BYD Atto 2 vs Kia Seltos
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 2 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $740.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,189 and $34,375 respectively.
The BYD Atto 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Seltos, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 2 and Kia Seltos hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 2 and 85% for the Kia Seltos.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the BYD Atto 2.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 2 and 6 in the Kia Seltos.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 2 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 2 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 2 uses a Electric producing 130kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The BYD Atto 2 has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 2 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 2 measures 4,310mm long on a 2,620mm wheelbase, 75mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Atto 2 and 312L in the Kia Seltos, giving the BYD Atto 2 a 88L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Seltos leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 2) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 2 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 2 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 2 has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 2 and Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 2 by $740.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Seltos uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 2 and Kia Seltos all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 2 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Atto 2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 2 makes the most power at 130kW. The BYD Atto 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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