DecodedCars2024 Kia Seltos
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, AWD Turbo 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 172 in
- Curb weight
- 2,893–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2024 Kia Seltos is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 34 highway), 10% better than the 2024 small SUV average of 28.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2024
- NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars
Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 Seltos →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Gwang-Ju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2024 Seltos configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,186 lb | 59/41 |
| AWD Turbo 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,318 lb | 59/41 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 172 in | 70.9 in | 63.8 in | 103.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,893 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seltos FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 31 | +10% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Seltos AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 31 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Seltos AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 27 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 343 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Seltos SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2024 Kia Seltos SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2024 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Seltos (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2024 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2024 Ford Escape | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags · Dec 22, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V830000 · 2,967 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump · Jul 31, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V531000 · 39,765 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
- Risk
- An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Not every 2024 Kia Seltos is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2024 Kia Seltos buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2024 Kia Seltos. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Seltos years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Seltos | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2026 Seltos | 29 | 172 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2023 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 47 |
| 2022 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 76 |
| 2021 Seltos | 31 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →