All in all, I think the Seltos is a great value for the class and more enjoyable to drive than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Volkswagen Taos. Tech features were abundant and easy to use, and cargo space was decent for such a small SUV. The seats are a little firm, but they remained comfortable on my longer drives. Keep adults out of the cramped middle seat, and your passengers should be happy. The cabin is well-made and quite roomy for a subcompact SUV, with plenty of headroom for 6-footers. I wouldn't call the handling fun, but it was engaging, and the ride was mostly smooth. However, it's a little loud when you gun it, and I noticed a considerable amount of turbo lag.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine (standard in the SX model I drove) was potent enough for my around-town and highway driving needs. It's easy to maneuver through traffic and tight spaces, making the Seltos a terrific SUV for city driving. I thoroughly enjoyed my week with the well-rounded 2024 Kia Seltos.
Nick Spagnoli is a senior editor for U.S. 6 See the full Subcompact SUVs rankings » Editor's Take