Looking for an inexpensive, economical new vehicle that is small enough to drive downtown but still safe in bad weather? Check out the new generation of subcompact crossover sport utility vehicles with available all-wheel-drive, which improves traction in wet weather conditions. Compared to subcompact SUVs from just a few years ago, they are much roomier inside but still come standard with fuel-saving engines, and some even offer more powerful optional ones.
An excellent example is the 2024 Kia Seltos, an attractive crossover that begins at just $24,490 with a 2.0-liter engine rated at 134 horsepower that gets an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon and comes standard with AWD. Higher trim levels are available with a peppier turbocharged 1.6-liter engine rated at 195 horsepower engine that is still EPA estimated at 26 miles per gallon with AWD.
The available 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive version is EPA rated at up to 34 miles per gallon. All trim levels will carry five people, thanks to the boxy styling that maximizes interior space, although rear seat leg room is restricted.
My test version was the top-of-the-line SX model that came with the more powerful engine. It also featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system mated with the 10.25-inch driver information display in a single panoramic pane of glass. The leather front bucket seats were both heated and cooled. It also came with such amenities as a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers, and a wireless device charger on the console. The standard AWD system included a push button locking center differential for maximum traction in mud and snow.
My tester also came with the company’s advanced safety and driver assistance package called "Kia Drive Wise," which features blind spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control made smart by integrating the cruise control with the navigation system.
Best of all, the price was just $33,085, even with the optional Sunroof Package that included a power liftgate. It also came with Kia’s 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is among the best in the business.
In a week of test driving, the 2024 Kia Seltos SX AWD was always enjoyable. A new refresh gave the front end a more aggressive look with a larger grill. The two-tone, black-and-brown interior was surprisingly upscale for such an affordable vehicle. The wide display was contemporary, but the stereo nevertheless featured traditional volume and channel selection knobs.
The ride was also much more enjoyable than I expected. The turbo engine made it feel quick in most conditions, especially in the Sport mode. In part that is because it is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, instead of the Continuously Variable Transmission that comes with the 2.0-liter engine. The suspension was a little firm, but still absorbed road imperfections well. The AWD system provided good traction on the improvised off-road course of deeply rutted dirt roads on steep hills in my neighborhood. Although not a hot hatch or budget rally car by any means, the Seltos SX AWD was nevertheless nimble and fun to drive.
When Kia and its Korean sibling Hyundai first began selling vehicles in America, they were primarily inferior but lower-priced versions of Japanese economy cars and SUVs. Then, in the early 2000s, company officials made the conscious decision to improve the quality of their vehicles while keeping the prices low. The decision paid off when the economy crashed in 2008. Cash-strapped buyers needing new vehicles were pleasantly surprised by the value of the new models. Word of mouth increased sales faster than any advertising campaign could have.
Now Kia and Hyundai are beating Honda, Nissan, and Toyota at their own game, churning out an increasing number of high-quality economy vehicles and creating their own luxury brands. The Seltos slots in between the company’s subcompact Soul (which is not available with AWD) and the compact Sportage crossover SUV, which is slightly larger and more expensive than some buyers need.
The base 2024 Kia Selto LX is one of the least expensive vehicles of any kind with AWD. Even the top-of-the-line SX Turbo AWD won’t break the bank. The impressive interior room makes it one of the most value-packed urban vehicles that is still capable of countryside weekend excursions.
2024 Kia Seltos
Base price: $$24,490 (base LX AWD)
Price as tested: $33,085 (SX Turbo AWD)
Type: Subcompact SUV
Engines: 2.0-liter four (146 hp, 132 lbs-ft); 1.6-liter turbocharged four (195 hp, 195 lbs-ft)
Transmissions: Continuously Variable Transmission; 8-speed automatic (as tested)
EPA estimated mileage: 28/34 (2.0 FWD) to 25/27 (as tested)
Overall length: 172.6 inches
Curb weight: 3,362 pounds
Final assembly: Gwangju, Korea
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