26 MPG combined is a practical figure for the 2024 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L 4-cyl. It reflects the reality of owning a small SUV with all-wheel drive, a calculated compromise between fuel efficiency and the added capability that AWD provides. This particular Seltos isn’t targeting hypermilers; it’s aimed at young professionals, small families in urban areas, or anyone who prioritizes versatility and all-weather traction without breaking the bank. They’re willing to trade a few MPGs for the security that comes with all-wheel drive, especially in regions with unpredictable weather conditions. The Seltos buyer values practicality and affordability over bragging rights for fuel consumption, and this powertrain delivers on that promise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2024 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L 4-cyl break down to 25 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This indicates a small efficiency gap between stop-and-go urban driving and steady-state highway cruising, which isn’t surprising. The Seltos’s modest engine and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission are calibrated to maximize efficiency across various driving conditions. In the city, the engine’s low-end torque provides adequate pep for navigating traffic, while on the highway, the transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal RPM range for efficient cruising. The numbers suggest you won’t be penalized dramatically for primarily driving in either environment, a characteristic that contributes to the Seltos’s widespread appeal.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L 4-cyl will be $1,700. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and operating the vehicle in extreme temperatures can negatively impact fuel economy. It’s a good idea to track your fuel consumption to get a more accurate picture of your real-world costs. The $1,700 estimate provides a good benchmark for budgeting and comparing the Seltos to other vehicles in its class. You can compare the Seltos to all Kia fuel economy data to see if it matches your needs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, it’s important to consider real-world driving conditions. Some drivers achieve slightly lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates, particularly in areas with hilly terrain or frequent traffic congestion. The Seltos’ small turbocharged engine can be sensitive to driving style; heavy acceleration and frequent hard stops will significantly impact fuel consumption.

Tire pressure and vehicle maintenance also play a role. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated and that your vehicle is regularly serviced can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency. Online owner forums and fuel tracking apps can provide insights into the real-world fuel economy experienced by other Seltos drivers.

How it compares

In the crowded subcompact SUV segment, the 2024 Kia Seltos AWD 1.6L 4-cyl’s fuel economy is competitive, but not class-leading. For comparison, the Mazda CX-30 with standard all-wheel drive achieves a slightly better 28 MPG combined. The Honda HR-V, also with AWD, manages around 27 MPG combined. The Subaru Crosstrek, a popular choice for its standard AWD system, gets approximately 29 MPG combined in its base trim. These slightly more efficient rivals might appeal to fuel-conscious buyers. Buyers should also remember that these competitors may differ in terms of features, cargo space, and overall driving experience, all of which factor into the purchase decision. Some of those competitors will not exist in certain model years, so comparing SELTOS MPG across all years might be important.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given that the Seltos uses a small-displacement turbocharged engine, avoiding aggressive acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy. Gentle acceleration allows the turbocharger to spool up smoothly, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to avoid sudden bursts of acceleration. Driving in a city environment usually means being in a lower gear, so taking it easy will help.

Proper tire inflation is often overlooked, but it plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. You should also ensure that your wheel alignment has recently been verified and calibrated, as that may be a source of decreased fuel economy.

Minimize the use of air conditioning, especially on short trips. The air conditioning compressor puts a significant load on the engine, which can noticeably reduce fuel economy. Consider opening windows or using the ventilation system when the weather permits. If you do need to use the A/C, set the temperature to a comfortable level rather than the coldest setting.

Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle. Extra weight increases the amount of fuel needed to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items that you don’t need from the trunk and passenger area. Don’t treat your trunk as a mobile storage unit; only carry essential items.