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The Most Fuel-Efficient Compact Crossover On Sale In 2024

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Summary

  • The 2024 Kia Seltos leads in gas effectivity, providing 31 MPG with front-wheel drive trims.
  • Pricing begins at $24,490, with extra choices for all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine.
  • With class-leading inside area and high-quality finishes, the Seltos additionally presents high security options.

Throughout the automotive trade, only a few segments are rising as quickly because the crossover SUV. Building off the sedan’s platform and mixing it with the practicality of the usual SUV, it comes as no shock that so many producers are investing so closely within the phase.

While electric and hybrid crossover SUVs are making huge strides, there’ll nonetheless be loads of gas-powered fashions to select from in 2024. With so many standout fashions obtainable, the selection is turning into tougher and tougher to make, however Kia manages to offer us a fantastic cause why their mannequin needs to be a high decide.

In right this moment’s market, having the most effective gas financial system doable is among the key parts that each producers and clients search for. While the competitors is hard, the Kia Seltos sits at the top of the crossover SUV segment in 2024. Also coming in at an reasonably priced value, here is a more in-depth take a look at the class-leading 2024 Kia Seltos.

In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Kia and different authoritative sources, together with Fueleconomy.gov, CarBuzz, and ScorchingCars.
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The 2024 Kia Seltos Offers 31 MPG With Front-Wheel-Drive

Historically, SUVs have not been in a position to present the identical effectivity as smaller vehicles just because they require extra power to drive. However, in recent times, SUVs have managed to claw again a few of the deficit, particularly in relation to crossover SUVs.

In 2024, the Kia Seltos would be the top-rated crossover SUV for gas effectivity, providing EPA-estimated scores of 28 MPG within the metropolis and 34 MPG on the freeway, averaging 31 MPG mixed. However, that is for the front-wheel-drive trim, which is not obtainable on the bottom LX trim. With a total driving range of 409 miles, you should not need to cease for gas too typically.

Starting At $24,490

Kia

The first trim that unlocks the front-wheel-drive driveline is the S trim, which starts at $25,090. The base LX trim will get all-wheel-drive as normal with out the choice for front-wheel-drive, however it begins at a decrease $24,490. In reality, solely two trims provide the selection of front-wheel-drive: the S and the EX. If you need the all-wheel-drive driveline for the S trim, you will need to spend an additional $1,500 on high of the beginning MSRP.

The FWD And AWD Trims Compared

Of course, the all-wheel-drive driveline offers totally different effectivity scores than with front-wheel-drive, which is expectedly decrease as the ability has to journey to the rear axle in addition to the entrance. The EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive 2024 Kia Seltos presents 27 MPG within the metropolis, 31 MPG on the freeway, and 29 MPG mixed.

The distinction between the 2 drivelines is not a lot, however it’s nonetheless noticeable in the long term. For the front-wheel-drive Seltos, annual gas prices complete $1,750 on common, whereas the all-wheel-drive prices $1,900 per 12 months. Overall, the front-wheel-drive 2024 Seltos saves as much as $1,000 on gas prices in comparison with the typical new automobile, making the Kia all of the extra enticing as a compact SUV.
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The Kia Seltos Is Powered By a 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder As Standard

Kia

For the primary three trims of the 2024 Kia Seltos, the compact crossover SUV is fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This small however environment friendly engine produces 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. While this may not look like a lot in comparison with its rivals, the Seltos is extra reasonably priced than most of its closest rivals.

For the front-wheel-drive driveline, the two.0-liter four-cylinder allows the compact SUV to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.8 seconds, which will increase to 9.6 seconds with all-wheel-drive. While the preliminary getaway for the front-wheel-drive trim comes out on high, each drivelines have a most high pace of 118 miles per hour.

The front-wheel-drive driveline’s acceleration could be supreme for driving within the metropolis, however in case you’re anticipating to drive the Seltos on longer journeys, the all-wheel-drive possibility could be higher outfitted to deal with doubtlessly tough circumstances. The all-wheel-drive possibility additionally comes with a center-locking differential, which delivers 50 p.c of the ability to every axle. This function is especially helpful off-road.

The Top-Spec 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder

Starting with the X-Line trim, which prices a minimal of $28,790, you get a smaller but extra highly effective 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which receives its extra boost from the turbocharger. Producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 2024 Kia Seltos subsequently sees enhancements in efficiency, with Car and Driver attaining a 0 to 60 miles per hour pace of 6.9 seconds.

