2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$25,400 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda HR-V brings a spirited if modest performance edge, boasting 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, offering a tauter feel for drivers who prioritize engagement. Conversely, the smaller 2026 Kia Seltos captivates with superior efficiency, achieving an excellent 31 MPG combined compared to the HR-V's 28 MPG combined. While the HR-V's dimensions are slightly larger at 179.8 inches long, the Seltos offers slightly better utility with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Honda's 24.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Seltos grabs attention with its lower starting MSRP of $23,690, making it substantially more accessible than the HR-V's $25,400 entry point. Both FWD crossovers utilize a CVT, but the Seltos stretches further down the road on a gallon of regular unleaded, showing a clear advantage in running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 31, translating to lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers slightly more practical utility with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda HR-V

The 2025 Honda HR-V provides a minor performance lift with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque over the Seltos's lower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos presents significantly better upfront value with an MSRP of $23,690, undercutting the HR-V by nearly $1,800.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prefer the slightly more powerful engine, delivering 158 hp.
You appreciate the larger exterior footprint (179.8 inches in length) for a potentially roomier feel.
You favor the higher Highway MPG of 32, even if the city MPG is lower.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, given its 31 MPG combined rating.
You need the absolute maximum usable space, as it offers 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Securing the lowest entry price is essential, with an MSRP starting at $23,690.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Kia Seltos
Length	179.8"	172.6"
Width	72.4"	70.9"
Height	63.4"	63.6"
Wheelbase	104.5"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2026 Kia Seltos.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2026 Kia Seltos pulls ahead in urban environments, boasting 28 MPG in the city compared to the 2025 Honda HR-V's 26 MPG city rating. This difference of 2 MPG can add up over weeks of stop-and-go driving.

Is the performance gap between the HR-V and Seltos significant?

The HR-V has a noticeable, though not dramatic, power advantage, producing 158 hp versus the Seltos's 147 hp. This means the HR-V delivers 11 more horsepower for those moments needing a slight edge on the highway.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Honda HR-V than the 2026 Kia Seltos?

The 2025 Honda HR-V starts at $25,400, making it $1,710 more expensive than the 2026 Kia Seltos's starting price of $23,690. This is a substantial difference in the entry-level crossover segment.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover provides more space?

The 2026 Kia Seltos wins in outright cargo volume, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Honda HR-V provides 24.4 cubic feet, making the Seltos more accommodating for larger loads.

Do either of these models offer All-Wheel Drive based on the provided specs?

Based strictly on the data provided, both the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Kia Seltos are listed only with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configurations. Buyers needing AWD for adverse weather should verify other trims.