2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz unleashes a compelling, truck-adjacent attitude with 191 horsepower, demanding attention with its larger 195.7-inch frame and standard FWD punch. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Seltos champions efficiency and agility, offering an excellent 29 MPG combined, making it a pragmatic choice for daily navigation. The Seltos starts the contest at a highly attractive $24,690, undercutting the Santa Cruz's $28,750 MSRP by a significant $4,060. While the Santa Cruz offers 45 more horsepower, the Seltos compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive and superior fuel economy figures, hitting 31 MPG on the highway versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG. The Seltos is the smaller sibling at 172.6 inches long, providing a more nimble footprint perfect for tight urban spots, whereas the Santa Cruz prioritizes a blend of capability and passenger space in its longer, wider dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined rating and smaller dimensions which aid in navigating traffic.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers a substantially longer body at 195.7 inches, suggesting more potential interior comfort and utility for families.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz for its impressive 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, significantly outstripping the Seltos's base output.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos secures the value crown by having an MSRP of $24,690, which is $4,060 less than the starting price of the Santa Cruz.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize spirited acceleration, benefiting from the 191 hp engine.
- You prefer the traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You desire a larger vehicle footprint, measuring 195.7 inches in length for more presence.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, given the $24,690 starting MSRP.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is key, as it achieves 29 MPG combined.
- You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box for varied conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 172.6" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 27/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 356.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
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 | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 53.5 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 52.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P215/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Santa Cruz and 2025 Kia Seltos.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz compared to the Kia Seltos?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a significant boost in performance, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque from its base engine. This is substantially more than the 2025 Kia Seltos, which delivers 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover provides better fuel economy for long highway commutes?
The Kia Seltos is the more frugal choice for highway driving, achieving 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG. While the difference is narrow, the Seltos maintains a better overall combined rating of 29 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
What is the price gap between the entry-level versions of these two vehicles?
There is a notable $4,060 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2025 Kia Seltos starts at an attractive $24,690, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz begins at $28,750.
How do the drivetrains differ between the base models?
The base 2025 Santa Cruz utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the base 2025 Seltos includes All-Wheel Drive as standard, paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT).
Is one vehicle noticeably larger than the other for parking and maneuverability?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is substantially larger, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. The Seltos is considerably more compact at 172.6 inches in length and 70.9 inches wide, which may make it easier to manage in tight parking scenarios.
Does the larger Santa Cruz offer more useful space than the Seltos?
While the Santa Cruz is larger overall, the Seltos explicitly quotes a cargo capacity of 26.6 cu ft. Since the Santa Cruz is marketed more like a compact truck/crossover, specific cargo volume figures for the standard crossover mode were not provided for direct comparison, though its larger exterior suggests more volume.
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