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder trims additionally solely include all-wheel drive, which additional impacts their effectivity scores total. Due to growing the ability output, the turbocharged engine already loses out on gas financial system, with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG within the metropolis, 27 MPG on the freeway, and 26 MPG mixed. According to the EPA, you will be spending $2,100 per 12 months on gas.
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The Kia Seltos Has Been Redesigned For 2024

Kia

In addition to seeing a slight improve in energy, the small SUV’s design has been up to date inside and outside. While not an entire redesign, the 2024 mannequin introduces loads of adjustments to maintain the Seltos feeling and looking trendy as the brand begins to usher in a new minimalist design type throughout the board.

For the outside updates, probably the most notable adjustments may be discovered on the entrance with the all-new grille design. It’s now longer and wider than earlier than, including an additional contact of sportiness and class. New wheel designs and a rear lightbar join the taillights for 2024.

Class-Leading Interior Space With High-Quality Finishes

It’s not simply the Kia Seltos’ gas effectivity scores that put it forward of the curve, the small SUV additionally offers class-leading cabin space and second-row legroom. Despite receiving adjustments to the design, the scale are virtually an identical to final 12 months’s Seltos. For headroom, you get 40 inches within the entrance and 38.4 inches within the rear. The legroom measures 41.4 inches within the entrance and 38 inches within the rear, with the hip room coming in at 53.5 inches within the entrance and 52.8 inches within the rear.

As properly as providing a roomy inside, the 2024 Seltos comes with top-quality supplies all through the cabin to usher in a component of luxurious. With the S trim, Kia’s Syntex materials is out there for the seat upholstery, in both all black or blue and black. Further normal options embrace sound-absorbing windshield glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel and equipment shift knob, and inside LED lighting.

Ample Safety And Driver Assistance Features

Kia

The expertise for the 2024 Seltos has additionally been up to date, together with the newest driver help and security options that Kia presents. Inside the cabin, the all-new Seltos comes with an obtainable 10.25-inch twin panoramic show built-in into the up to date dashboard design, which offers all the knowledge in probably the most intuitive manner doable.

As is the case with all new Kia fashions for 2024, the Seltos crossover SUV comes with the Kia Drive Wise expertise package deal. However, not all security options include the decrease trims; all options solely come as normal with the top-spec SX trim. The Drive Wise applied sciences for the S trim with front-wheel-drive embrace:

  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Rear Occupant Alert
  • Safe Exit Warning
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In Comparison With Its Rivals

With the compact crossover SUV phase being one of many fastest-growing within the trade, it comes as no shock that the Kia Seltos faces a number of ultra-competitive rivals in 2024. Alongside the producers throughout Asia continuously elevating the bar, manufacturers Stateside have additionally entered the crossover scene with some standout fashions.

Tough Competition Throughout Asia

In Japan, few producers provide as giant a fleet as Honda. In 2024, the compact HR-V competes directly with the Kia Seltos, with the Honda beginning at $24,600 for the front-wheel-drive trim. The HR-V is cheaper than the Seltos however cannot match the Kia’s gas effectivity scores, coming in at 28 MPG mixed.

Moving again over to South Korea, the 2024 Hyundai Kona manages to match the Kia Seltos’ gas effectivity ranking of 31 MPG mixed, as per the EPA. However, the Kona has a lesser total vary than the Seltos, solely managing 384 miles on a full tank. As for pricing, the front-wheel-drive trim begins at $24,250, additionally barely cheaper than the Kia.

Fierce Rivals From The United States

First launched to the U.S. market in 2015 was the Chevrolet Trax, which, in 2024, stays one of the most competitive compact crossover SUVs on the market. Starting at a really reasonably priced $20,400, the Chevrolet Trax solely simply falls in need of the Kia Seltos with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG mixed.

A compact crossover SUV that is been in the marketplace for longer is the Ford Escape. Despite being discontinued transferring ahead as Ford seems to revamp their SUV lineup, the 2024 Escape nonetheless stays aggressive, additionally providing 30 MPG mixed. However, it begins at $29,345, making it some of the costly rivals for the class-leading 2024 Kia Seltos.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Maintains Leadership in Automotive Innovation, Top Spot Among Automakers in Annual U.S. Patent Ranking

  • Toyota leads automotive business for 10th consecutive yr 
  • Toyota acquired 2,667 patents in 2023. 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (March 12, 2024) – Securing its place on the forefront of U.S. automotive innovation for the tenth consecutive yr, Toyota has been awarded extra patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than another automaker in line with an annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO).   

