cruz about six months ago and he loves it. Also, my father just ordered one that should arrive the first week of next month. He only had to order because he wanted the most basic/lowest trim. He’s nothing like me…haha!
What do you like about the Sportage more than the Tucson?
@@Ricky-mo6mv Well that's good news about the Santa Cruz. Idk anything about the Tucson. I never even looked at one at the dealership. I went with my heart set on my Sportage in early 2019. When I went back in 2022 the dealership was almost empty. They had 7 Seltos on backorder and 6 were spoken for. The 7th was the Starbright yellow that nobody wanted 😂 and I said I'll take it. It was weeks out instead of months out waiting for the next shipment.
how about a 24 trailblazer comparison
Alex, I Would Choose the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD EX $32000.00❤️ Boston MA.
Not a fan of the split screen video in the 2nd half.
Too much talk about the Kia range without clarity about which is best for what or who.
I was also hoping to hear more about the sound levels, handling and the AWD capability but again the discussion was more about which one was preferred in the Kia range.
Not a turbo guy, it's just prone to wearing out and things breaking down earlier and a very costly to replace, especially the turbo. Carbon build is gonna be the number one concern for a turbo.
What about the CX-30?
The Sportage is better if more expensive in the popular trims.
Needs a PHEV variant (or for Kia to add AWD to the Niro)
David, I agree with you. If this had a Hybrid or PHEV system, I believe that Kia would have a much needed option to attract those needing an entry level vehicle with excellent milage and range. Seltos looks better than a Sportage IMO.
I can't wait for KIA to come up with a NEW logo design which is so absurd that no one can tell if it's a KIA!
All great but I need to be able to tow a trailer. This 2024 is not recommended? And suv you can tow with. I don't get it. The 2023 is rated for 1500 towing capacity.
If this were a hybrid 1.6L with combined real world mpg of 39+ it would really be a serious selling vehicle.
Great car. Reliable and excellent quality. Loads of features.
Wish they made a PHEV version of this one too.
As cool as this would be, that would make this SUV incredibly expensive.
Maybe but seeing how some insurances don’t cover Kia/Hyundais and those that so are rasing their rates not to mention reliability issues…
Some insurance companies won’t issue *new* policies on a limited number of *old Hyundai and Kia models* but only those without security features. Every insurance company will cover a new Kia. As far as reliability goes, they aren’t at the top, but Hyundai and Kia are well above average according to every reliability researcher out there.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I was told by a State Farm agent that they won't write new policies on Hyundai/Kia from 2015-2021. So, new ones shouldn't be a problem.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide thanks Alex, I had a ‘16 Kia model with the 2.4 theta engine, I had huge oil consumption issues this is were my reliability opinion comes from.
Haha, some people are SO salty against Kia and Hyundai. Jealous much?
The American market is so weird hehe, SX but still not fully equipped, in Canada SX for Kia is the fully equipped version, it has everything without additional costs
It's not uncommon to have different variations across markets. -Travis
I like the refresh, I think the Seltos is a good deal, and the SX "sunroof package" is a great deal including the sunroof, ventilated seats, power hatch, and digital key. The 8AT is going to be better for 90% of the people buying this type of car, and the 1.6T makes excellent power for the segment, even if you compare it to the compact segment, I think it's a value alternative.
Tiger Nose Grill? Aw, more of a kitty cat nose. Kia is on a roll! Glad to see Tommy from TFL.
Forget about the warrantee, let the after market grow ma
When you have a stop sale order due to the DCT it's best to get rid of it.
Where are you getting this from ??? Our Kia store selling a lot & waiting for more to come in
@@derekgaliee4351 Sitting at a desk for a Hyundai service writer, service manager starts up a conversation about a stop sale order on DCT equipped vehicles. This was in Oct 2022. Plenty of articles online.
So much time spent talking about the turbo, but what is the sales % of turbo to non-turbo?
Watching a lot of car reviewers, yours have become among my favs, for a few specific reasons. With this one though I felt deceived, as the title made me hopeful it would be a review of the Seltos, not only the turbo. Granted there was some mention of the whole line, to me the Seltos is not principally a turbo line, but an extension of the Soul (as originally viewed) where you get a slight variation on form with AWD option. Most small Kias and Hyundai have been offering a turbo for years, so that their small form factors could also serve those who have a need-for-speed.
