2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$24,550 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Kona explodes onto the scene with sharp, futuristic styling, aiming for the urban adventurer. While both crossovers share identical base power figures—147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque—and a frugal 31 MPG combined, their execution differs slightly. The Kona maximizes interior volume with a practical 25.5 cu ft of cargo space in a slightly shorter 171.3-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Seltos whispers efficiency with a slightly better highway rating of 34 MPG (matching the Kona's) but achieves 28 MPG city, edging out the Kona's 29 MPG city rating, perhaps due to its taller 63.6-inch stance. The Seltos also offers a fraction more utility with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space. The battle boils down to the Kona's slightly bolder aesthetics versus the Seltos's marginal efficiency and space advantages, all while starting within $900 of each other ($24,550 vs $23,690).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers slightly better city fuel economy at 29 MPG compared to the Seltos's 28 MPG, which benefits frequent stop-and-go driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos provides marginally more utility with 26.6 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Kona

While power is equal, the Kona’s slightly lower 62.2-inch height might suggest a marginally lower center of gravity for a more engaging feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos secures the value crown by offering comparable performance and slightly more cargo space while boasting a lower starting MSRP of $23,690.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize the sharpest, most aggressive exterior design language available in this segment.
You need slightly better city fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG compared to the Seltos's 28 MPG.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, measuring 171.3 inches in length.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your budget is tight, as the Seltos starts at a lower $23,690 MSRP.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the class-leading 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a slightly taller ride height, as the Seltos stands 63.6 inches tall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Kia Seltos
Length	171.3"	172.6"
Width	71.9"	70.9"
Height	62.2"	63.6"
Wheelbase	104.7"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 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

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Kia Seltos.

Do the 2025 Kona and 2026 Seltos have the same engine performance?

Yes, both vehicles in this base configuration share identical power output figures. They both produce 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Which crossover is more efficient on the highway?

Both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Kia Seltos achieve an identical 34 MPG on the highway, making them equally capable for longer road trips.

Is the size difference significant between the two crossovers?

The difference is marginal but present; the Seltos is 1.3 inches longer (172.6 inches) and 1.4 inches taller (63.6 inches) than the Kona, though both remain firmly in the subcompact crossover segment.

How do the starting prices compare for these base models?

The 2026 Kia Seltos undercuts the 2025 Hyundai Kona on entry price, starting at $23,690 while the Kona begins at $24,550, representing an $860 price advantage for the Seltos.

Which car offers more room for luggage?

The 2026 Kia Seltos holds a slight advantage in pure cargo capacity, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the 2025 Hyundai Kona's 25.5 cubic feet.