2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Honda HR-V

$24,690 · Crossover

$26,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos bursts onto the scene with an eager, value-driven attitude, perfect for those wanting AWD capability right from the base offering. Its compact footprint, measuring just 172.6 inches long, suggests nimbleness in urban canyons, achieving an impressive 29 MPG combined despite its all-wheel-drive setup. Conversely, the 2026 Honda HR-V brings a slightly more potent punch, boasting 158 horsepower compared to the Seltos's 146 hp, though it sacrifices AWD standardly, coming in Front Wheel Drive for its base MSRP of $26,200. The HR-V offers greater overall size at 179.8 inches in length, yet trails slightly in fuel economy at 28 MPG combined. While the Seltos presents a lower barrier to entry at $24,690 and a generous 26.6 cu ft of cargo space, the HR-V leans into power and passenger volume, making the choice hinge on whether capability or raw output takes priority for the driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is the commuter winner due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG and standard all-wheel drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers more usable storage, providing 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V edges out the competition for enthusiasts with its higher power output of 158 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos delivers better standard capability (AWD) for a lower starting MSRP of $24,690.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined.
You need standard all-wheel drive capability for varied weather conditions.
You desire the lowest upfront cost, starting at $24,690.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prefer more outright engine performance with 158 horsepower available.
You benefit from the larger exterior dimensions and longer 179.8-inch body.
You are content with front-wheel drive to optimize highway cruising, netting 32 MPG on the highway.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Honda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	364.0/448.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Honda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.6 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.0 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	Kia	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	47.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Honda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which vehicle offers better fuel savings for daily driving?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the more efficient choice for daily driving, delivering 29 MPG combined versus the Honda HR-V's 28 MPG combined. While the HR-V is slightly better on the highway at 32 MPG, the Seltos's advantage is most noted in city driving (27 MPG vs. 26 MPG).

Does the standard drive system differ significantly between the two crossovers?

Yes, there is a crucial difference in standard drivetrain: the 2025 Kia Seltos comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2026 Honda HR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, which means AWD might be an additional cost option on the HR-V.

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

The Honda HR-V possesses a distinct advantage in standard horsepower, producing 158 hp compared to the Seltos’s 146 hp. This 12-horsepower edge should translate to slightly quicker acceleration times, even though both use Continuously Variable Transmissions.

Which crossover provides more interior cargo space for hauling gear?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the winner for cargo capacity, offering 26.6 cubic feet, which beats the 2026 Honda HR-V's 24.4 cubic feet. This nearly 2.2 cubic foot difference can be significant for weekend trips or grocery runs.

Is the base price difference substantial between the two models?

The Kia Seltos presents a more affordable entry point with an MSRP of $24,690. The 2026 Honda HR-V starts at $26,200, resulting in a $1,510 difference in base pricing.

Which vehicle is physically smaller?

The Kia Seltos is the more compact vehicle overall, measuring 172.6 inches in length compared to the HR-V's 179.8 inches. However, both share an identical height of 63.4 inches.