Despite a difficult yr that noticed a 3% total decline in patents granted throughout all industries within the United States, Toyota ranked seventh amongst all corporations awarded patents in 2023, receiving a complete of two,667 patents.  

“This achievement continues to underscore Toyota’s unwavering commitment to innovation, particularly in areas critical to the future of mobility such as electrification and intelligent transportation solutions,” stated Sandra Phillips Rogers, senior vp of Corporate Resources and chief authorized officer at Toyota Motor North America. “Our focus is on creating sustainable and advanced technological solutions and contributing to the betterment of society and the industry at large, all while ensuring our innovations are recognized through filings with the USPTO.” 

Toyota’s 2023 patents showcase the corporate’s wide-ranging improvements, together with: 

  • Kinetic Seat Cushion for Vehicles – A key component of the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, debuting solely on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro that helps present a clean, confidence-inspiring trip for these within the driver and entrance passenger seats. The ISO D seat meeting absorbs car inputs vertically and laterally, decreasing the general load and impacts onto the car occupant.   
  • Woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Steel Matrix Composite – A carbon fiber cloth of lengthy, organized fibers inside a metal matrix that produces a lighter weight materials with out sacrificing efficiency. By layering the carbon fiber in a weaving sample sintered with metal nanomaterial, the composite is stiff. This innovation can be utilized for lightweighting car elements the place engineered types of metal are wanted.    
  • Systems and Methods with Dual Function Coil Providing In-vehicle Wireless Power – This innovation for traction-battery-equipped automobiles (PHEVs & BEVs) makes use of a twin operate coil, put in within the car, that may wirelessly obtain energy from the grid for recharging the battery and transmit energy for the built-in auxiliary energy provide. The know-how eliminates the necessity for cumbersome cables, many connectors, and obligation plugs to supply in-vehicle charging and small load energy provide (for cabin lights, screens, cellular gadgets, and many others.), thereby enhancing comfort and system integration in addition to decreasing house wants, value, and weight of the car. 

“Toyota team members work very aggressively at research and development to discover cutting-edge technology for propelling the company forward,” stated Frederick Mau, mental property counsel and director of Patent Licensing for Toyota Motor North America. “It’s impressive to see the fruits of their efforts reflected in these rankings every year.” 

Globally, Toyota spends roughly $1 million per hour on R&D, to make sure that Toyota quickly and repeatedly develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and interesting automobiles and applied sciences. This dedication ensures that Toyota not solely delivers on the wants of consumers but in addition anticipates its position in future societal progress. 

About Toyota 
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural cloth in North America for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility via our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our greater than 1,800 dealerships. 

Toyota instantly employs greater than 63,000 individuals in North America who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of practically 47 million vehicles and vans at our 13 manufacturing vegetation. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified automobiles. With extra electrified automobiles on the highway than another automaker, Toyota at present presents 27 electrified choices. 

For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. 

About TMNA R&D  
For greater than 50 years, Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) has led engineering for a number of of the best-selling Toyota automobiles on U.S. roads. Teams at the moment are creating each next-generation automobiles and new and superior mobility ideas that may higher transfer individuals, items and data. Toyota’s innovation has produced extra patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office than another automaker for the previous 10 consecutive years (2,667 in 2023). Centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, TMNA R&D is pursuing Toyota’s mission to “Produce Happiness for All” by making life safer, simpler and extra pleasurable. Globally, Toyota spends roughly $1 million per hour on R&D to make sure that Toyota quickly and repeatedly develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and interesting automobiles. 

Motorsport

This Mercedes-Benz Diesel Refuses To Die

Leaving a car parked and exposed to the elements for years often leads to significant issues. Rust and deteriorating gaskets, as well as fluid leaks, are common problems. However, not every car forgotten in a field is destined for the junkyard. A recent video shows an old Mercedes 200D W124 starting and driving again after sitting idle for eight years.

This diesel sedan has been through better days, but it’s not beyond saving. It has traveled 178,830 miles (287,800 kilometers) in its lifetime. Despite missing a battery and some unconnected hoses, the engine bay is dirty but intact. Surprisingly, there is still oil in the engine, albeit dirty, and the air filter is relatively clean.

