2026 Kia Seltos SX: Lakewood Buyers Guide
Quick Answer: 2026 Seltos SX
The SX is the performance and tech flagship of the Seltos lineup at $31,490 MSRP plus $1,495 destination — and it's the only Seltos trim sold exclusively with all-wheel drive, because it's also the only one with the turbocharged engine. Swap the standard 2.0-liter for a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo paired with a conventional 8-speed automatic (replacing the CVT on lower trims), and the SX backs that up with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose premium audio with sound-connected mood lighting, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Highway Driving Assist standard. The dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays that are optional on the EX come standard here, and an $800 Sunroof Package adds a Digital Key you can share by phone, a power sunroof, and ventilated front seats.
The engine swap that changes the whole personality
Every other Seltos trim shares the same unhurried 147-horsepower four and CVT. The SX doesn't. Its 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter and genuine 8-speed automatic make it noticeably quicker off the line — the kind of difference you feel the first time you merge onto the Garden State Parkway rather than something you have to hunt for on a spec sheet. That extra performance costs some efficiency: an EPA-estimated 24 city / 27 highway / 25 combined versus the 27/31/29 an AWD EX manages with the standard engine. For buyers cross-shopping the Seltos against a Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30 on the strength of feeling quick rather than just adequate, the SX is the trim that actually answers that test drive.
Standard equipment that's optional everywhere else
The SX doesn't just add power — it's also the only Seltos where the dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays and matching digital instrument cluster come standard rather than tucked behind an $800 option package. Bose premium audio with mood lighting that syncs to the sound is standard too, along with Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Highway Driving Assist for long Parkway stretches, and Junction Turning pedestrian and cyclist detection — a feature exclusive to this trim. The optional Sunroof Package layers on a shareable Digital Key, ventilated front seats for a July afternoon at Point Pleasant Beach, and the power sunroof.
Who buys the SX
SX buyers at DiFeo Kia tend to already know they want more than a commuter appliance, and the reviews reflect people who came in decided rather than shopping cautiously. One repeat customer: "I highly recommend going to see Ty at Difeo Kia for all your car leasing and buying needs... This is the 2nd lease I have done with him. He is informative, professional, friendly and took the time to answer all of my questions. Love my new Kia Seltos!" — John V. Another, on her first visit to the store: "His energy and eagerness to help us impressed me. He did his job very well and left no details out... Vito made the experience so refreshing." — Jacki F.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 2026 Kia Seltos SX?
$31,490 MSRP, all-wheel drive only, plus the $1,495 destination charge and New Jersey's tax and fees. Add $800 for the Sunroof Package if the Digital Key and ventilated seats appeal to you.
Is the SX the only turbo Seltos?
Yes — the 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter and 8-speed automatic are exclusive to the SX. Every other trim, LX through EX, shares the naturally aspirated 147-horsepower 2.0-liter and CVT.
Does the SX come with front-wheel drive?
No. The SX is all-wheel drive only — it's the trade-off for getting the turbo engine and the performance that comes with it. Buyers who specifically want front-wheel drive should look at the LX, S, or EX instead.
Is the Seltos SX worth the extra money over the EX?
If the standard turbo engine, standard dual-screen dashboard, and Bose audio matter to you, the roughly $2,800-to-$5,000 step up (depending on how the EX is optioned) buys real, everyday-noticeable upgrades rather than badge-only differences. If mileage and a lower price matter more than outright quickness, an all-wheel-drive EX covers most of the same comfort features for less.
The bottom line on the SX
The Seltos SX is the trim for buyers who want the small-SUV footprint without a small-SUV pace — standard turbo power, standard tech, and standard all-wheel drive in one package. See SX availability at DiFeo Kia, or schedule a test drive to feel the turbo difference for yourself.
MSRPs exclude the $1,495 destination charge, taxes, title, registration, and dealer-installed options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates; real-world mileage varies. Equipment and availability can change with configuration and production timing — confirm current specs with DiFeo Kia. Warranties are limited; see retailer for details. Customer quotes are excerpts from public Google reviews of DiFeo Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.