Kia Seltos Compared: Rivals and Every Trim

Shopping subcompact SUVs? The Kia Seltos stands out with a roomy interior, available all-wheel drive, an available 190-horsepower turbo, and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty most rivals cannot match. Open a one-on-one comparison below, see how the Seltos stacks up at a glance, and walk through every trim.

Why the Kia Seltos stands out

Turbo and AWD available

Step up to the SX for a 190-horsepower turbo and standard all-wheel drive, with AWD offered across most of the lineup.

Roomy for its size

One of the more spacious interiors and cargo areas in the subcompact-SUV class.

Long warranty and perks

Backed by a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ALM VIP Club benefits, and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying new vehicles.

Low starting price

Starts around $23,790, undercutting many rivals while offering more standard content.

Kia Seltos matchups, one on one

Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Seltos against that specific SUV, spec for spec.

Seltos vs Hyundai Kona
Seltos vs Nissan Kicks
Seltos vs Hyundai Venue
Seltos vs Hyundai Tucson

How the Kia Seltos measures up to its top rivals

Model Starting MSRP Base engine Turbo option AWD Powertrain warranty
Kia Seltos About $23,790 2.0L (147 hp) 1.6L turbo (190 hp) Available 10 yr / 100,000 mi
Hyundai Kona About $25,500 2.0L (147 hp) 1.6L turbo (190 hp) Available 10 yr / 100,000 mi
Nissan Kicks About $23,975 2.0L (141 hp) None Available 5 yr / 60,000 mi
Hyundai Venue About $20,550 1.6L (121 hp) None No (FWD only) 10 yr / 100,000 mi
Hyundai Tucson About $28,000 2.5L (187 hp) Hybrid (about 231 hp) Available 10 yr / 100,000 mi

Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.

The Seltos, Kona, Venue, and Tucson all share Kia and Hyundai’s 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Nissan Kicks carries 5 years / 60,000 miles. The Venue is the smallest and cheapest and is front-wheel drive only. The Kona is the Seltos’s closest twin. The Tucson is a size larger with a hybrid option. The Seltos blends a low price, available turbo, and available all-wheel drive. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.

Kia Seltos trim comparison

The Seltos is offered in LX, S, EX, and SX trims. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available across most of the lineup; the SX adds the 190-horsepower turbo and standard all-wheel drive.

Trim Drivetrain Highlights Best for
LX FWD or AWD Value-priced base with the 2.0L and core tech and safety Value shoppers
S FWD or AWD Adds convenience features; popular value trim Value plus
EX FWD or AWD Comfort and technology step-up Most buyers
SX AWD 1.6L turbo (190 hp), top tech, and standard all-wheel drive Top performance
View Seltos Inventory
Seltos Overview
Contact Us

Kia Seltos comparison FAQ

What SUVs compete with the Kia Seltos?
The Seltos’s most cross-shopped rivals are the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, and the larger Hyundai Tucson. We have a dedicated one-on-one comparison for each; open the head-to-head links above.
Is the Kia Seltos better than the Hyundai Kona?
They are close corporate cousins with the same engines and warranty. The Seltos is a bit boxier with a roomy cargo area and starts a little lower; the Kona has sportier styling. It often comes down to design and price.
Does the Kia Seltos have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available across most of the lineup and standard on the turbocharged SX, which is more availability than some rivals such as the front-wheel-drive-only Hyundai Venue.
Does the Kia Seltos have a turbo engine?
Yes. The SX trim comes with a 1.6-liter turbo making 190 horsepower, well above the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter in other trims and the engines in the Kicks and Venue.
Which Kia Seltos trim is best?
For most buyers the EX balances features and price. Choose LX or S to save money, or the SX for the turbo engine and standard all-wheel drive.
Is the Kia Seltos a good value?
Yes. It starts around $23,790, offers available all-wheel drive and a turbo, and carries a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is longer than the Nissan Kicks and matches its Hyundai cousins.
Kia

Search Vehicles

Search By Keyword:
Search By Filters:

Contact Us

Main 888-884-1048 Parts 866-857-2150 Sales 888-884-1048 Service 866-796-9578
103 Iffie Rd
Perry, GA 31069
Get Directions

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

ALM Kia Perry 32.44573946004717, -83.75352881534303.