2026 Hyundai Kona vs. 2026 Kia Seltos Comparison

If you are shopping subcompact SUVs in Ocean County, the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Kia Seltos deserve to be on the same list. Both offer available all-wheel drive, useful cargo space, modern technology, and available turbocharged power. The bigger differences are in interior volume, cargo capacity, pricing, and how each vehicle is equipped at the trim level you actually plan to buy.

2026 Hyundai Kona vs. 2026 Kia Seltos: specifications

Figures compare the 2026 Hyundai Kona SE and 2026 Kia Seltos LX, the entry trims used for this comparison. Manufacturer figures as published August 2026.

Specification	2026 Hyundai Kona SE	2026 Kia Seltos LX
Starting MSRP	$25,500	$23,790
Base engine	2.0-liter 4-cylinder	2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Base horsepower	147 hp	147 hp
Available turbo engine	1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 190 hp	1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 190 hp
Transmission	IVT with 2.0-liter engine; 8-speed automatic with 1.6-liter turbo	IVT with 2.0-liter engine; 8-speed automatic with 1.6-liter turbo
Drivetrain options	FWD or available HTRAC AWD	FWD or available AWD, depending on trim
EPA combined MPG	31 MPG FWD with 2.0-liter engine	31 MPG FWD with 2.0-liter engine
Cargo behind rear seats	25.5 cu. ft.	26.6 cu. ft.
Maximum cargo volume	63.7 cu. ft.	62.8 cu. ft.
Passenger volume	101.2 cu. ft.	99.6 cu. ft.
Standard touchscreen	12.3-inch touchscreen	8-inch touchscreen on LX
Maximum towing	Not rated for conventional towing	Not rated for conventional towing
Basic warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles	5 years / 60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles for original owners	10 years / 100,000 miles

Interior and cargo space

The Kona has an advantage in overall passenger volume, with 101.2 cubic feet compared with 99.6 cubic feet in the Seltos. Hyundai also gives the Kona 41.7 inches of front legroom and 38.2 inches of rear legroom, so the second row is more than an afterthought for a vehicle in this class. If you regularly carry adults in the back, that extra room is worth experiencing in person.

The Seltos counters with slightly more cargo room behind the rear seats: 26.6 cubic feet versus 25.5 in the Kona. Fold the rear seats and the Kona takes the lead with 63.7 cubic feet versus 62.8 in the Seltos. In other words, the Seltos has a slight advantage for everyday cargo with the seats up, while the Kona has the edge when you are using the SUV as a small hauler.

Technology and connectivity

This is one of the clearest differences at the entry level. The 2026 Kona SE comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with wireless smartphone integration. The 2026 Seltos LX starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, while larger 10.25-inch displays become available as you move up the Seltos lineup.

That does not automatically make the Kona the better-equipped vehicle at every price point. The Seltos adds substantial technology as you move into the S and EX trims, including its available dual 10.25-inch display setup, wireless phone charging, and additional convenience features. The smart comparison is to price the exact trims rather than comparing a base Kona with a fully loaded Seltos.

Performance and drivetrain

The base engines are essentially a draw. Both the Kona and Seltos use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower, and both can be configured with all-wheel drive. The Kona's HTRAC AWD system is available across its gas lineup, while the Seltos makes AWD available depending on trim.

Both also offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower. Hyundai pairs the turbo engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while Kia does the same on the turbocharged Seltos SX. If you spend most of your time on Route 37 or the Parkway and want more passing power, this is the powertrain to drive rather than assuming the base engine will feel the same.

Fuel economy

With their base 2.0-liter engines and front-wheel drive, the Kona and Seltos are closely matched on fuel economy at an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined. That makes either one a sensible choice for a daily commuter traveling Route 9, Route 37, or the Parkway.

Choosing all-wheel drive changes the numbers, and the turbocharged versions also use more fuel than their base engines. If fuel economy is one of your main reasons for choosing a subcompact SUV, compare the exact drivetrain you want rather than relying on the highest MPG number advertised for the model.

Warranty and ownership

Warranty coverage is essentially a draw between these two. Hyundai provides 5 years or 60,000 miles of new vehicle coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for original owners. Kia provides the Seltos with 5 years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

That means warranty should not be the reason you choose one of these vehicles over the other. The more meaningful questions are which one gives you the seating and cargo configuration you need, which trim includes the features you want, and which one feels better from behind the wheel.

Which one fits Ocean County driving

For a commuter running Route 9 or the Parkway from Bayville or Beachwood, either vehicle makes sense. Their base engines and front-wheel-drive fuel economy are closely matched, and both can provide the extra traction of all-wheel drive when winter weather makes township roads less predictable.

Where we would point you toward the Kona is if you want more passenger volume, a larger standard touchscreen, or the option of the 190-horsepower turbo engine. Where the Seltos deserves serious consideration is its lower starting MSRP and slightly larger cargo area behind the rear seats. If those are your priorities, it is a legitimate alternative rather than a token competitor on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hyundai Kona bigger than the Kia Seltos?

The Kona has more passenger volume at 101.2 cubic feet compared with 99.6 cubic feet in the Seltos. The Seltos has slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Kona has slightly more maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The best choice depends on whether people or cargo get priority.

Does the Hyundai Kona come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on the 2026 Kona gas models. Availability varies by trim and powertrain, so confirm the exact configuration before purchasing.

Does the Kia Seltos have all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on the 2026 Seltos, with availability depending on trim. The turbocharged Seltos SX includes AWD, while the 2.0-liter engine is available in configurations with either front-wheel drive or AWD.

Which has more cargo space, the Kona or Seltos?

The Seltos has slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats, with 26.6 cubic feet compared with 25.5 cubic feet for the Kona. With the rear seats folded, the Kona has 63.7 cubic feet compared with 62.8 cubic feet for the Seltos.

Which is better for a first car?

Both are reasonable choices for a first vehicle. Compare the standard safety equipment and technology on the specific trims you can afford, then drive both. The Kona's larger standard touchscreen and available turbo engine may appeal to some drivers, while the Seltos' lower starting price may be more important to others.

Where can I see the Hyundai Kona near Toms River?

At Lester Glenn Hyundai, 386 Route 37 East in Toms River, NJ. Call 732-966-9723 to have the trim you are considering ready when you arrive.

Specifications and pricing reflect manufacturer figures published as of August 2026 and are subject to change. Comparison figures are for the trims noted. EPA estimates are for comparison purposes and actual mileage will vary. Warranty terms and conditions apply; see dealer for details. Lester Glenn Hyundai is not affiliated with Kia.