Hyundai Tucson 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.
Hyundai Tucson
From $29,290
SUV
Petrol
In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system
122kW
7.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
488L
Kia Seltos
From $31,250
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
468L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Tucson starts from $29,290 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Hyundai Tucson the more affordable entry point by $1,960.
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 $32,219 and $34,375 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Seltos by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Tucson features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 3.5-inch digital dash, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson uses a In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system producing 122kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual 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 Hyundai Tucson has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,480mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 95mm longer than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Hyundai Tucson and 468L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 500kg 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $1,967 (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Seltos will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. 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, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Seltos?
The Hyundai Tucson is the cheapest at $29,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $1,960.
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 — Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 488L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Tucson makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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