The Kia Seltos has long been one of the more underrated but overpriced crossovers in the market. Given the turnout that the Chinese brands and the other Japanese brands have for the subcompact crossover segment, the Seltos was outgunned in terms of features and undercut in terms of its price.
While the car is good in a bubble, it was in relation to the rest of the market that made it a bit of a black sheep in the Kia lineup. Priced a little too high with not enough features to boot, AC Motors has rightfully updated it for the 2024 model year so it can finally compete and perhaps give the rest of the market a run for its money.
What has changed?
It’s still the same great crossover that we once thought would make a big splash. While it did for a while, it was outshone by other more affordable and feature-rich models in the market. The thing is, however, it only took about a year before even Kia was able to field something more affordable, the Stonic. As such, the Seltos faded into the background, even if it was definitely a good crossover.
Exterior changes
The front is more or less the same but Kia did update a few things and shifted and changed a few things around. The grille is new, but familiar and the lights are still the same units with the DRLs that extend past the main LED beams and closer to the updated Kia emblem on the hood. Meanwhile, the rear is where things get really interesting thanks to a rear light that joins the left and the right clusters together. The rear is the biggest change so far, and we’re digging the look. It’s also the most striking new design feature of the new Seltos.
Other than that, it’s still the same on the side and still the same 17-inch wheels on the top-of-the-line model as before. We liked the design of the old wheels and it’s still the same set as before so we’re all for it on the EX variant.
We didn’t get a chance to get a good look at the top-of-the-line SX variant yet so definitely stay tuned for our full review.
Price
Perhaps the biggest change is with regard to its base price. Now more affordable than ever, but more capable than ever in its top-of-the-line spec, the Seltos has a new lease on life. It starts at just P1,198,000, which is rather competitive compared to the rest of the market given its space and its pedigree. A new top-spec trim is available which will go for P1,688,000 at the time of this first impressions review. The one that we have featured is the mid-level Seltos EX, which has the same engine as the base model, but it's priced under P1,300,000, which is about par with other crossovers from competing Chinese and American brands. So far so good, it's got just enough features to just keep pace with the rest of the pack.
New engine options
The 2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle engine will no longer be a part of the lineup. Instead, we’ll be getting a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine or a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated engine outputs 114 hp and 144 Nm of torque while the turbocharged mill makes 138 hp and 242 Nm of torque.
One old transmission and one new one
Turbochargers help an engine output more torque and even if it is an IVT (one of the better continuously variable transmissions in the market), a dual-clutch system was developed and fitted onto the Seltos’ top-of-the-line turbocharged variant. The 1.4-liter turbo comes with a DCT to handle all 242 Nm of torque from the peppy turbo engine.
“Updated” interior
The new interior isn’t totally new, but it gets remarkable updates that help keep things fresh. Competing with the rest of the market would be a tall order for the Seltos if it didn’t have all the new sought-after stuff that manufacturers are fitting on their cars.
No power tailgate for the mid-trim, but we hoped that the top-of-the-line had it. However, browsing through the brochure post-video publishing, it appears that not even the top-of-the-line variant has a power rear door so, bummer. Moving on, however, the EX trim doesn’t get the panoramic sunroof that the top-of-the-line SX variant gets which is fine by us, but people who like nice things might want to hold out for the SX over the EX because that model gets the pano roof. Otherwise, the mid-trim will get cloth seats, no pano roof, and more basic amenities like manually adjustable seats for the driver and passenger along with a 4.2-inch multi-function display.
Other than that, not much has changed in the way of design. It’s more or less the same as before with a few key updates. One thing, however, that was announced but we didn’t get to see was the number of new tech features that the Seltos has for its top-of-the-line trim.
The EX is good, but the SX has the goods
The tech features of the SX will definitely outshine that of the EX. Kia’s mid-trim EX variant has just enough features to keep you happy as a driver like the 4.2-inch multi-function gauge cluster which is a combo digital and analog array for the driver. Other than that, you also get an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The great news about what Kia did for the Seltos this time around is that the six-speaker audio system is standard throughout the range which means that your music will sound the same no matter what variant you pick.
However, the SX will have better and more goodies to its name. Starting out with the gauge cluster which is a 10.25-inch TFT panel. It’s all-digital so you can have pretty much all your information on display or opt for another type of display altogether. It’s a nifty thing to see and use, we assume. Matching that screen is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the gauge cluster and the infotainment screen, it’s a great combination for the car, and we cannot wait to get up close and personal with it.
Finally, the SX will receive a smart cruise control system with stop-and-go functions. Essentially, this is adaptive cruise control, which would explain why we didn’t see it during our walkaround with the EX. Top-of-the-line only apparently.
The new base price seems worth it, but is the SX worth it?
Our initial impressions of the Seltos are good. The thing is, the price of P1,198,000 for the base model will leave you wanting as that model doesn’t have any fancy or the basic extras that the EX carries. The EX, meanwhile, goes for P1,288,000, which is what we believe will be the volume mover for this nameplate in the Philippines since it has pretty much everything that you will need.
However, the price of P1,688,000 for the top-spec SX Turbo variant is a bit of an ask. It’s more expensive than the previous model, but you get all updated tech and looks. This may be a bit of a head-scratcher for now, but we cannot wait to go on a proper review with this new model. The Seltos may get a second wind in the Philippine market thanks to this update, and that turbocharged model could be the extra kick that the Korean brand needs for this segment. Pricey it may be, but does it stack up? Definitely, at least based on what other competitors are putting into their cars right now. This isn’t a Behind the Wheel review just yet, so stay tuned for our final verdict on this new Kia crossover.
Specifications
Engine
1.5 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
113 hp @ 6,300 rpmTransmission
CVT-
Summary
-
Name Kia Seltos 1.5 EX AT Body Type Crossover Price ₱1,288,000 Transmission Category CVT -
Engine
-
Engine Size 1.5 L Displacement 1,497 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type Intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission (IVT) -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Max Output (HP) 113 hp @ 6,300 rpm Max Torque (nm) 144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm *Acceleration Rate (0-100 km/h) n/a Top Speed n/a *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline CO2 Emission n/a Fuel Capacity 50 L *Fuel Consumption n/a *Range n/a *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 4,385 mm Width 1,800 mm Height 1,620 mm Wheelbase 2,630 mm Turning Circle 10.6 m Ground Clearance 190 mm Wading Depth n/a Trunk Capacity 433 L Max Cargo n/a Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 17 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Single-Zone Automatic Climate Control Entertainment System 8-inch Touchscreen with 4 Speakers + Two Tweeters Connectivity USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Navigation Ready Warranty 5 years (160,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
Recently Added Promos
Kia Marikina
Kia
Latest Review
-
2024 Toyota Wigo G CVT Review / Review
The 2024 Toyota Wigo G CVT is proof that you can still get more for less even in this day and age.
4.0 / 5 -
2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GLX Review / Review
The five-door Jimny will allow you to bring more people to join in the fun but is it worth the steep price?
4.0 / 5 -
2023 GAC Empow GE Review / Review
Can the GAC Empow GE have what it takes to keep up with more established names in the segment? Let’s find out.
4.2 / 5
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Aug 25, 2023
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020