Hyundai Kona vs Kia Seltos
Same parent company, different approach. Which small SUV wins?
Price Breakdown
$390 apart at the base level. Basically the same price. The real price difference shows up at the top spec: the Seltos GT-Line with the 1.6T turbo and AWD costs $37,390, while the Kona tops out at $35,700 with FWD only. So if you want turbo power and AWD grip, the Seltos is your only option in this pair.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both come from Hyundai Motor Group so they share a lot of the underlying safety tech. AEB, blind spot, lane keep, adaptive cruise, all standard on both. The Seltos Sport adds a surround-view monitor that the Kona Active doesn't get.
Feature Showdown
Similar feature levels. Both get an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and LED headlights at these trims. The Seltos Sport adds the surround-view camera which is genuinely useful for parking. The Kona Active has a slightly cleaner interior design. Neither car feels cheap inside.
Drivetrain
Same 2.0L engine at the base level. But the Seltos offers a turbo upgrade that changes the game.
| Spec | Kona Active | Seltos Sport | Seltos GT-Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L NA | 2.0L NA | 1.6L Turbo |
| Power | 110kW | 110kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 191Nm | 191Nm | 265Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | CVT | 7-speed DCT |
| Drive | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| 0-100 | 9.4s | 9.5s | 7.7s |
The Seltos GT-Line is a completely different car. 150kW, AWD, 7-speed DCT, and nearly 2 seconds faster to 100. If you can stretch to $37,390, it's the one to get. The Kona doesn't offer anything equivalent.
True Cost to Own
Running costs are nearly identical at the base spec. The warranty difference is the main separator.
| 5-Year Cost | Kona Active | Seltos Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway | $35,500 | $36,000 |
| 5yr Fuel | $9,690 | $9,975 |
| 5yr Insurance | $7,000 | $7,200 |
| 5yr Servicing | $2,200 | $2,300 |
| Resale (est.) | -$16,300 (49%) | -$17,300 (50%) |
| True 5yr Cost | $38,090 | $38,175 |
Almost identical over 5 years. The $85 difference is a rounding error. The real advantage is Kia's 7-year warranty covering you for 2 extra years. If something goes wrong in year 6 or 7, the Seltos is covered and the Kona isn't. On a complex CVT or engine issue, that could be worth $3,000-5,000.
The Warranty Argument
Kia gives you 7 years. Hyundai gives you 5. On cars this similar, that extra 2 years of coverage is probably the strongest reason to pick the Seltos. Cars in their 6th and 7th year are when things start needing attention, and having it covered is worth real money.
If You Want More Power
The Seltos GT-Line (1.6T, AWD, DCT) is the pick of the range. It's genuinely quick, handles wet roads confidently with AWD, and the 7-speed DCT is way more engaging than the CVT in the base models. At $37,390 it's still under $40k driveaway. The Kona simply doesn't have an equivalent.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kona if: you prefer the styling, want slightly better fuel economy, or want the option to go fully electric later with the Kona Electric.
Buy the Seltos if: you want the 7-year warranty, more boot space, or plan to upgrade to the turbo AWD GT-Line for proper performance.
The Verdict
At the base level they're almost identical. Same engine, similar price, similar features. The Seltos wins on three things: 7-year warranty (vs 5), bigger boot (433L vs 407L), and the option to upgrade to a turbo AWD variant that the Kona doesn't offer. The Kona has slightly better fuel economy and a more modern interior design. If the 7-year warranty and upgrade path matter to you, get the Seltos. If you prefer the Kona's styling, it's a perfectly good car too.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 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. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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