Kia Seltos Vs. Hyundai Kona 2022: Which Crossover Reigns Supreme?

Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two popular subcompact SUVs: the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Kona from the 2022 model year. These little crossovers have made a big splash in the market, offering a blend of practicality, style, and affordability. If you're in the market for a new ride, choosing between these two might feel a bit overwhelming. But fear not, guys! We're here to break down the key differences and help you decide which one best suits your needs and lifestyle. We will explore their features, performance, interior, and overall value. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Kia Seltos: A Stylish and Spacious Contender

First up, we have the Kia Seltos. Introduced in 2021, the Seltos quickly became a favorite for its eye-catching design, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. The 2022 model builds on this success, offering a range of trims and features that cater to various budgets and preferences. The Seltos stands out with its bold front fascia, featuring Kia's signature tiger-nose grille and sleek LED headlights. Its boxy silhouette gives it a more rugged look compared to some of its competitors, making it feel more substantial on the road. Inside, the Seltos offers a surprisingly generous amount of space, especially for rear-seat passengers. The cargo area is also quite accommodating, making it a practical choice for small families or those who frequently haul cargo. The interior design is modern and well-laid-out, with a focus on ease of use. The infotainment system is intuitive, with a touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia also includes a suite of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, even on the base models. Under the hood, the Seltos offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, while the turbocharged engine delivers more spirited performance. The Seltos is known for its comfortable ride and composed handling, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive in various conditions. Overall, the Kia Seltos is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a compelling combination of style, space, technology, and value. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a practical and affordable vehicle without compromising on features and design.

Now, let's explore some of the specific aspects that make the Kia Seltos such a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market. Starting with design, the Seltos boasts a distinctive exterior that immediately grabs attention. Its bold front end, characterized by the tiger-nose grille and sharp headlights, gives it a confident and modern appearance. The available two-tone paint options and stylish alloy wheels further enhance its visual appeal. Moving inside, the Seltos surprises with its spaciousness. The cabin offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for longer journeys. The seats are well-contoured and supportive, and the overall interior design is clean and uncluttered. The materials used feel of good quality, and the available features, such as a premium sound system and a large touchscreen display, elevate the driving experience. In terms of performance, the Seltos offers a choice of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base 2.0-liter engine provides decent fuel efficiency and is well-suited for city driving and everyday commutes. For those who crave more power, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers a more spirited performance, making highway merging and passing maneuvers easier. The Seltos also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. Kia's commitment to safety is evident in the Seltos's high safety ratings and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Finally, the Kia Seltos stands out for its value proposition. It offers a generous amount of features and technology for its price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Kia's industry-leading warranty also provides added peace of mind, ensuring that you're covered for years to come. In summary, the Kia Seltos is a standout subcompact SUV that combines stylish design, spacious interior, impressive performance, and exceptional value. It's a great choice for those seeking a practical, feature-rich, and affordable vehicle.

Hyundai Kona: A Zippy and Sporty Alternative

Next, let's turn our attention to the Hyundai Kona. The Kona, known for its sporty design and agile handling, has been a popular choice in the subcompact SUV segment since its introduction. The 2022 Kona continues to offer a fun-to-drive experience with a focus on youthful styling and advanced technology. The Kona's design is more compact and athletic compared to the Seltos. Its distinctive split headlight design and sculpted body panels give it a sporty and modern appearance. The Kona is also available in a variety of vibrant colors, allowing buyers to express their personality. Inside, the Kona offers a well-designed cabin with a focus on driver engagement. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kona also includes a range of advanced safety features, such as forward collision-avoidance assist and lane keeping assist. Under the hood, the Kona offers a choice of engines, including a fuel-efficient base engine and a more powerful turbocharged engine. The Kona's nimble handling and responsive steering make it a joy to drive in urban environments. The Kona also offers available all-wheel drive, providing added traction and stability in various driving conditions. One of the standout features of the Kona is its available fully electric variant, the Kona Electric, which offers zero-emission driving and impressive range. Overall, the Hyundai Kona is a stylish and sporty subcompact SUV that appeals to drivers who prioritize a fun-to-drive experience and advanced technology. It's a great choice for those seeking a vehicle that's easy to maneuver in the city and offers a touch of excitement on the road. The Kona's compact size and agile handling make it perfect for navigating through crowded streets and tight parking spaces. The 2022 Kona has some notable changes compared to previous models, so let's check it out! The Kona is a bit more expensive than the Seltos, but it does come with some pretty nice upgrades.

