Kia Seltos vs Lexus UX
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 Lexus UX opens at $46,900. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $15,650.
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 $51,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and Lexus UX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 96% for the Lexus UX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus UX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Kia Seltos.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 8 in the Lexus UX.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus UX gets a 10.3-inch display. 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 Lexus UX. The Lexus UX counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio 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 Lexus UX responds with a Petrol making 126kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Lexus UX has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Seltos is 0.5s quicker. 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, 110mm shorter than the Lexus UX at 4,495mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus UX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 312L in the Kia Seltos and 217L in the Lexus UX, giving the Kia Seltos a 95L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $2,052/year for the Lexus UX. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $2,052 (Lexus UX). The Kia Seltos saves you roughly $85 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 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus UX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus UX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Seltos will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos 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, Kia Seltos and Lexus UX?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus UX by $15,650.
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 — Kia Seltos and Lexus UX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 312L.
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 Lexus UX makes the most power at 126kW. The Kia Seltos is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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