Subcompact crossover SUVs are all the rage these days. Along with their relatively affordable price, subcompact crossovers provide an enticing combination of sedan-like maneuverability and SUV utility. Two leading choices for the subcompact crossover segment are the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona. See how they stack up in this 2022 Hyundai Kona vs. 2022 Kia Seltos comparison. With more advantages, the Kona beats the Seltos.

2022 Hyundai Kona vs. 2022 Kia Seltos

For our 2022 Hyundai Kona vs. 2022 Kia Seltos head-to-head comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty, reliability, and price.

Kona vs. Seltos: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Kia Seltos offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Kona offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 hp) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (195 hp). You can also buy an all-electric version of the Kona, which generates 201 hp.

For efficiency, the Seltos gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 combined mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered Kona gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Kona Electric has an efficiency rating of 120 combined MPGe.

If you want a crossover SUV that can tow, you’re better off buying a larger vehicle. Neither the Kona nor Seltos are rated for towing. Both crossovers offer a choice of either a front-wheel drive (FWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Kona vs. Seltos: Safety

The Kona and Seltos are evenly matched for safety. Both crossover SUVs offer safety and driving assistance features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, electronic stability control, and brake assist.

Kona vs. Seltos: Passenger and cargo space

The Seltos provides more space for both people and storage. It has a total passenger volume of 99.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Kona has a total passenger volume of 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.8 cu-ft.

Kona vs. Seltos: Interior features and technologies

The Kona and Seltos offer a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes heated front seats, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a sunroof/moonroof, and satellite radio. However, unlike the Seltos, the Kona offers HD Radio.

Kona vs. Seltos: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the Kona and Seltos have the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Kona is a more reliable crossover SUV. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 82/100, compared to 78/100 for the Seltos.

Kona vs. Seltos: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Kona or the 2022 Seltos? The starting prices of the 2022 Kona range from $21,300 MSRP for the SE trim up to $42,500 MSRP for the Kona Electric Limited. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Seltos range from $22,490 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,990 MSRP for the SX trim.

2022 Hyundai Kona vs. 2022 Kia Seltos: Which crossover SUV is better?

In our 2022 Hyundai Kona vs. 2022 Kia Seltos comparison, the Kona has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, efficiency, HD Radio, and reliability. Conversely, the only advantages that the 2022 Seltos has are passenger and cargo space.