Let's delve deeper into the specifics of what makes the Hyundai Kona a compelling choice. Starting with its design, the Kona's exterior is characterized by its bold and modern styling. The split headlight design, with the daytime running lights positioned above the main headlights, gives it a unique and eye-catching look. The sculpted body panels and available two-tone color options add to its sporty appeal. The Kona's compact size and agile handling make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a great choice for urban environments. Inside, the Kona offers a well-designed and user-friendly cabin. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a focus on driver convenience. The infotainment system is easy to operate, with a responsive touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available features, such as a premium sound system and a digital instrument cluster, enhance the driving experience. In terms of performance, the Kona offers a choice of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base engine provides good fuel economy and is suitable for daily commutes. The more powerful turbocharged engine delivers a more spirited performance, making highway merging and passing maneuvers easier. The Kona's responsive steering and agile handling make it fun to drive on winding roads. The Kona also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents. Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the Kona's high safety ratings and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Furthermore, the Kona offers a variety of models, including the Kona Electric, which offers zero-emission driving and impressive range. The Kona Electric is a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly vehicle that's both stylish and practical. The Hyundai Kona is a standout subcompact SUV that combines stylish design, agile handling, impressive technology, and a fun-to-drive experience. It's a great choice for those seeking a vehicle that's easy to maneuver in the city and offers a touch of excitement on the road.

Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona: Feature Face-Off

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and compare the features of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona in detail. We'll examine the key aspects, from their infotainment systems to their safety features and performance characteristics, to give you a comprehensive understanding of what each vehicle offers. This side-by-side comparison will help you determine which SUV aligns best with your needs and preferences.

Infotainment and Technology

• Kia Seltos: The Seltos typically features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display ranging from 8 to 10.25 inches, depending on the trim level. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims often include features like navigation, a premium sound system, and wireless charging. Kia's system is generally praised for its intuitive interface and ease of use.
• Hyundai Kona: The Kona also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, usually around 8 to 10.25 inches, with similar compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai's system is known for its responsive interface and clear graphics. High-end trims may include navigation, a premium audio setup, and other tech goodies. The Kona often integrates features like a digital instrument cluster in higher trims, enhancing the overall tech-savvy experience.

Safety Features

• Kia Seltos: The Seltos offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims may add features such as blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control, providing a high level of protection for drivers and passengers.
• Hyundai Kona: The Kona also prioritizes safety, with standard features that include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Upgrades may include blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring that it meets safety requirements. Hyundai's safety technologies are designed to provide added peace of mind, contributing to its strong safety ratings.

Performance and Handling

• Kia Seltos: The Seltos offers a choice of engines, including a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving and good fuel efficiency, while the turbocharged engine delivers more spirited performance. The Seltos is known for its comfortable ride and composed handling, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive in various conditions.
• Hyundai Kona: The Kona also offers a choice of engines, including a base engine and a more powerful turbocharged option. The Kona's nimble handling and responsive steering make it a joy to drive in urban environments. The Kona also offers available all-wheel drive, providing added traction and stability. The Kona's sporty nature and precise handling make it an enjoyable vehicle to drive, especially on winding roads. The Kona Electric version provides zero-emission driving with great range.

Interior and Comfort

• Kia Seltos: The Seltos is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. The rear seats offer a generous amount of legroom, making it comfortable for passengers. The cargo area is also quite accommodating, making it a practical choice for small families or those who frequently haul cargo. The interior design is modern and well-laid-out, with a focus on ease of use.
• Hyundai Kona: The Kona's interior is well-designed with a focus on driver engagement. The seats are supportive, and the infotainment system is user-friendly. The Kona's compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and it offers a comfortable driving experience. The Kona's interior design provides a functional and stylish environment, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Kona is a bit more sporty, so the interior reflects this.

Which Crossover Should You Choose? The Verdict!

So, guys, which subcompact SUV reigns supreme? Well, it depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you prioritize space, a comfortable ride, and a stylish design, the Kia Seltos is an excellent choice. It offers a spacious interior, a generous cargo area, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Seltos also has a more rugged appearance and a strong value proposition, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

If you're looking for a sporty driving experience, agile handling, and advanced technology, the Hyundai Kona is the better option. Its compact size, responsive steering, and available all-wheel drive make it fun to drive in urban environments. The Kona also offers a range of advanced technology features and a youthful design, appealing to those who want a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle. Ultimately, both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Kona are strong contenders in the subcompact SUV segment. They each offer their unique strengths, catering to different driving preferences and lifestyles. We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle. Happy driving!