2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$25,350 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Kia Seltos presents a compelling case starting with its $1,660 lower MSRP ($23,690 vs. $25,350 for the Kona), representing the most significant initial numerical divergence. Despite this lower entry price, the Seltos edges out the Kona in cargo capacity, offering 26.6 cubic feet compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. Performance specifications are identical, with both base models achieving 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is also a tie, with both crossovers achieving a combined 31 MPG (City/Highway 29/34 MPG for Kona; 28/34 MPG for Seltos). Dimensional analysis shows the Seltos is 1.3 inches longer (172.6 inches) and 1.4 inches taller (63.6 inches), while the Kona is 1.0 inch wider. Both utilize front-wheel drive and a CVT transmission, prioritizing efficiency over raw performance metrics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its $1,660 lower MSRP, making the daily drive more budget-friendly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

Families slightly benefit from the Kia Seltos offering marginally more storage space with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

Since performance specs are identical (147 hp, 132 lb-ft), the Kona is marginally preferred as the higher-priced offering suggests a potentially superior trim or refinement package not detailed in base specs.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides greater cargo volume and a significantly lower starting price of $23,690, enhancing its overall value proposition.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize the marginally wider 71.9-inch body width for shoulder room.
You prefer the Kona's slightly more efficient 29 MPG in city driving conditions.
You are willing to pay the $25,350 MSRP for the Hyundai brand positioning and slightly larger width.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your primary concern is initial cost savings, as the Seltos starts at $23,690.
You require the maximum available cargo space, specifically 26.6 cubic feet.
You prefer the marginally taller 63.6-inch height for increased headroom.

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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

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	✓	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the main cost difference between the 2026 Kona and the 2026 Seltos?

The 2026 Kia Seltos has a notably lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $23,690 compared to the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which starts at $25,350. This results in a $1,660 difference in the base price.

Do the performance figures differ between these two base models?

No, the base engine specifications for the 2026 models are identical. Both the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos produce 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, utilizing front-wheel drive and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

How much additional cargo room does the Seltos offer over the Kona?

The Kia Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 1.1 cubic feet more than the 25.5 cubic feet offered by the Hyundai Kona in its standard configuration.

Is there a fuel economy advantage when comparing the 2026 Kona and Seltos?

The EPA fuel economy ratings are effectively tied, as both vehicles achieve a combined 31 MPG. The Kona gains 1 MPG in city driving (29 vs 28), while highway MPG is identical at 34 MPG for both models.

Which vehicle is dimensionally larger based on overall length and height?

The Kia Seltos is slightly longer, measuring 172.6 inches compared to the Kona’s 171.3 inches, and is also taller at 63.6 inches versus the Kona's 62.2 inches.