Kia Sportage vs Seltos: Which Kia SUV Is Right for You?
The Kia Sportage and Kia Seltos are both five-seat Kia crossovers, but they sit in different size classes. The Sportage is a compact with more room, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and top safety scores, while the Seltos is a smaller, lower-priced subcompact with an available turbo. Both share Kia’s long warranty. Here is how to tell which one fits you.
Sportage vs Seltos: the specs side by side
| Specification |
Kia Sportage |
Kia Seltos |
| Class |
Compact SUV |
Subcompact SUV |
| Seating |
5 |
5 |
| Starting MSRP |
About $28,000 |
About $23,790 |
| Base engine |
2.5L I4 (187 hp) |
2.0L I4 (147 hp) |
| Available engine |
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid |
1.6L turbo (190 hp) |
| Electrified options |
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid |
None (gas only) |
| Hybrid fuel economy |
Up to about 42 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 (gas) |
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 Sportage if
- You want more passenger and cargo room in the compact class
- You want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid for high mileage
- Top safety scores matter, with a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- You want the roomier of the two crossovers
Choose the Seltos if
- You want the lowest starting price, around $23,790
- A smaller, easy-to-park subcompact fits your life
- You want an available 190-hp turbo for the size
- You mostly drive solo or with a small household
Size and space
The Sportage is the larger compact crossover, with more passenger and cargo room, while the Seltos is a subcompact that is smaller outside and easier to park. Both seat five, so the real question is how much space and cargo room you want day to day.
Price and powertrains
The Seltos is the value pick up front, starting around $23,790 versus about $28,000 for the Sportage, and it offers an available 190-hp turbo. The Sportage costs a bit more but adds hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, with the hybrid rated up to about 42 mpg combined. If lowest price leads, the Seltos fits; if you want a hybrid and more room, the Sportage does.
What the Sportage 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 Sportage 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.
Sportage overview | Seltos overview
All Sportage comparisons | All Seltos comparisons
Sportage vs Seltos: common questions
Should I buy the Kia Sportage or Seltos?
It depends on size and budget. The Sportage is the larger compact with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options and top safety scores, while the Seltos is a smaller subcompact that starts lower, around $23,790, with an available turbo. Both are Kia SUVs with the same 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What is the difference between the Kia Sportage and Seltos?
The Sportage is a compact SUV with more room and hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, starting around $28,000. The Seltos is a smaller subcompact that starts around $23,790 and is gas only, with an available 1.6L turbo. Both seat five.
Is the Kia Sportage bigger than the Seltos?
Yes. The Sportage is a compact SUV with more passenger and cargo room, while the Seltos is a subcompact. Both seat five, but the Sportage is the roomier vehicle.
Is the Kia Seltos cheaper than the Sportage?
Yes. The Seltos starts around $23,790 and the Sportage starts around $28,000, so the Seltos is the lower-priced way into a new Kia SUV.
Does the Kia Seltos come as a hybrid?
No. The Seltos is gas only, including an available 1.6L turbo. The Sportage is the one that offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
Do the Sportage and Seltos 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.
