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KIA Seltos Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2019
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
KIA Seltos photo gallery

Kia unveiled the refreshed 2024 model year of the Seltos SUV at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, upgrading the car's design and features.

Sharing its platform with Hyundai Kona, the Seltos was introduced on the market in 2019 for selected countries worldwide, but not in Europe. There, the more affordable SUV could've cannibalized its bigger brother, the Sportage. That decision stayed in place even after the introduction of the facelifted version, which happened in 2022.

Sporting a completely redesigned front fascia, the 2024 Seltos received a satin-silver trim between the grille and the hood. In addition, the LED headlights featured new vertical fog lamps integrated with C-shaped daytime running lights. The car also received a new bumper with sharper shapes for a more rugged, meaner look. Last but not least, the 2024 Seltos sported Kia's new logo.

Inside, customers were greeted with a high-tech interior, where the carmaker offered an option for two wide-screen displays: a 10.25-inch instrument panel continued above the center stack by a 10.25-inch for the infotainment unit. For lesser-equipped versions, Kia installed a new 4.2" instrument panel with digital gauges.

Another significant upgrade was made for the drivetrain, where the Seltos received an improved 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI unit that gained 20 more horses for a total of 195 HP (198 PS).

full description and technical specifications
KIA Seltos photo gallery

Almost out of the blue, Kia decided to launch a new crossover with no predecessor. The Seltos was revealed at a special event in Delhi, India.

The Seltos featured the 3rd generation of the Kia’s Smartstream technology which helped increasing the fuel efficiency and offered low CO2 emissions.

Three engine options were available for the Seltos: a turbo 1.6-liter gasoline developing 177 hp, a 2.0-liter gasoline powerplant producing 149 hp and a Diesel engine of 1.6-liter with 136 hp.

Depending on the market, the Seltos could be equipped with a 7-speed automatic, a 6-speed automatic or a CVT gearbox.

In order to enhance the driving experience, the Seltos was equipped with the DriveMode select system that allowed the drivers to choose between Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes depending on the road conditions or the desired style.

The Eco mode was designed to improve the fuel consumption. The Sport mode offered a quicker throttle response. The Normal mode was somewhere in the middle of the Eco and the Sport.

The Seltos had a sporty and sophisticated design, with the long hood, the sharp lines and the “tiger nose grille” specific to Kia.

The Seltos was equipped with full LED headlights and taillights. LED daytime running lights were also included, as well as LED fog lights for foggy weather.

full description and technical specifications