As we venture into the 2025 model year, the subcompact SUV segment continues to be fiercely competitive. Two standout contenders, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona, have captured the attention of Canadian drivers. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision, with a spotlight on why the Seltos might be the superior choice for many.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2025 Kia Seltos comes equipped with a robust gasoline powertrain, producing an impressive 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant improvement over previous years, offering more power for confident highway merging and passing. In comparison, the 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a similar but slightly lower output with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Seltos has a noticeable edge:

While the combined fuel economy is similar, the Seltos performs significantly better on the highway, which could translate to substantial savings for long-distance travelers.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both vehicles offer surprisingly roomy interiors for their compact exterior dimensions. However, the Seltos provides more headroom, with 40.0 inches in the front compared to the Kona's 38.3 inches. This extra space can make a noticeable difference in comfort, especially for taller drivers and passengers.

Cargo space is another area where the Seltos shines:

• Kia Seltos: 752 - 1778 L (26.6 - 62.8 ft³)
• Hyundai Kona: 723 - 1803 L (25.5 - 63.7 ft³)

The Seltos has a clear advantage with seats up, offering more versatility for daily use without sacrificing passenger space.

Technology and Features

For 2025, both vehicles come well-equipped with modern technology, but the Seltos edges ahead in several key areas:

• Infotainment: The Seltos features an available 10.25-inch touchscreen display, offering a more immersive experience than the Kona's standard screen.
• Climate Control: While the Kona offers dual-zone climate control, the Seltos goes a step further with available heated and ventilated front seats, a feature not found in the Kona. Additionally, the Seltos offers heated rear seats in some trims, which the Kona lacks.

These comfort features make the Seltos a more appealing option for those who prioritize a luxurious driving experience.

Safety Features

Both SUVs come equipped with comprehensive safety suites, but there are some notable differences:

• The Seltos includes Kia's Drive Wise system, which now features Highway Driving Assist on certain trims.
• The Kona offers Hyundai's SmartSense suite but lacks the Highway Driving Assist feature in this comparison.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the safety ratings for these vehicles are:

• Kia Seltos: 4.0 out of 5 stars overall
• Hyundai Kona: 5.0 out of 5 stars overall

While the Kona has a slight edge in the overall rating, both vehicles received 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for rollover protection. The Seltos' 4-star frontal crash rating still indicates a high level of protection, and Kia continues to improve safety features with each model year.

It's worth noting that both vehicles received "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in key crash tests, underscoring their commitment to passenger safety.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Kia Seltos is offered in 7 different trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $25,545 to $39,445. This wide range of options allows buyers to find a Seltos that fits their budget and desired features. The Hyundai Kona, available in 10 trim levels, starts slightly higher at $26,249 and tops out at $39,449.

Given the Seltos' advantages in performance, interior space, and comfort features, it presents an excellent value proposition, especially in its mid-range trims.

Driving Experience

While both vehicles offer competent handling, the Seltos distinguishes itself with a more engaging driving experience:

• The Seltos feels more eager to turn in, providing a sportier feel that enthusiasts will appreciate.
• The Kona offers a more mature ride quality but feels heavier, which has diminished some of the fun factor from previous models.

For drivers who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing comfort, the Seltos is the clear choice.

Conclusion

After this comprehensive Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona comparison, it's clear that while both vehicles have their strengths, the Seltos offers a compelling package that may be more appealing to many Canadian drivers. Its combination of powerful performance, excellent fuel efficiency, spacious interior, advanced comfort features, and engaging driving dynamics make it a standout in the subcompact SUV segment.

We invite you to experience the 2025 Kia Seltos for yourself. View our inventory to find the perfect trim for your needs, or book a test drive to feel the Seltos' superior performance firsthand. If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help you discover why the Kia Seltos is the right choice for your next subcompact SUV.

Remember to visit your local Kia (https://www.kia.ca) and Hyundai (https://www.hyundaicanada.com) dealerships for the most up-to-date information and to schedule a test drive of these impressive subcompact SUVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Kia Seltos compare to the Hyundai Kona in terms of fuel efficiency?

A: The Kia Seltos has better highway fuel efficiency, consuming 7.5 L/100km compared to the Kona's 8.2 L/100km.

Q: Which vehicle offers more cargo space?

A: The Kia Seltos offers more cargo space with seats up (752 L vs. 723 L), making it more versatile for daily use.

Q: Are there any unique features in the Kia Seltos that the Hyundai Kona doesn't offer?

A: Yes, the Kia Seltos offers ventilated front seats and heated rear seats on some trims, features not available in the Kona.

Q: How do the safety ratings compare between the Seltos and Kona?

A: While the Hyundai Kona has a slightly higher overall NHTSA rating (5 stars vs. 4 stars), both vehicles received similar high ratings in most individual categories and from the IIHS.

Q: Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?

A: The Kia Seltos is described as more eager to turn in and sportier, offering a more engaging driving experience compared to the Kona.