Kia Seltos vs Honda HR-V
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 Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Honda HR-V opens at $32,900. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $1,650.
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 $34,375 and $36,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 82% for the Honda HR-V.
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 3 in the Honda HR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 6 in the Honda HR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda HR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Seltos stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Honda HR-V. The Honda HR-V counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Honda HR-V responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 172Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 40mm longer than the Honda HR-V at 4,345mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 312L in the Kia Seltos and 339L in the Honda HR-V, giving the Honda HR-V a 27L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Seltos leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $1,539 (Honda HR-V). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda HR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $428 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, Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda HR-V by $1,650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda HR-V has the largest boot at 339L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos 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 Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW.
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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