To answer YOUR QUESTION: whether my favorite in the class or among the group of Kias you mention, I have become obsessed with the Seltos, which has unseated the Corolla Cross. There are form factors so desirable to me of the Cross that I even flirted with the original (not hybrid) against all odds. But 2 test drives cured me! For context: I used to drive a Corolla Eco, before that a Cube, and currently a 3rd gen Soul. MY CHOICE in the Seltos is without question the "S", as I don't want larger wheels or turbo, nor AWD (Georgia) which takes away from limited power and fuel economy.
I would love to know how Seltos lost 1mpg in 2024 🤔
The horrible fuel economy and non hybrid are a no go. Either wise this could have been the perfect car size wise and styling to get.
I wouldn't consider what it gets as horrible mileage, if you worry that much about mileage go electric which all have bad mileage range,
We love our 22 Kia Seltos SX. The turbo is a hoot to drive and if you know how to drive a DCT, you should feel quite comfortable with it. We did cross shop with lots of vehicles including the other Kia models. We knew we wanted the SX trim and did not want to give up its features to get into a base model Sportage or Sorento. Availability of other models at the time certainly played a factor. 10 to $15,000 more for a bronco or a compass with less warranty made the Seltos our clear choice.
Watch out for the that DCT. Kia/ Hyundai have been having a lot of trouble with those.
"If you know how to drive a DCT" tells me he is aware of the transmission weaknesses. The transmission will likely be good condition in his care unlike the thousands of non-auto enthusiasts in this country.
Yup, it’s SX turbo or nothing for the Seltos.
Seltos is likely just a little too small with car seats. Probably would lean towards to Sportage in a hybrid of PHEV over the Sorrento for the price/feature difference, but the Niro EV is pretty compelling as a lease with the $5,000 incentives on it right now.
The Seltos is great if you just need affordable AWD, but the Sportage PHEV is probably the current winner for me. Ideally tho, I'd love to see the Sorento PHEV come in lower trim levels.
Bought an S. Definitely not fast but smooth ride.
What’s better this or a Crosstrek?
Crosstrek has a CVT, boring outdated design on the interior and exterior, less spacious, and it’s a Subaru. I don’t know about you, but I would rather ride a bike than be seen driving a Subaru.
Better looking than new Kona
So guess there wont be overheating issue when light off-reading?
Shouldn’t be
I wouldn’t trust it. Kia/Hyundai are not known for building good off-road vehicles.
Yes, this is certainly one of the better looking models in the sub-compact class.
I loved the idea of the DCT . . . I like the feel of a Manual trany, so I prolly would have liked it; but the recalls and seemingly slow repairs on the units are certainly the reason for the torque-converter Automatic replacement.
Ahh, I've already seen Tommy's video for TFL. Another one of my favorite reviews.
As to the comparison of the Seltos and the Sportage, I have to admit that the Sportage didn't translate from the drawings and pics to real life very well for me. The Seltos is much more attractive. And, for the level I would want, I could get the turbo, AWD and a good package and save thousands over a similarly loaded Sportage.
- No AWD in the Soul and I live in the Mountain West. I want the AWD and don't have facilities for storing winter tires.
- Yes, the hybrid Corolla Cross is an interesting comparison.
As always you test the top trim. I wish you would understand that these days fewer and fewer people go that route. Just once I wish you would test a base trim model. We are out here. Don't you think we deserve a look at a vehicle we can afford? Sorry I clicked off. So many reviews of the Turbo engine. For me that is a deal breaker. Just something else to go wrong.
What about Chevy 2024 Trax you didn't mention it.
Hasnt this been reported as there least Reliable model? CVT and Electrical issues ive read about...Yano like people talk bout the Nissan CVT stuff on all your videos. just sayin
This model does not have a cvt
@@phillipcarroll6625 The Seltos with 2.0L engine has a CVT.
I've read that too. Issues with CVT, electrical system, and the 2.0L engine had a bad problem with faulty piston rings causing engines to seize up at low miles. I hope they've addressed all of these issues.
@@palebeachbum Piston issue was fixed with 2022 model CVT. Not sure about the DCT.
@@feartheturtle9618 that's what I had read too, but someone online complained that the 2.0L engine in their 2022 Seltos needed to be replaced already. Made me think it's still an ongoing issue.
