Kia Seltos Highway Noise Levels: 2025 Sound Test Results at 70 MPH
Ever notice how some compact SUVs sound like you’re riding in a wind tunnel at highway speeds, while others feel like a quiet sanctuary?
That’s where the Kia Seltos really shows what Korean engineering can do when noise reduction becomes a priority. If you’re shopping for a subcompact SUV and wondering whether the Seltos will let you enjoy your favorite podcast or have a normal conversation at 70 mph, you’re in the right place.
The Evolution of Kia’s Sound Insulation Technology
Kia has seriously stepped up its game when it comes to cabin quietness. The Seltos isn’t just another budget-friendly crossover anymore—it’s become a genuine competitor in the noise department.
The Seltos maintains a noise level of 71 decibels at 70 mph, which puts it in a surprisingly comfortable range for a vehicle in this price bracket. Now here’s the fun part: that’s the same reading you’ll find in many vehicles that cost thousands more.
What makes this possible? The 2024 and 2025 models come equipped with acoustic front glass, a feature that was added during the recent refresh. This specially designed windshield does a fantastic job keeping wind noise at bay, though you might still hear a little whistling around the side mirrors if you’re paying close attention.
GT-Line and Turbo Models: Performance That Doesn’t Scream
The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine option deserves special mention here. While some turbo engines sound thrashy when you floor them, the Seltos keeps things remarkably civilized during everyday driving.
Testing shows the turbo engine produces around 83 decibels at full throttle, but drops to that comfortable 71-decibel level during highway cruising.
That’s a huge difference. You get the power when you need it for merging or passing, but the engine doesn’t intrude on your drive when you’re just maintaining speed. The 195 horsepower turbocharged engine delivers its 195 lb-ft of torque starting at just 1,600 rpm, giving you that satisfying push without excessive noise.
From the Forte to the Telluride: How Kia’s Noise Control Compares
It’s worth noting that the Seltos actually holds its own against some of Kia’s larger vehicles. The Kia Sportage measures between 65-70 dB at highway speeds, which means the Seltos is right there in the competitive range despite being smaller and less expensive.
The difference comes down to size and investment in noise-reduction technology. Larger vehicles like the Sportage have bigger body panels and more space for sound-deadening materials. But the Seltos proves you don’t need to spend Telluride money to get a peaceful highway experience.
All-wheel drive models with the multilink independent rear suspension also tend to offer a slightly smoother, quieter ride compared to the front-wheel-drive versions with torsion beam suspension. It’s a small detail that makes a difference on rough pavement.
Model Comparison: Sound Levels Across Kia’s Lineup
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 MPH | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos S | 2.0L I-4 | 146 hp | 8.3 sec | $25,190 |
| Kia Seltos SX Turbo | 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 195 hp | 6.9 sec | $31,190 |
| Kia Sportage LX | 2.5L I-4 | 187 hp | 8.1 sec | $27,990 |
| Kia Forte GT-Line | 1.6L Turbo I-4 | 201 hp | 6.6 sec | $24,590 |
| Kia Soul GT-Line | 2.0L I-4 | 147 hp | 8.5 sec | $24,190 |
The Seltos sits in a sweet spot. You’re getting near-Sportage quietness without the Sportage price tag. And while the Soul might be funkier looking, the Seltos delivers a more conventional SUV experience with comparable noise levels.
Highway Noise Comparison: Kia Seltos vs Competitors
Sound levels measured at 70 MPH cruising speed (lower is quieter)
What Makes Some Seltos Models Noisier?
Not all highway noise comes from the engine or wind. Some Seltos owners have reported rattling sounds at speeds above 65-70 mph, particularly from underneath the vehicle. These usually aren’t sound insulation issues—they’re often loose splash guards or undertray panels that vibrate in crosswinds.
If you’re test-driving a used Seltos and hear unexpected rattling at highway speeds, check those undertray fasteners before assuming it’s a major problem.
Tire choice matters tremendously too. The SX trim comes with 18-inch Kumho all-season tires that strike a good balance between grip and noise. But if someone swapped those for aggressive all-terrain or winter tires with large tread blocks, you’ll definitely notice more road noise.
2025 Updates and Refinements
The 2025 Seltos keeps the acoustic improvements from the 2024 refresh while adding several convenience features. Kia didn’t mess with the sound insulation formula because, frankly, it’s working well.
What did change? The EX and SX trims now come standard with Parking Distance Warning-Reverse, and the EX AWD models get a smart power liftgate. These updates don’t directly affect noise levels, but they show Kia’s commitment to refining the ownership experience.
The base S model even gets attractive new 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels for 2025. While wheel design doesn’t usually impact noise much, proper wheel balance certainly does. Unbalanced wheels create vibrations that can amplify into humming noises at higher speeds.
