You have no shortage of models to choose from in the Kia crossover SUV lineup — and two popular choices are the compact Sportage and the subcompact Seltos. Find out the differences between them in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Seltos comparison.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Seltos crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Kia Sportage offers three engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). In comparison, the 2023 Kia Seltos offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 horsepower) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower).

The Sportage has a higher engine output, but with its smaller size, the Seltos is more maneuverable. Therefore, it is easier to drive the Seltos in city traffic and park and back up the vehicle.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered Sportage has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the Seltos has an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 mpg. 

Sportage vs. Seltos: Towing

If you need a crossover SUV that can tow, then the Sportage is a better choice for you. It can tow up to 2,500 pounds, while the Seltos is not rated for towing.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Off-road capabilities

Both the 2023 Sportage and 2023 Seltos offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Sportage is better for off-road use. This is because, unlike the Seltos, the Sportage has off-road models. This includes the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Safety

The Sportage and Seltos have a good safety history. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. They both also offer a strong roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind spot monitor, a collision avoidance system, brake assist, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, parking distance warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Passenger and cargo space

With its larger overall size, the Sportage provides more interior space than the Seltos. It has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the Seltos has a total passenger volume of 99.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cu-ft.

Sportage vs. Seltos: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, the Sportage and Seltos are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Sportage vs. Seltos: Price

Which Kia crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 Seltos? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Seltos ranges from $22,840 MSRP for the LX trim up to $28,340 MSRP for the SX trim. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Seltos comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Sportage, advantages include engine output, hybrid gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and passenger and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Seltos include maneuverability, gas engine fuel economy, and a lower price.