Kia Seltos Redesign Edges Out Honda HR-V in Budget SUV Comparison

The redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos has emerged as the stronger contender in the budget subcompact SUV market, surpassing the 2027 Honda HR-V in key areas like passenger and cargo space, value, and features, according to an Edmunds comparison. Both SUVs aim to provide the practicality of larger vehicles without the associated size and cost, focusing on ease of use, fuel efficiency, and versatility.

The Seltos boasts a particularly accommodating rear seat, making it family-friendly with easy-access child seat anchors. While both vehicles offer a reasonably smooth ride for their class, Edmunds noted that the HR-V's firmer front seat cushions and lack of lumbar adjustment detract from long-distance comfort. The Seltos also offers an advantage for rear passengers with the inclusion of rear air vents, a feature absent in the HR-V.

In terms of performance, neither the 158-horsepower HR-V nor the 147-horsepower Seltos is particularly quick. Edmunds testing showed the HR-V accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, while the Seltos took 10.6 seconds. However, the Seltos offers an optional 190-horsepower turbocharged engine that significantly improves acceleration, a choice not available for the HR-V, which is only offered with its base engine.

Fuel economy is a competitive area, with the HR-V achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. The Seltos is rated up to an estimated 30 mpg combined, though the turbocharged engine drops this to 26 mpg combined. A forthcoming hybrid version of the Seltos is expected to further enhance its fuel efficiency credentials.

The Seltos leads in cargo capacity, offering 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it among the roomiest in its class. Cabin storage in the Seltos is adequate, with numerous compartments for smaller items. The HR-V provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet when folded. Its cargo area is well-designed for hauling longer items, and cabin storage is sufficient, though door pockets and the glovebox are noted as smaller than preferred.

Value and interior quality are also points of differentiation. The HR-V features a well-built interior with soft-touch materials and quality controls, with the LX trim starting at $28,150 and the top EX-L trim at $32,000. The Seltos has a lower starting price of $26,485, and even its higher trims generally offer more for the money. Standard features in the Seltos include a larger touchscreen, more available driver assistance technologies, and convenience features like a power-adjustable driver's seat or leather upholstery at a lower price point. Kia also provides a more extensive warranty, with five years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.

While the Honda HR-V effectively meets the basic expectations for an extra-small SUV, the comprehensively redesigned Kia Seltos has established a new benchmark with its spacious interior, versatile powertrain options, and compelling value proposition, making it the preferred choice for buyers seeking maximum versatility and style in a small SUV.