2024 Kia Seltos Wins Title of 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge by Cars.com
When the Kia Corp upgraded the Kia Seltos to a global release, it shook up the industry again with a new hatchback entering the market. Stylish and upgraded, this was going to give the Kia Soul a run for its money when consumers talk about a “funky” Kia car. Hard to ignore with its performance, interior cabin, and top-of-the-line style, the Seltos has been loud since it landed in America. That’s why the Seltos has also continued the Kia tradition of winning awards. The most recent win for the title is being named the winner of the 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge by Cars.com.
“With exceptional performance, impressive interior space and a top-tier cabin, the 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo is in a league of its own,…Whether you’re interested in safety features, cargo space or a well-rounded driving experience, the Seltos gives shoppers looking for a small SUV a lot for their money, and these attributes helped it win the Cars.com 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge.” – Mike Hanley, Cars.com Sr. Road Test Editor
How can competitors compete? Winning out over five other popular subcompact SUVs priced around $30,000, the 2024 Kia Seltos SX earned the praise of Cars.com editors during the competition. A lot of this comes down to its upscale interior that gives consumers more bang for their buck. The 2023 Kia Seltos alone came with automatic headlight control, a rear wiper/washer and heated rear glass with a timer for visibility, rear privacy glass and sound-absorbing windshield glass, and the ability to add a sunroof. Inside, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with 2-step recline were standard, able to upgrade to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and add LED interior lighting. All of this and a starting MSRP of $23,340 (plus destination fee).
When it comes to the 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge by Cars.com, Cars.com editors take each SUV and run it through a series of rigorous tests. Each SUV is then evaluated a number of factors, including driving performance, comfort, and interior quality. Two rounds, after testing, each vehicle is rated on real-world fuel economy, acceleration, cargo room, child-safety seat fitment, safety features, and value. That’s a lot to go through, but Kia Seltos won out, offering consumers a fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), 27/31 mpg city/highway if equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The tech setup of the Kia Seltos is also pretty nice, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen and an MP3/AM/FM radio with Bluetooth calling, voice recognition, and a six-speaker system. Consumers can upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with remote connectivity, voice-command navigation, and SiriusXM past the S trim, second-tier of the lineup. The high-tier Seltos SX comes with a Bose premium audio system (eight speakers) with sound-connected mood lamp. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay is a lineup standard.
With one of the best warranties and coverage plans in the industry, Kia cars are well protected. All Kia models are backed by a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year or 100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty. Consumers can keep the value of the Seltos like new for long after it leaves the lot.
Want to find the SUV that won the title of 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge by Cars.com? Find the 2024 Kia Seltos at Miami Lakes Automall.