Kia Seltos trim comparison
2024 Kia Seltos S vs X-Line
The Seltos S starts at $25,090 while the X-Line is $28,790. That $3,700 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The X-Line gets the 1.6L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $3,700 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The S is enough if the 2.0L I4 with FWD already fits your routine; the X-Line only earns the jump when the 1.6L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the S to the X-Line is about $65/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $3,900 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The S and X-Line are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,700 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $529 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 8 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S | X-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $25,090 | $28,790 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.6L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 146 hp | 195 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,400/yr | $1,700/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,970 lbs | 3,362 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 103.5" |
| Length | 172.6" | 172.6" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.0" | 64.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Kia Seltos S vs X-Line Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia Seltos lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Subcompact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Seltos X-Line cost than the S?
The X-Line starts at $28,790 compared to $25,090 for the S. That is a $3,700 difference, or approximately $65/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Kia Seltos S and X-Line have the same engine?
No. The S uses a 2.0L I4 (146 hp, 132 lb-ft), while the X-Line has the 1.6L I4 Turbo (195 hp, 195 lb-ft). That is 49 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Does the 2024 Seltos S come with AWD?
No. The S comes standard with FWD while the X-Line has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Seltos S or X-Line safer?
Both share the same Kia Seltos platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Kia Seltos come with?
All 2024 Kia Seltos trims, including both the S and X-Line, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line worth $3,700 more than the S?
The X-Line changes both the engine and drivetrain for $3,700 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 Kia Seltos trim gets better fuel economy, the S or the X-Line?
The S is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 26 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $3,700 Gets You
The Seltos X-Line is a clear upgrade over the S. The $3,700 price increase gets you the 1.6L I4 Turbo engine (+49 hp) and AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
S vs. X-Line: Day-to-Day
The X-Line comes with the 1.6L I4 Turbo instead of the S's 2.0L I4. That means 49 more horsepower and 63 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. In return, expect about 5 fewer combined MPG. AWD on the X-Line means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the S's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Seltos S gets 5 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $260 per year or $1,300 over five years of ownership.
Summary
The Seltos X-Line costs $3,700 more than the S (about $65/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 7 meaningful changes at $529 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia Seltos S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Seltos X-Line
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the X-Line when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.