Kia Seltos vs MG QS
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 MG QS opens at $46,990. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $15,740.
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 $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Seltos by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and MG QS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 88% for the MG QS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG QS packs more ADAS features with 7 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 7 in the MG QS. The MG QS adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Seltos misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the MG QS gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG QS counters with panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the Kia Seltos does not offer. 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 MG QS responds with a 2.0L Turbo Petrol making 153kW and 360Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The MG QS has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 110kW. 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, 598mm shorter than the MG QS at 4,983mm (2,915mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG QS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 312L in the Kia Seltos and 203L in the MG QS, giving the Kia Seltos a 109L advantage. The MG QS seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the MG QS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. 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 diameter
Good
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 $2,394/year for the MG QS. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $2,394 (MG QS). The Kia Seltos saves you roughly $427 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG QS). The MG QS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG QS if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Seltos and MG QS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Seltos will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos has a clear edge. The MG QS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG QS?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG QS by $15,740.
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 MG QS 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 MG QS has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG QS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG QS makes the most power at 153kW.
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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