“The Seltos proves you don’t need to spend luxury-brand money to enjoy highway conversations without raising your voice. Kia’s focus on acoustic comfort shows how far Korean automakers have come in understanding what buyers actually want.”
Real-World Noise Factors You Should Consider
Testing conditions matter. Those 71-decibel readings come from controlled testing on smooth asphalt with minimal wind. In the real world, you might experience:
- Slightly higher noise on rough concrete highways
- More wind noise with roof racks or cargo carriers
- Increased tire noise as your tread wears unevenly
- Temporary increases from open windows or sunroof
Always maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to minimize unnecessary noise. Worn suspension components can also create unexpected sounds that have nothing to do with the vehicle’s basic sound insulation.
Should You Choose Turbo or Non-Turbo?
From a noise perspective, both engines deliver reasonable highway manners. The base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine is actually slightly quieter during normal cruising because there’s no turbo involved.
However, the non-turbo engine produces 146 hp compared to the turbo’s 195 hp. You might find yourself working that smaller engine harder on hills or when passing, which means more noise when you actually need silence.
The turbocharged model gives you power in reserve, letting you cruise quietly while knowing acceleration is available whenever you need it.
Fuel economy deserves mention too. The base engine achieves up to 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while the turbo AWD models hit around 27 mpg. If you’re putting on serious highway miles, that difference could matter to your wallet.
What the Competition Sounds Like
Some competitors like the Toyota Frontlander and Changan CS75 Plus can hit 70-75 dB at highway speeds, making them noticeably louder than the Seltos. The Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek all compete in this same space with similar noise characteristics.
The Chevrolet Trax represents strong competition, while the Hyundai Kona shares mechanical components with the Seltos but has its own tuning and insulation approach. If noise is your primary concern, you really need to test-drive multiple options with the same highway route.
Remember that dealer lots are usually quiet environments—you won’t get accurate noise impressions until you’re actually cruising at 70 mph on an interstate.
Protecting Your Investment and Your Hearing
The Seltos benefits from Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which provides excellent peace of mind. While the warranty doesn’t cover normal wear items like tires or bushings, it does ensure major mechanical components stay reliable.
Regular maintenance keeps your Seltos running quietly. Change your oil on schedule, rotate your tires, and address any suspension issues promptly.
Small problems become big noise makers if ignored. A worn wheel bearing might start as barely noticeable humming but can develop into a loud grinding sound that dominates your highway experience.
Sound Level Reality Check: What 71 Decibels Actually Means
For context, normal conversation happens around 60 decibels. A busy restaurant might hit 70 decibels. At 71 decibels, you can absolutely talk to passengers without raising your voice, enjoy your audio system at reasonable volumes, and take phone calls using the hands-free system.
Compare that to older vehicles or poorly insulated competitors that reach 75-80 decibels at highway speeds. Those extra few decibels represent a noticeable increase in perceived noise, making long trips more tiring.
The Seltos strikes an excellent balance between affordability and acoustic comfort. You’re not getting luxury-sedan silence, but you’re also not shouting over road roar like in some competitors.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between Kia’s GT-Line and SX trims? The SX is the top-tier trim with all available features, while GT-Line emphasizes sporty styling with some premium features. Both include the turbocharged engine and similar sound insulation.
How does the Kia Seltos compare to the Hyundai Kona for highway noise? Both vehicles share mechanical components and achieve similar noise levels, though individual examples may vary based on tires, trim level, and specific sound insulation packages.
What does Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite include? Drive Wise includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Will larger wheels make my Seltos noisier? Not necessarily—wheel size matters less than tire choice. Tires with aggressive tread patterns or low-profile designs typically generate more road noise than standard all-season tires.
Does the Seltos have active noise cancellation? The Seltos doesn’t feature electronic active noise cancellation, but it uses passive sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass to achieve its quiet cabin.
How does all-wheel drive affect highway noise in the Seltos? AWD models with multilink independent rear suspension generally provide slightly better noise isolation than FWD models with torsion beam suspension, though the difference is subtle.
What’s the most common source of unexpected noise in the Seltos? Loose undertray panels and splash guards are frequently reported causes of rattling sounds at highway speeds—these are usually easy fixes by tightening fasteners.
References
- Car and Driver – 2024 Kia Seltos Testing Results
- Edmunds – Kia Seltos Owner Reviews
- Kia Official Media Information
- Various automotive noise testing standards and methodologies
Ready to experience the Seltos’s highway composure for yourself? The 2025 model brings refined sound insulation that makes road trips genuinely enjoyable. Which Kia model is your daily driver or dream vehicle? Share your story in the comments!
