2026 Kia Seltos EX: Lakewood Buyers Guide

Where the money actually goes

Heated seats and a wireless charging pad sound like small things until you're the one scraping ice off a windshield in a Lakewood driveway in February and climbing into a warm seat instead of a cold one. The SynTex synthetic leather is a genuine step up in how the cabin feels day to day, and Parking Distance Warning-Reverse — standard here — is exactly the kind of feature that earns its keep in the tight lots around the Ocean County outlets. Choose all-wheel drive on the EX specifically and the smart power liftgate comes along standard, which matters more than it sounds like it should the first time your hands are full of grocery bags.

The screen question, and the Sunroof Package

The EX is the first trim where the dual 10.25-inch panoramic display setup and matching digital instrument cluster become available — the same dashboard treatment the range-topping SX gets as standard equipment. Separately, the $800 EX Sunroof Package adds a power sunroof and the new-for-2026 17-inch gloss-black wheel design. If the dual-screen look is what sold you on the Seltos in photos, ask your DiFeo Kia sales specialist to confirm exactly how the two are configured on the build you're looking at. Buyers who want the brown interior color option should know it only comes bundled with the Sunroof Package — it isn't sold on its own.

What EX buyers say

The EX draws buyers who came in comparing trims carefully rather than settling on the first one they sat in — and the reviews reflect people who felt taken care of through that process. One buyer, purchasing after weighing her options: "Vito M showed complete professionalism when purchasing our new Kia Seltos. Very helpful in helping us understand the vehicle!! ... Quite the gentleman." — Marion P. Another, leasing with a family member alongside her: "Chris and Michael were so informative and personable. I leased the Seltos. Chris helped me setup all my apps in the car. I am very happy with my new lease." — Heather H.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 Kia Seltos EX?

$26,490 MSRP for front-wheel drive, $28,690 for all-wheel drive, before the $1,495 destination charge and New Jersey's tax and fees. The available dual-screen dashboard and the $800 Sunroof Package (power sunroof, new 17-inch wheels) are separate options — ask your sales specialist how they're bundled on the build you're configuring.

Does the EX come with heated seats?

Yes — heated front seats are standard on the EX, along with SynTex synthetic-leather upholstery and a wireless phone charging pad, none of which are available on the LX or S.

Is the smart power liftgate standard on the EX?

It's standard on the EX with all-wheel drive specifically; front-drive EX buyers don't get it standard. If a hands-free liftgate is a must-have, confirm the drivetrain when you're configuring your build.

What's the difference between the EX and the SX?

Roughly $2,800 to $5,000 depending on how you spec each one, and a completely different engine — the EX uses the same 147-horsepower 2.0-liter as the LX and S, while the SX gets the 190-horsepower turbo and standard AWD. The EX's optional dual-screen dashboard is standard equipment on the SX.

The bottom line on the EX

The EX is where the Seltos stops feeling like a value play and starts feeling like a genuinely nice small SUV, without stepping up to turbo-trim pricing. Browse EX inventory at DiFeo Kia, or book a test drive and see the optional dual-screen setup in person.