2024 Kia Seltos X-Line AWD

The Kia Seltos which launched as a 2021 model year has quickly become one of the brand's best-selling vehicles. Offered as the most affordable AWD offering for the South Korean brand, the Seltos gets an updated for the 2024 model year with some improvements based on feedback we had when we first drove the car in 2021. We hit the road with the top-model here in Canada, the 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line AWD, which is a trim below the SX in the USA, but above the SX in Canada.

Subcompact crossovers have quickly become a trendy segment in Canada, with affordable price points and decent kit and features. The Kia Seltos was no exception. We first drove an EX mid-range trim followed by the SX which gave us plenty of features for about $35k CAD which included keyless entry, remote starter, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, sunroof, Bose audio, and a suite of enhanced safety features. All of that is present on this 2024 X-Line along with some additions we asked for including a two-mode driver memory function, and power liftgate. A dual 10.25" infotainment and driver cluster screen are found inside with a slightly updated interior dash layout. We retain the single-zone automatic climate control, pop-up head up display, and the same interior space.

The engine and drivetrain got an upgrade. The 1.6L turbo 4 cylinder engine from last year gets a power upgrade with 20 extra horsepower for a 195 horsepower total, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 7 speed dual-clutch transmission has also been replaced with a traditional 8-speed automatic which should prove to be much smoother for daily driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. AWD is standard in Canada, but optional in the US.

Our test model comes with a new paint colour, Pluton Blue which is quickly becoming popular thanks to Kia selecting it for all their press vehicles and marketing. We've spotted plenty of these on the road already and love the colour. The X-Line gets some cosmetic enhancements over the SX including 18" glossy black alloy rims, gun metal grey trim, black roof rails, and rear cross traffic avoidance assist.

When it comes to the drive and ride of the 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line AWD you'll find it's more or less unchanged from the previous model years, which is to say it's firm and falls in line with other subcompact crossovers. The added engine performance gives this Seltos a bit of extra pep off the line and when passing traffic. Road noise is still a bit high, and there's some body roll as you make turns. Again, nothing you won't find from other vehicles in the subcompact crossover market.

Overall we're very happy with the update for 2024, Kia has brought some important updates based on feedback provided by ourselves and owners to provide an even better experience for customers. You can check out our episode on the 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line AWD over on our YouTube Channel.