Which Kia Seltos variant should you buy? 

Updated Jul 30, 2021 | Same topic: Which Car Variant to Buy?

Prospective buyers of the Seltos should check this out. 

The Kia Seltos is one of the newer models within the Korean marque’s local lineup. It is hip and attractive, and it has a lot going for it as far as onboard features go. As such, many of you might be considering it as your next ride.  

A picture of the Kia Seltos parked on top of a building

The Kia Seltos

The Seltos has three variants in the Philippine market. There’s the Seltos LX AT, EX AT, and the SX AT. So, which of these is the right one for you? To help you find out, let’s compare these variants against each other in terms of specifications. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Exterior 

Size-wise, the Seltos variants sold locally all have a length of 4,370mm and a width of 1,800mm. The entry-level LX however has a shorter height of 1,610mm as it lacks roof rails. On the other hand, the higher-spec EX and SX that come with roof rails are 5mm taller. Furthermore, all variants of the Kia-made crossover have a wheelbase length of 2,630mm, and a ground clearance of 170mm. Their curb weights are also the same at 1,295 kg. 

A picture of the side of the Kia Seltos

The Seltos from the side

Apart from the size, the entry-level LX and mid-spec EX are both equipped with projector halogen headlamps and halogen front fog lamps. The top-spec SX however has LED headlights and LED front fog lamps. All variants come standard with daytime running lamps, a fin-type antenna, and a rear spoiler. The EX though lacks the side-mirror mounted turn signal repeaters and LED taillights that are available on the higher trims. 

A picture of the rear of the Kia Seltos

Like many modern crossovers, the Seltos also sports an SUV-like rear end

Kia Seltos Variants: Interior 

Moving on to interiors, all three Seltos variants can seat five. All have two rows of seats, and all come standard with a 60:40 split for the folding rear seats. As for seat material though, the LX has fabric while the EX and SX have a combination of cloth and leatherette.  

A picture of the interior of the Kia Seltos

The top-spec Seltos SX features seats that are covered with a mix of cloth and leatherette

As for driver amenities, all variants of this Kia crossover are equipped with an analog gauge cluster plus a 3.5-inch multifunction display, a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel, and manual driver’s seat adjustment. The top-spec SX however also provides a sliding armrest, whereas the LX and EX are kitted out with a regular console box. Also, only the LX and the top-spec SX are equipped with cruise control. 

For occupant comfort, the entry-level LX and mid-spec EX both come standard with a manual air-conditioning system. The top-spec SX in turn has a single-zone automatic air-conditioning system.  

A picture of the trunk of the Kia Seltos

With the seats folded down, this Kia crossover has oodles of space

Regarding on-board entertainment, the Seltos variants are the same. All three feature an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. For all variants, the said headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood, all Seltos variants are propelled by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine. At most, this four-pot mill can produce up to 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an intelligent variable transmission (IVT).

A picture of the Kia Seltos' engine

The Seltos' 2.0-liter inline-4 Nu MPI DOHC gasoline engine 

For suspension systems, all these use a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam for the rear. All variants of the Seltos also come standard with disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake without an auto-brake hold function. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Safety 

As expected, the top-spec SX has the most safety features out of the three Variants. Specifically, it features electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, and six airbags. The EX and LX in turn, do have two airbags, and all variants are equipped with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and child-proof door locks. 

Kia Seltos Variants: Price 

 

Kia Seltos Variants 

Price 

Seltos LX 2.0 AT 

Php 1,098,000 

Seltos EX 2.0 AT 

Php 1,198,000 

Seltos SX 2.0 AT 

Php 1,505,000 

Kia Seltos Variants: Conclusion 

So, let’s get back to the question: which Seltos variant is the right one? Well, that depends on a buyer’s priorities. People who are particularly concerned about car safety might want to lean towards the SX since it has several active safety features that are absent on the LX and EX. Plus, it also has more airbags. 

A picture of the rear of the Kia Seltos

All Seltos trims feature a modern, SUV-like exterior design

On the other hand, the EX has several comfort-oriented features that are not present on the LX namely cruise control. In addition, the aforementioned mid-spec variant also has LEDs just like the top variant.  

If you just want an affordable but still comfortable and cool-looking ride however, the entry-level LX fits the bill. It doesn’t look that far off from the LX and SX save for its alternate beltline paint finish, halogen headlamps, and lack of roof rails. 