With some fresh fuel, coolant, and a new battery, this rescued Mercedes is up and running again. It starts right up as if it had been waiting to be driven, even after sinking into the ground. Motor1.com contacted the creator of the video to learn more about the car’s recovery.

The cabin of the car is dirty, with various switches covered in grime and inoperable. However, the seats are not ripped apart, and the windshield wiper works with some effort. The only issue seems to be a stiff shifter. Surprisingly, the interior is in better condition than the rusting exterior.

In the video, a high-pressure wash removes a significant amount of grime from the car’s exterior, but some imperfections remain embedded in the paint. Some body panels are still dirty, highlighting the remaining rust spots on the truck lid, rear fascia, and hood. Additionally, some trim pieces are starting to fall off.

After cleaning a clogged fuel filter, the car runs well, although it emits a lot of smoke under acceleration. It likely needs new oil and a bit more tender loving care to be in top-notch condition. There are a few remaining issues, such as a non-functioning alternator, a broken horn, and the car continuing to run even with the key turned off and removed. Clearly, there is still some work to be done.

Featured

How TATA AIG is Revolutionizing Car Insurance Policies to Match the Evolving Automotive Industry

TATA AIG leads auto insurance revolution with telematics, electric vehicle coverage, cybersecurity coverage, and more

Insurance companies are updating their policies to offer comprehensive coverage as the automotive sector continues to evolve due to technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. TATA AIG, a leading insurance company, is at the forefront of this revolution. This article explores how TATA AIG is modernizing vehicle insurance coverage to meet the demands of the developing automotive industry.

Embracing Telematics:

TATA AIG has embraced telematics, a technology that allows real-time data collection from vehicles. Policyholders can monitor their driving behavior, including speed, acceleration, and braking, by installing telematics devices or using smartphone apps. TATA AIG utilizes this information to offer personalized insurance plans based on individual driving styles, promoting responsible driving and potentially reducing premiums.

Offering Usage-Based Insurance:

TATA AIG introduced usage-based insurance (UBI) to acknowledge that not all drivers have the same needs. With this innovative approach, policyholders can pay premiums based on their actual vehicle usage rather than traditional fixed plans. TATA AIG provides flexible coverage options, such as pay-per-mile or pay-as-you-drive policies, which can save money for drivers who use their vehicles sparingly or infrequently.

Providing Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Coverage:

In response to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), TATA AIG has developed specialized coverage options tailored to the specific needs of EV owners. These insurance policies offer protection against mechanical and electrical malfunctions, as well as coverage for battery damage and charging infrastructure. TATA AIG’s focus on EV insurance demonstrates its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and adapting to the changing requirements of the auto industry.

Introducing Cybersecurity Coverage:

With the increasing connectivity of vehicles through advanced infotainment systems and autonomous features, the risk of cyber threats also rises. TATA AIG has recognized this emerging concern and introduced cybersecurity coverage. This protection safeguards policyholders against cyber attacks targeting their vehicle systems, ensuring peace of mind in an increasingly digitized automotive landscape.

Enhancing Claims Experience with Digital Solutions:

TATA AIG recognizes the importance of a smooth claims process. They have adopted digital solutions, including online claim filing, quick claim settlements, and virtual vehicle assessments, to simplify the procedure. By leveraging technology, TATA AIG aims to provide faster and hassle-free claim settlements, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing the time and effort required for claim processing.

Offering Add-Ons for Customized Coverage:

TATA AIG understands that car owners may have specific needs beyond standard coverage. They offer a range of add-on options that policyholders can choose to enhance their insurance policies. These add-ons may include coverage for roadside assistance, engine protection, zero depreciation, and more, allowing customers to customize their policies according to their individual requirements.

Conclusion:

To keep up with the rapidly changing automotive industry, TATA AIG is leading the way in revolutionizing auto insurance. By embracing telematics, offering usage-based insurance, catering to electric vehicle owners, providing cybersecurity coverage, enhancing the claims process with digital solutions, and offering add-ons for customized coverage, TATA AIG ensures that customers receive comprehensive and tailored coverage that meets the evolving demands of the modern auto industry. Choosing TATA AIG allows car owners to benefit from cutting-edge insurance solutions that protect their vehicles and provide peace of mind while driving.