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2023 Kia Seltos Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2023 Kia Seltos Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: LX vs S and EX, Nightfall Edition vs SX

What 2023 Kia Seltos Trim Should You Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2023 Kia Seltos is a spacious subcompact SUV for those on the go. Boasting 172-inches long and 70.9 inches wide, this vehicle provides plenty of passenger volume and cargo space to keep you adventuring in style - even if that means packing up some camping gear or hauling around your mountain bike! With 7.3-inches of ground clearance, it's ready take on whatever terrain comes its way while keeping all passengers comfortably seated with a wheelbase measurement at 103.5 inches long - no roof rails necessary.

On the inside, there's around 38.5-inches of head clearance. This stays consistent whether one sits in the front or back. The Seltos has 41.4-inches of legroom up front and 38-inches of legroom in the rear. There's room for five people here with a total passenger volume of 99.6 cubic feet. The Seltos has 26.6 cubic-feet of cargo space when there are five passengers. This can be extended to 62.8 cubic-feet by folding down the rear seats.

Kia will offer the Seltos in four different trim levels for 2023. There's also a special Nightfall Edition of this crossover SUV. There are two different 4-cylinder engines available including a turbocharged model. Overall, Kia gives buyers a lot of options to choose from here. Here's a quick rundown of every model and how they compare with one another. Hopefully, this can help you decide which trim level is right for you.

 

Compare the Seltos LX vs S Trims. What Is the Difference?

Kia has equipped their LX and S models with a powerful yet efficient 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing 146 horsepower for smooth cruising capabilities combined with an Intelligent Variable Transmission to optimize fuel savings. Furthering its efficiency is "Idle Stop and Go" technology which automatically shuts off the vehicle when it's at rest in order to conserve energy - culminating in a class leading 29 miles per gallon.

The Seltos comes with FWD as standard in its S trim, while the LX can tackle any terrain thanks to Dynamax AWD. Torque Vectoring Cornering Control provides impressive control and agility regardless of your drivetrain selection, enhanced by MacPherson struts up front paired with a multi-link rear suspension for added stability and comfort. To bring it all together is an unbeatable steel unibody design complete with ventilated disc brakes at the helm and solid discs anchoring things down back there - setting you up for unforgettable driving experiences.

These two trims have most of the same safety features. There are two advanced airbags up front. These are augmented with another set of seat-mounted side airbags. Last of all, a full-length curtain airbag adds protection for all outboard seat positions. Special sensors can detect a rollover and let the vehicle's system know when to deploy the curtain airbag. Every passenger gets a 3-point seat belt for maximum security.

A standard ABS system keeps the brakes from locking up during emergency stops. Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control help the driver to maintain control even during emergency maneuvers. Hill-Start Assist keeps the vehicle from rolling back too far when stopping and starting again on an incline. Anchors and tethers for child-safety seats can be found in every trim level.

Both trim levels of the Seltos get plenty of driver-assist features. This includes Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning and a Driver Attention Warning. Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Braking is standard across all trims. Every model also comes equipped with a rear-view monitor and a tire-pressure monitor. The S trim adds on Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist.

The LX and S trims of this vehicle provide an exterior packed with features, from skid plates at the front and rear to 17-inch alloy wheels in a Dark Gray finish. There's also sound absorption for less noise on the highway, plus intermittent wipers and single wiper/washer for rainy days. Both models get projector Beam headlights as well as Auto Headlight Control & High-Beam Assist; but add fog lamps, LED daytime running lights & taillights to that list if you go with the S trim! Topped off by some extra chrome around windows – your ride will be sparkling throughout all seasons.

Both models come fully loaded with a suite of infotainment features, including an 8-inch touchscreen display and 6-speaker sound system. Drivers can access their favorite apps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while audio controls are conveniently located on the steering wheel for quick control over your music and more. Plus, you'll find modern conveniences like power windows/locks as well as a 3.5" instrument screen plus adjustable tilt & telescopic steering - making it easy to customize each journey.

LX version of the Seltoscome with Remote Keyless Entry and an engine immobilzer. S trims get a Smart-Key system, Remote Start and Push-Button Start. The LX gets basic AC and heating while the S models have an Automatic Climate-Control system with an Auto De-Fog feature. Both trims have a 6-way manual driver seat and a 4-way manual seat for the front passenger. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding design and a reclining feature.

