Kia Sorento vs Seltos: Which Kia SUV Is Right for You?
The Kia Sorento and Kia Seltos are both Kia SUVs, but they sit two sizes apart. The Sorento is a three-row midsize that seats up to seven and offers hybrids, while the Seltos is a subcompact that starts far lower. Both share Kia’s long warranty. This one is a size-and-budget decision. Here is how to tell which fits you.
Sorento vs Seltos: the specs side by side
| Specification |
Kia Sorento |
Kia Seltos |
| Class |
Midsize SUV (three rows) |
Subcompact SUV |
| Seating |
Up to 7 |
5 |
| Starting MSRP |
About $32,390 |
About $23,790 |
| Powertrains |
Gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid |
Gas (including a 1.6L turbo) |
| Base engine |
2.5L I4, available 2.5L turbo (281 hp) |
2.0L I4 (147 hp), available 1.6L turbo (190 hp) |
| Hybrid |
Yes, up to about 37 mpg combined |
Not offered |
| Drivetrain |
FWD standard, AWD available |
FWD standard, AWD available |
| Basic warranty |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty |
10 yr / 100,000 mi |
10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Assembly |
West Point, Georgia |
South Korea |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Which one is right for you?
Choose the Sorento if
- You need three rows and seating up to seven
- You want the most passenger and cargo space
- You want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid
- You want the available 281-hp turbo engine
Choose the Seltos if
- You want the lowest starting price, around $23,790
- A smaller, easy-to-park subcompact fits your life
- Five seats are all you need
- You want an available 190-hp turbo for the size
Size and space
These two are a couple of classes apart. The Sorento is a three-row midsize that seats up to seven with the most passenger and cargo room, while the Seltos is a subcompact built for five that is smaller outside and easier to park. If you need three rows or space, the Sorento is the clear pick; if you want a small, affordable SUV, the Seltos fits.
Price and powertrains
The Seltos is the value pick up front, starting around $23,790 versus about $32,390 for the Sorento, and it offers an available 190-horsepower turbo. The Sorento costs more but adds a third row, more space, and a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, with the hybrid rated up to about 37 mpg combined. Budget points to the Seltos; space and efficiency point to the Sorento.
What the Sorento and Seltos share
Because both are Kia vehicles, they have a lot in common: the same 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty, a choice of efficient powertrains, and Kia’s ownership support. New Sorento and Seltos models at ALM Kia South also add ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty.
The bottom line
Neither is better across the board; the right pick is the one that matches how you drive. Look over the strengths above, then come drive both at ALM Kia South. Our team can line up a back-to-back test drive so you can feel the difference for yourself.
Sorento overview | Seltos overview
All Sorento comparisons | All Seltos comparisons
Sorento vs Seltos: common questions
Should I buy the Kia Seltos or Sorento?
It depends on size and budget. The Sorento is a three-row midsize that seats up to seven and offers hybrids, while the Seltos is a subcompact that starts far lower, around $23,790. Both are Kia SUVs with the same 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What is the difference between the Kia Seltos and Sorento?
The Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV that seats up to seven with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. The Seltos is a subcompact that seats five, is gas only, and starts about $8,000 lower. They are two size classes apart.
Is the Kia Sorento bigger than the Seltos?
Yes, by a wide margin. The Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV, while the Seltos is a subcompact. The Sorento has far more passenger and cargo space.
Is the Kia Seltos cheaper than the Sorento?
Yes. The Seltos starts around $23,790 and the Sorento starts around $32,390, so the Seltos is the lower-priced way into a new Kia SUV.
Does the Kia Seltos have a third row?
No. The Seltos seats five in two rows. If you need a third row, the Sorento seats up to seven.
Do the Seltos and Sorento have the same warranty?
Yes. Both come with Kia’s 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty. New models at ALM Kia South also add ALM VIP Club benefits and the Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying vehicles.
