When choosing a compact SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Kia Seltos. Both of these SUVs offer a mix of style, performance, and practicality, but they cater to different needs. The Hyundai Kona is known for its efficiency and agility, while the Kia Seltos is a bit more rugged, offering more space and higher performance. Let’s take a closer look at their performance, interior, tech, and value to see which one fits your lifestyle best.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that shines in the efficiency department. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces around 147 horsepower, which is more than enough for daily commutes and city driving. The Kona’s compact size and agile handling make it easy to navigate tight spaces and park in crowded areas. It also offers all-wheel drive (AWD) in higher trims for those who need extra traction in rainy or snowy conditions. While not a powerhouse, the Kona excels at being a fuel-efficient option for city dwellers.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos steps it up with more power options. The base model also features a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, but it offers 146 horsepower. However, the Seltos really shines in its turbocharged 1.6L engine option, which delivers 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. If you’re someone who likes a bit more pep in your drive or wants a more rugged feel, the Seltos gives you that without compromising on fuel efficiency. The Seltos also comes with all-wheel drive in most trims, making it a great option for those looking to take it off-road or drive in various weather conditions.
Verdict: If you’re looking for fuel efficiency and easy city driving, the Hyundai Kona is a great choice. But if you prefer more power and the option for off-road adventures, the Kia Seltos is the better option.
Interior: Space vs. Style
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona is compact, but still manages to offer a surprisingly comfortable interior. It’s designed for smaller families or individuals who want a stylish and practical vehicle. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, though rear-seat space can feel a bit tight for taller passengers. In terms of cargo space, the Kona offers around 19.2 cubic feet, which is decent for its size. The overall interior quality is good, with soft-touch materials and a modern design that feels high-end for a compact SUV.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos provides a larger cabin, which is a huge plus if you need more space. With more rear-seat legroom and a larger trunk that provides 26.6 cubic feet of storage, the Seltos stands out as the more family-friendly choice. Whether it’s for road trips or just hauling groceries, the extra space in the Seltos gives you more flexibility. It also offers a more premium interior with higher-end materials, making it feel more like a luxury SUV compared to the Kona.
Verdict: If space is important to you, the Kia Seltos is the better choice. It offers more comfort for passengers and more room for cargo. The Hyundai Kona, though still comfortable, is better suited for city drivers who don’t need as much space.
Technology: Which SUV Keeps You More Connected?
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona comes with a solid range of tech features. The base trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while higher trims offer a 10.25-inch display. It also comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos has a 10.25-inch touchscreen in most trims, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. It also comes with Kia’s UVO connected services and more advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Seltos gives you a more premium feel with its tech offerings, making it a better option for tech-savvy buyers.
Verdict: The Kia Seltos offers better tech overall, with a larger screen and more advanced safety features. However, the Hyundai Kona still offers solid tech and safety features at a slightly lower price point.
Pricing and Value: Which SUV Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?
2025 Hyundai Kona
Starting around $22,000, the Kona is an affordable choice for those looking for a compact, fuel-efficient SUV. It offers great value for the price, especially for city drivers who don’t need excessive space or power.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos starts at around $24,000, and its higher trims can go up to $30,000. It offers more performance options, a larger interior, and more advanced tech features for a slightly higher price, making it a great choice for those seeking a premium features at a reasonable price.
Verdict: The Hyundai Kona is more affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. The Kia Seltos, while slightly more expensive, offers better performance, more space, and additional features, making it the better option for buyers who want more luxury and versatility.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is perfect for those who need a compact SUV with great fuel economy, agility, and a modern design. It’s ideal for city drivers or individuals who don’t need a lot of space but want a vehicle with a stylish interior and solid performance.
The 2026 Kia Seltos, on the other hand, is great for buyers who want more space, a rugged design, and a higher level of performance and technology. It’s perfect for families or those who need a more rugged SUV for various driving conditions.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether you prioritize affordability and efficiency (Kona) or performance, space, and advanced features (Seltos).
Learn more- Magic cars
Sarthak Singh, an automotive enthusiast from Varanasi, India, is currently pursuing a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Sustainable Energy Technology at NIT Kurukshetra. Born on 23rd May 2003, Sarthak blends his technical background with a deep passion for the automotive world, particularly focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
With over 2 years of experience in automotive content writing, Sarthak brings valuable insights into the latest trends, reviews, and innovations in the automotive industry. His expertise enables him to deeply explore how green technologies, like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, are shaping the future of transportation.
Through his contributions to MotorGold.net, Sarthak provides expert advice on vehicle maintenance, understanding modern automotive trends, and embracing sustainable solutions for a greener future.