2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$24,690 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Hyundai Kona often boils down to balancing space versus efficiency for daily driving. Many buyers struggle when deciding between slightly more utility and better long-term running costs. The Seltos offers a roomier feel, boasting 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft, and it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on this trim, which might appeal to those facing varied weather. However, the Kona clearly leads in fuel economy, achieving an impressive 31 MPG combined versus the Seltos's 29 MPG combined rating. While horsepower is nearly identical at 147 hp for the Kona and 146 hp for the Seltos, the Kona's superior highway efficiency (34 MPG vs 31 MPG) translates to fewer stops at the pump. With an MSRP of $24,690, the Seltos undercuts the Kona's $25,350 price tag, giving buyers a cost advantage right out of the gate.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Kona wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the Seltos's 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is better suited for families needing more storage, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona narrowly edges out the Seltos in performance metrics, achieving 147 horsepower compared to the Seltos's 146 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides better overall value with a lower starting MSRP of $24,690 and standard AWD capability.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for slippery conditions.
You need maximum cargo space, as the Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
You are looking for the lowest initial purchase price at $24,690.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is your top concern, thanks to its 31 MPG combined rating.
You frequently drive on the highway, benefiting from the Kona's 34 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a slightly narrower body (71.9 inches vs 70.9 inches) for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Hyundai Kona
Length	172.6"	171.3"
Width	70.9"	71.9"
Height	63.4"	62.2"
Wheelbase	103.5"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	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	Kia	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 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	Kia	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.3 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	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona more fuel-efficient than the 2025 Kia Seltos?

Yes, the Kona pulls ahead in efficiency for this comparison. The Kona achieves 31 MPG combined (29 city/34 highway), while the Seltos is rated at 29 MPG combined (27 city/31 highway).

Which crossover has more storage space?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the winner for cargo capacity. It offers 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly edging out the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which provides 25.5 cubic feet.

Why is the Seltos's MSRP lower than the Kona's?

The 2025 Kia Seltos starts at $24,690, making it $660 cheaper than the 2026 Hyundai Kona's starting MSRP of $25,350. This price difference is notable considering the Seltos includes standard AWD.

Do these models have similar power outputs?

They are very closely matched in base power; the Kona has 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, just one horsepower more than the Seltos's 146 hp and matching 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which car comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided specs for these comparable trims, the 2025 Kia Seltos features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup. In contrast, the specified 2026 Hyundai Kona is listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).