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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda PilotHead-to-Head: 2023 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona
In this subcompact SUV showdown, it’s the 2023 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona. Both come from the same parent organization but with unique personalities.
Head-To-Head: 2023 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona
In this Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona comparison, it’s a battle of the corporate cousins. Both small crossovers ride on the same platform but these two Korean automakers do a great job of avoiding weak sauce badge engineering efforts. Completely different sheet metal and dimensions along with differing levels of content and even powertrains mean each vehicle has its own personality.
The Kia Seltos has been on sale here only since 2021 and the latest 2023 model, which we’re comparing today, is largely a carryover. On the Hyundai side, the Kona landed in 2018, was facelifted in 2020, and is also now available in 2023 form with few changes. It is a solid value-packed subcompact as you can read out in the comparison of a new versus used model. So, let’s dive into the details.
Specs
For 2023, the Kia Seltos comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder motor in LX, S, and EX trim lines. Making 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, it mates to a CVT to drive the front wheels, though AWD is mostly standard. Hyundai utilizes the same powertrain in SE and SEL Kona models, though it makes a single extra horsepower. The Kona focuses on FWD with AWD optional. Be sure to check out this review for more particulars on the Kona.
Next up is a turbocharged 1.6L inline-4 paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. In Nightfall Edition and SX trim, the Kia version puts out 175 hp and 195 torques. However, Hyundai punches up the horsepower to 195 for their N Line and Limited Kona. And the Kona has something the Seltos does not – a 276-hp N model working with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. It’s a true pocket rocket and something that helps the Kona stand out in this matchup.
Size-wise, the Kia Seltos is six inches longer than its Kona cousin, which combines with a more upright design to offer more cabin space. Another important metric in this Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona matchup is the warranty. Both offer the industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage but only the Kona comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Driving and Performance
Along with features and amenities, Kia stuffs the Seltos with value in the form of AWD. Every model, except the S, comes with this drivetrain – something you can learn more about here – including base models. Like Hyundai, this four-wheeled system brings with it torque vectoring control and center locking ability that fixes the front-rear torque split at 50-50. Drivers can select from Normal, Sport, or Eco driving modes and cruise confidently knowing all Seltos come standard with forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.
Hyundai offers the same AWD system on all Kona models but it requires an extra $1,500. Both SUVs also share fully independent suspension, on most models, but the Kona comes with more standard safety tech including driver attention warning and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The biggest difference from a driving perspective would be the Kona N with its rip-roaring motor, active exhaust system, adaptive dampers, overboost, summer tires, and so on. Strictly FWD, the Kona N is really in a league of its own here.
Unsurprisingly, fuel economy is nearly the same between the two vehicles. The FWD Seltos earns up to 29/35 mpg in city/highway driving or 27/31 with AWD. Versus the Kona that has an identical rating in FWD setup, while earning one extra mpg with AWD. The N model comes in at 20/27 mpg in city/highway driving.
Comfort and Interior
Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona are technically five-passenger crossovers but four adults would be more comfortable as they are in the subcompact segment. Thanks to its six extra inches of length, the Kia enjoys three more inches of rear legroom and quite a bit more cargo capacity. With the rear bench folded flat, it can swallow 63 cubic feet of stuff to the 46 available in the Hyundai. That’s partly to do with the length differential but also the more upright Seltos design against the sleeker Kona.
As you move through the trim levels of either the Kia or Hyundai, you can find heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof, and ambient lighting. Kia’s fun-loving personality comes through with the available cabin lighting that pulses with the music, while the Kona offers a handful of features like leather upholstery and rain-sensing windshield wipers that are unavailable on the Seltos. In both cases, a dual-level load floor adds flexibility, but only the Kia comes with an acoustic laminated windshield and reclining rear bench seat.
Trims and Features
At a glance, it appears the Hyundai Kona offers more features for the same or just a bit more money than a Kia Seltos. But you have to add the $1,500 AWD upcharge on the Kona to make it a more accurate comparison with the Seltos as most trim lines come standard with AWD. In that context, the Hyundai is roughly $1,000 more per model than the comparable Seltos.
2023 Kia Seltos pricing ranges from $24,000 for base LX models up to just shy of $30,000 for the top-spec SX. The LX and S trims come with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. EX models and above feature a 10.25-inch screen, navigation, Kia Connect, and wireless phone charging. Atop the hierarchy, a Seltos SX boasts a 7-inch digital gauge cluster screen, 8-speaker Bose stereo, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist. Our in-depth review of the 2023 Seltos goes into more detail on this topic.
Pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $24,785 for an SE and tops out at $31,595 for a Limited model when both are equipped with AWD. The N is a whole different beast with loads of exclusive content – including the powertrain – so it runs up past $35,000.
Hyundai follows suit with the Seltos on infotainment screen size breakdown but includes wireless smartphone mirroring across the board. Other similarities include automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and connectivity software that become available as you move through the lineup. However, features like a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and rear parking sensors can only be found on the Kona.
Conclusions
So, who takes the cake in this Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona showdown? Both automakers produce excellent vehicles that easily earn spots on our “Best Of” lists like this Best Compact SUV article. They’re similarly priced with nearly identical fuel economy, but there are several key differences.
If space is your top priority, the Kia Seltos is the clear winner. However, the Hyundai Kona is the better option overall. For a bit more money, you can access higher-end technology, more advanced safety systems, and a more powerful version of the turbocharged 1.6L mill. Not to mention the option for the Kona N, which is where my money would be spent.
