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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $28,048–$37,628 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2024 Kia Seltos S at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $28,048–$37,628, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Seltos S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Kia Seltos S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and performance and technology and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2024 Kia Seltos S ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,048 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 22%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Kia Seltos S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.7 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $28,889 | Read review → |
| 2024 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $28,048 | |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $27,206 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $26,364 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $25,523 | Read review → |
We rate the 2024 Kia Seltos S's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2024 Kia Seltos S starts at $28,048 and ranges up to $37,628 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.