No wireless apple play? Wow
For everyone asking about the Trax, I think that this video was shot before the new Trax was introduced or the Trax was under an embargo and Alex can't talk about it.
Trax is also a semi step down in segment since it doesn’t have AWD, it’s more of a Soul competitor
With as many issues a recalls Kia has. No way I could buy one and sleep at night let alone tell people it's a good deal 😢😅😅
No more recalls than others and minor at that with 2022 and newer models.
@@feartheturtle9618 You have to have plaintiff signatures to move forward with a lawsuit and it takes time. Kia has 1 engine failure settlement. The kia engine failure settlement that has almost all models from 2011-2017 (Kiaenginesettlement2) is about to go through September 2023. There are at least 2 more that have started for model's from 2018-2023 for the same engine issues. There are at least two cases of 2023 model kia's burning down a residence after sitting for 10 hours.
How did you get all this information ? I think you fear more than just a turtle. I wish I the time on my hands to do your research. I have a 2012 Hyundai Tuscon with 150k on it , overall, the best vehicle I have owned in 51 years of driving.
If you don't need awd, it seems the new Trax which loaded is about the same price as the entry level Seltos is a great alternative.
im just clicking like because u have the fast lane guy here
Did Kia retain the "easy to steal" option? 🙂
If you live in a neighborhood with a high percentage of basketball players, nothing is safe.
Dude ! Where is your phev !!!
Does it look like the trax or not?
May God bless everyone!
Why still no wireless phone connectivity? Everyone always mentions it, but never explains why.
It is cheaper. Car manufacturers just have to pay more to be set up for wireless, and I guess they believe it isn't their problem to solve.
@Brett then why do their smaller screens on the lower trim levels have wireless connectivity?
@@B9M3 Cheaper parts/older technology on smaller screens. Agree it is weird, but so many cars these days are wired only. Can only be cost cutting.
The question is, will it catch on fire like other Hyundai and Kia models?
I thought that problem was eliminated after 2021. I have a 2022 Seltos S and my biggest worry is DCT problems. My 2019 Sportage was a fire hazard worry.
@@twofry64 this is why I dumped my 2019 Elantra, better the devil you know….I went back to VW.
@@DJonathanHayes76 Yeah I couldn't wait to unload my Sportage. Idk what brand I'm trying next in 2025 when my lease is up on my Seltos. When I had a used VW nobody could work on the darn thing except a VW stealership.
I think the Niro would be my choice, I actually like the Blade!
My trailblazer has wireless CarPlay, wired charging only. The seltos has wireless charging but wired CarPlay. They were so close. Lol
test drove the trailblazer but the Seltos to me just felt more solid and is much quieter inside in the cabin while driving at highway speeds. Chevy warranty is shorter also, went with the seltos, partially based on my positive experience with my my 2012 Hyundai. good luck with your trailblazer, hope you love it.
I like the way the seltos looks, I just get gm discounts from my dad. My vehicle has everything I wanted so I love it. I actually kind of wish it had keys instead of the fob. The fobs battery doesn’t seem to last very long
Why isn't the Chevy Trailblazer in this comparison?
Your last question about which Kia would make a great video.
My son graduated college last week and I told him I'd get him a new car for a present. He prefers subcompact SUV's (he currently drives an X1). I think we'll drive the Seltos (wish it got much better mpg) and (hybrid) Niro (seems underpowered to get all that mileage unfortunately). We'll also consider the new Corrola Cross hybrid (if we can get our hands on one), maybe the Sportage hybrid (may be too big for him), the new Hyundai Kona when it arrives, and probably the Mazda CX-30 and CX-5. May also drive the new Subie Crosstrek, but that looks too much like a station wagon to me.
That is a lot of options to look at. So many nice vehicles in this size/range
Nice car, but its fuel economy absolutely destroys it. The Corolla Cross delivers twice the fuel economy for the same money and power.
Once the HR-V hybrid comes out, it’ll kill it too.
Twice the mileage with simliar gas engines is impossible. you can't be comparing apples to apples.
I like it
You apparently don't care for factory nav, since you hardly even mention it. Yeah, yeah, Android Auto, Carplay, Waze, smartphone, etc., etc., but a huge number of us DO like it and prefer it over those other alternatives. Kia's nav is better than many others, and I wish you'd highlight it in your reviews, or at least show the nav display on that nice big 10.25" screen.