Hyundai Kona Electric vs Kia Seltos
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Hyundai Kona Electric scores higher, 70 vs 68
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 10 Nov 2026, price 15 Oct 2026
Hyundai Kona Electric
16 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 not offered · 4 no dataFrom
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 99kW
- Energy use
- 14.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★4 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 407L
Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 68, but the Kia Seltos is $14,750 cheaper
Hyundai Australia offer: $43,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Kia Seltos
12 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 not offered · 8 no dataFrom
$31,250
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 110kW
- Economy
- 6.9 L/100km
- Safety
- Not rated by ANCAP
- Boot (seats up)
- 468L
Run-out stock: confirm with a dealer
Car loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Drive-away
Ends 31 Dec 2026
Manufacturer's terms: While stock lasts. Not available to fleet, government or rental buyers, or with other offers.
Offer from Hyundai Australia, checked 15 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the manufacturer prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
Hyundai Kona Electric: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$46,000RRP
- no option data for this car
$31,250RRP
- cannot be matched: Adaptive Cruise Control, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Wireless Phone Charging and 2 more not offered
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 15 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
Kia Seltos S
$31,250
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 8 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
No lowest cost is named: these totals leave out different parts (2027 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW excludes servicing and insurance; 2026 Kia Seltos S excludes insurance).
Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year (fixed for every comparison) in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Each car's fuel or charging price is in its own breakdown. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
No lowest cost is named: these totals leave out different parts (2027 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW excludes servicing and insurance; 2026 Kia Seltos S excludes insurance).
Cash outlay over 5 years: the deposit, the repayments and the running costs. Excludes resale value. Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
Standard features per $10,000: level (3.5 per $10,000 on RRP (16 of 18 standard) for the Hyundai Kona Electric; 3.5 per $10,000 on RRP (11 of 18 standard) for the Kia Seltos). On the rated figures, the Kia Seltos leads on price per kw: $465 per kW on RRP for the Hyundai Kona Electric; $284 per kW on RRP for the Kia Seltos. On the rated figures, the Kia Seltos leads on price per litre of boot: $113 per litre of boot on RRP for the Hyundai Kona Electric; $67 per litre of boot on RRP for the Kia Seltos. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.
The Kia Seltos starts $14,750 lower on RRP.
The Hyundai Kona Electric currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Kia Seltos does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Run-out stock (Kia Seltos). Remaining new stock of an outgoing model. Confirm availability with the dealer.
Finance
From ≈$121/wk(≈$526/mo)
Estimate on the Kia Seltos at $31,250 RRP, before on-road costs, run-out stock; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Hyundai Kona ElectricDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Kia Seltos a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the Hyundai Kona Electric and 5 on the Kia Seltos.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Kona Electric
- REC-006586 · published 9 Apr 2026A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked leading to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2023
- REC-001592 · published 23 Aug 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the battery does not meet specifications and may lead to an electrical short which could start a fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-000605 · published 28 Jan 2021A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 1 more on the model page.
Kia Seltos
- REC-006395 · published 30 Jul 2025The piston rings fitted to the engines of certain vehicles may not meet manufacturing specifications, and could cause engine failure and vehicle stalling.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005962 · published 20 May 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warning.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005699 · published 15 Jun 2023Due to a software issue, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual seat belt warning as required by the Australian Design Rules (ADR) 04/06.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging and range
The rated figures side by side: electric range and fuel use with the battery depleted for a plug-in hybrid or range extender, the km each battery-electric car adds overnight on its own onboard charger, and the DC time in the window each document prints.
| 2027 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW | 2026 Kia Seltos S | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Petrol or diesel |
| Added overnight, 10A power point (2.4 kW) | 162 km in 10 h | Not applicable |
| Added overnight, 7.4 kW wallbox | 500 km in 10 h | Not applicable |
| Added overnight, 11 kW three-phase | 703 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 10.4 kW AC | Not applicable |
| DC fast charge, as printed | No data | Not applicable |
| Charging connector | Type 2 (AC) / CCS Combo 2 (DC) | Not applicable |
| Portable charger supplied | No data | Not applicable |
| Type 2 cable supplied | No data | Not applicable |
| Front boot | 27 L | No data |
- Km added in 10 hours: the charger rate, capped by the car's own onboard charger, over its own rated energy use. A car without an onboard charger or energy figure is No data, never an assumed rate.
- DC times are printed only in the window the document gives (0-80% or 10-80%). Different windows are not one measure, so nobody leads across them.
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
48.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging: features our data doesn't list for 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.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets premium cloth upholstery while the Kia Seltos offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 1-zone in the Kia Seltos.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
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 Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,355mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 468L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Kia Seltos a 61L advantage.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 10.6 m circle, kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Front boot (frunk)
Hyundai Kona Electric
27 L
Kia Seltos
No data
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $666 a year (14.8 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity) and fuel for the Kia Seltos about $2,018 a year (6.9 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol).
The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.
Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (Hyundai Kona Electric) and 7 years / unlimited km (Kia Seltos).
- The Hyundai Kona Electric costs $14,750 more on RRP and $1,408 a year less in energy at 15,000 km a year: the gap closes after about 157,000 km.
Energy only. Excludes servicing, rego, insurance, finance interest and resale. Prices are compared only on one basis.
Where each one leads
The Hyundai Kona Electric: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Kia Seltos.
The Kia Seltos: the lower starting price ($31,250 against $46,000), more power (110kW against 99kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (468L against 407L) and the longer warranty not tied to dealer servicing (7 years against 5).
The Verdict
Hyundai Kona Electric scores higher, 70 vs 68
The Hyundai Kona Electric scores 70 to the Kia Seltos's 68 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 0 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Hyundai Kona Electric ahead by 13 points), practicality (Kia Seltos ahead by 8 points). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, 468L in the Kia Seltos.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Run-out stock (Kia Seltos). Remaining new stock of an outgoing model. Confirm availability with the dealer.
Finance
From ≈$121/wk(≈$526/mo)
Estimate on the Kia Seltos at $31,250 RRP, before on-road costs, run-out stock; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Hyundai Kona ElectricDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $14,750.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Kona Electric holds a 4-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Kia Seltos, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L with the seats up (1,428L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty that does not depend on dealer servicing at 7 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW.
Track the Hyundai Kona Electric & Kia Seltos
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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