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When deciding between the 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona, drivers have much to consider. Both SUVs are stylish, compact, and come with nice standard features, although they do differ. The 2025 Hyundai Kona is a five-seater priced under $25,000, boasting options like a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, up to 190 horsepower, six distinct trims, and plenty of safety, infotainment, and comfort amenities. At the same time, the 2025 Kia Seltos offers the same two engine configurations, with up to 195 horsepower and five trims to choose from.
Both subcompact SUVs have something to offer, which we'll explore in greater detail below!
Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Seltos: At a Glance
The 2025 Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Seltos comparison is a common debate among SUV shoppers, especially because of these models' similar sizes, engines, price tags, and features. The all-new Kona has a fresh design, boasting a future-forward aesthetic filled with technology and driver-assistance capabilities. Similarly, the Kia Seltos has a modern flair, though it hasn't seen as many updates since its debut in 2019.
Both vehicles offer a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the Kona producing 147 to 190 horsepower, while the Seltos offers 146 to 195. Both feature a five-passenger capacity and are highly rated for safety, making it hard to go wrong when comparing them. Price-wise, the Seltos starts at $24,590, while the Kona begins at $24,350, making it the slightly more affordable option.
Quick Comparison:
- Starting MSRP: Kona - $24,350, Seltos - $24,590
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway): Kona - 29/34 MPG, Seltos - 28/34 MPG
- Passenger Volume: Kona - 101.2 cubic feet, Seltos - 99.6 cubic feet
- Maximum Cargo Volume: Kona - 63.7 cubic feet, Seltos - 62.8 cubic feet
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Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Seltos Interior
When comparing the interiors of the Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona, it's a close call in terms of design and space. The Seltos offers slightly less overall passenger volume and cargo space than the 2025 Kona. Design-wise, the Seltos features premium cloth seats as standard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear-seat cooling and climate control, rear privacy glass, a front-end media port and USB charging, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and a user-friendly infotainment and dashboard display.
However, the Kona excels in its standard interior features. Here's what you get in the base SE model:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- Premium cloth seating
- 6-way adjustable driver's seat
- 60/40 split fold-down seatback
- Rear View Monitor (RVM) with parking guidance
- Wireless Apple CarPlay integration for your iPhone
- Proximity Key with push-button start
Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona Exterior
The exteriors of the Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona are quite distinct. The Seltos takes a more subtle approach to sportiness with a bold chrome-accented grille and a rounded body. In contrast, the Kona has been reimagined with a sharp, LED-headlined grille that feels far more luxurious than other similarly-priced vehicles. The LED daytime running lights and taillights come standard on the Kona, but are optional on the Seltos, which is worth noting.
Exterior Highlights:
- Standard Wheels: Kona - 17-inch, Seltos - 16-inch
- Optional Wheels: Kona - 18-inch, Seltos - 17-inch
- LED Lighting: Kona - Standard, Seltos - Optional
Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona Pricing
When comparing the price points for the 2025 Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Seltos, you'll see they have very similar MSRPs. For the Kona:
- SE - $24,350
- SEL - $25,700
- SEL Convenience - $27,900
- N Line S - $29,350
- N Line - $30,900
- Limited - $31,900
For the 2025 Kia Seltos:
- LX - $24,590
- S - $25,090
- EX - $26,090
- X-Line - $29,290
- SX - $31,090
Specs and Performance Comparison
Diving deeper into the specs and performance of the 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona, we see many similarities. As mentioned, both models offer a standard 2.0-liter engine, with the Seltos producing 146 horsepower and the Kona delivering 147. The 1.6-liter engine is available on the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims for Hyundai, and is standard on the X-Line and SX Kia Seltos. The difference in horsepower with the upgraded engine is minimal, with the Seltos producing 195 HP and the Kona around 190.
Key Standard Specs:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 (both)
- Horsepower: Kona - 147 horsepower, Seltos - 146 horsepower
- Torque: Both - 132 pound-feet
- Transmission: CVT (both)
Fuel Economy Comparison
Regarding fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona sees the Seltos achieving 28 city / 34 highway MPG, while the Kona slightly edges it out with 29 city / 34 highway MPG, according to EPA ratings. Keep in mind, fuel economy will decrease with the upgraded 1.6-liter engine due to its increased performance.
Safety and Technology Differences
The safety and technology differences between the 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona are notable, with the Kona outperforming the Seltos. The Kona boasts the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick award, which the Seltos does not. Additionally, advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Kona but only optional on the Seltos.
Safety Features:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick: Kona - Yes, Seltos - No
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Kona - Standard, Seltos - Optional
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Kona - Standard, Seltos - Optional
Tech Features:
- Infotainment Screen: Kona - 12.3-inch (standard), Seltos - 8-inch (standard)
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Kona - Wireless, Seltos - Wireless
- Navigation: Available in both, but easier to access in the Kona
Who Should Buy the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
If you want a safe, affordable, and future-forward SUV that seats up to five, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is an excellent choice. This model has been refreshed to fit every lifestyle, both on and off the road, and boasts some of the best standard tech and safety features in its class. It also offers more cargo and passenger space than the Seltos.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia Seltos?
For those willing to spend a bit more than the Hyundai Kona, the Seltos may be a good option. Although nearly identical to the Kona in performance, the Seltos has a higher MSRP and doesn't offer as much standard equipment. While it has a decent design, it's not as spacious or comfortable as the Kona.
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Get Your Hyundai Kona at Colonial Hyundai
With this comparison between the 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona complete, there's no better place to visit than Colonial Hyundai in New London, CT. We have plenty of Konas available for test drives, and our friendly team is here to answer your questions every week. Visit us today, and drive better tomorrow!