The S trim has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift knob. The S trim's upholstery is a combination of cloth and SynTex. The LX models have woven-cloth upholstery for the seats. Both models have interior lighting, but the S trim upgrades this to LED lighting. These S models also get some extra cup holders and a sliding armrest with a storage bin. Rear vents in the S models more efficiently channel the heat or AC to the rear passengers.

Compare the Seltos S vs EX Trim Levels. What Is the Difference?

The EX trim has no major differences when it comes to performance. It's the last trim level to come equipped with the 2.0-liter engine. It has the same transmission system as the previous two trims. This model gets All-Wheel Drive like the LX. One new addition for the exterior is a sunroof for the EX. Solar-control glass for all of the windows blocks out more of the sun's UV rays. The alloy wheels are again 17 inches, but this time they come with a machined finish.

This trim gets an upgraded infotainment center with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. A navigation system, Kia Connect Services and SirusXM Satellite Radio are all added on. Buyers of the EX trim also get a wireless phone charger. The power windows now get a one-touch up-and-down feature. Vanity mirrors with illumination get added on here.

The seat trim is now full SynTex material. The driver can now enjoy a 10-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support. The front seats also have heat for this trim. All of the safety features are identical when comparing the S and EX trims. The biggest upgrade when choosing this trim is found in the infotainment system. While there aren't a ton of changes, the price increase for the EX trim is minimal.

Compare the Seltos EX vs Nightfall Edition. What Is the Difference?

The latest Nightfall Edition of this model is a real game-changer, featuring an entirely new 1.6L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine packing 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft torque - giving you the power to make decisive passes on any road with ease! For added grip and stability in tough weather conditions, All Wheel Drive makes its triumphant return as well, while 7 speed dual clutch transmission ensures smooth shifting regardless of gear or terrain.

This model gets a larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a matte-black finish. The roof rails, front grille and other trim gets the black-out treatment. Like the EX models, the Nightfall Edition gets the upgraded infotainment center with the larger screen and navigation system. The seat trim goes back to a combination of cloth and SynTex materials. The seats also curiously go back to manual adjustments, and the wireless phone charger gets removed.

This special edition of the 2023 Kia Seltos gets a major upgrade to the mechanical features. It also gets some nice cosmetic flourishes. All of the safety features carry over from the EX trim. Otherwise, many of the interior additions for the EX actually get removed. Once again, there is only a modest jump in price when moving up to this trim level. Kia does a good job of keeping the price increases minimal, always enticing you to go one trim level higher.

Compare the Seltos Nightfall Edition vs SX Trim. What Is the Difference?

Driving the 2023 Kia SX will be like harnessing a beast - its turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 cylinder engine and manual transmission create an intense driving experience with thoroughbred power at your fingertips! With this model, you'll get amazing performance as well as top-notch safety features to protect your ride.

The Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system has been enhanced by now offering Cyclist Detection while other features such as Highway Driving Assist [HDSA] & Smart Cruise have also joined the mix ensuring that drivers keep safe distances from those around them on roadways; plus they are endowed with Safe Exit Warning so vehicles behind won't be taken off guard when exiting occurs.. Make sure to check out this already impressive model before it's gone.

Spice up your drive with the new SX trim of the Seltos. It's outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a machined finish, LED headlights and fog lights for added visibility at night, plus chrome accents on its grille and door handles to give it extra shine. Enjoy an optional sunroof while cruising around in comfort - power driver's seat included! Plus, you'll get SynTex seat trims throughout as well as a cargo cover for stowing away small items discretely and leather-wrapped flat bottom steering wheel that solves both style & function needs simultaneously.

 

Final Thoughts

The all-new 2023 Kia Seltos EX model gives you impressive bang for your buck, but if power and performance are top priorities, the SX trim should be at the front of your list. It takes everything from its lower sibling to a whole new level with an upgraded engine that offers superior acceleration without breaking the bank - plus it clocks in just slightly higher than its predecessor on price! Don't settle when there's no need; get behind the wheel of an energized drive today.

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Previous Year Trim Configurations:

2022 Kia Seltos Trim Levels