For more car buying and selling guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Kia Seltos 2024

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos 2024 is a subcompact crossover that is designed to appeal to young car buyers. It is available in the Philippines in three variants, with a price ranging from Php 1,198,000 to Php 1,688,000. Under the hood, this model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC D-CVVT gasoline engine capable of generating 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Only an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is paired to the engine.

When it comes to the dimensions, the Seltos spans 4,370 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height (1,610 mm excluding roof rails). It also gets a wheelbase and Kia Seltos ground clearance rated at 2,630 mm and 170 mm, respectively. In the local market, this Korean subcompact crossover competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Mazda CX-3, and MG ZS.

>>> New and used Kia Seltos 2024 for sale in the Philippines

WHAT'S NEW in 2024 KIA SELTOS? | Philkotse Quick Look

Kia Seltos Launch

The Kia Seltos got its name from “Celtos,” Hercules’ son in Greek Mythology. Kia Motors developed this car for millennials who want a head-turning automobile that perfectly merges modern and striking looks with innovative features.

Globally, it was launched in South Korea in July 2019, in India in August 2019, and in Indonesia in January 2020. Kia Motors is known as one of the pioneers in introducing crossover-type automobiles in the Philippines. With this, the Kia Seltos was made available in the Philippines in November 2019.

Kia Seltos Exterior

This athletic and stylish crossover measures 4,370mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,610mm tall. On the front, the Kia Seltos 2024 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps. Its bold, dark tiger-nose grille looks aggressively modern, providing the vehicle an edge among competitors. Its beefy body has subtle lines designed to enhance its overall aerodynamic capabilities.

Kia Seltos

On the front, the Kia Seltos 2024 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps

At the top, higher variants are designed with a contrasting roof color with a pair of sturdy rails. The rear, on the other hand, is affixed with modern-looking LED taillights. To complete the overall look of the Kia Seltos, it wears a set of 17-inch 215/55R17 alloy wheels.

Kia Seltos Interior

Seltos Interior

As it is made for young professionals, you can expect a youthful and classy vibe inside the Kia Seltos Philippines. Its all-black interior looks premium. Highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, 60:40 rear seats that can be reclined, and a heads-up display. In terms of cargo loading, it can carry a maximum of 433 liters and can be doubled when the rear seats are folded.

Technology and Safety Features

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Top-spec models are equipped with cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front proximity sensors, and a  reverse camera.

Seltos touchscreen

All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system.

Safety is guaranteed as the Kia Seltos comes with a good number of SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, three-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher variants are furnished with hill-start assist, stability control, and dynamic brake control.

Platform and Chassis

For suspension, it is built with a Macpherson Strut and coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring at the back. The Kia Seltos is manufactured using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It is designed to provide the utmost protection to its riders, efficiently control the vehicle, and guarantee excellent performance on roads and tough terrain.

Engine and Drivetrain

Kia Seltos engine

This five-door, five-seater subcompact crossover runs using a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with Continuous Variable Transmission. The Kia Seltos can produce 147 hp with a torque of 179 Nm.

Available colors for the Kia Seltos 2024 Philippines are Starbright Yellow, Gravity Gray, Iron Gray, Dark Ocean Blue, Mars Orange, two-tone Starbright Yellow with Cherry Black, and two-tone Clear White with Cherry Black.

The Kia Seltos is a well-rounded subcompact crossover thanks to its various features. One can say that it has the best color package locally as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Geely Coolray.

Kia Seltos 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Kia Seltos 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX AT ₱1,198,000
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX AT ₱1,288,000
Kia Seltos 1.4 SX AT ₱1,688,000

Kia Seltos Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Well-integrated tiger nose grille
  • A wide array of flashy color options
  • Refined powertrain

Cons

  • Only one engine option is brought locally
  • Not many amenities are available for second-row passengers
  • Interior is not as plush as exterior

Kia Seltos FAQs

1. How many seats does the Kia Seltos 2024 have?

The Kia Seltos 2024 provides a two-row vehicle with 5 seats.

2. What is a highlight of the Kia Seltos 2024?

One of the highlights of the Kia Seltos 2024 provides outstanding inside space and practicality for moving cargo for such a small, inexpensive SUV.

3. Is the Kia Seltos Philippines a reliable car?

Yes, the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

4. Is the Seltos worth buying?

Yes, it absolutely is. Because the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.

5. Is the Kia Seltos automatic?

Yes, all Kia Seltos variants come with automatic transmission.

6. What type of vehicle is Kia Seltos 2024?

Type of the Seltos 2024 is SUV.

 

₱ 1,208,000 - ₱ 1,580,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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