Buyers after the raised SUV look who don’t want to sacrifice efficiency or affordability have quite a few options in the subcompact segment. The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos are two of the most stylish, high-tech vehicles in this class, but which one is more popular in 2026? The latest sales figures are in, while Kia recently launched an all-new Seltos, so it’s the perfect time to see if the newer vehicle here is resonating more with buyers. We’ll also compare their basic specifications to see which is the better buy.
Kona Vs. Seltos 2026 Sales
Hyundai
Kia
These aren’t the best-selling SUVs from Hyundai or Kia, as many buyers prefer larger options. But for drivers on a tighter budget, the Kona and Seltos make sense. Here’s a look at the sales performance of each vehicle.
| August 2026 | August 2025 | % Change | 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | % Change | |
| Hyundai Kona | 6,165 | 7,083 | -13% | 48,374 | 53,200 | -9% |
| Kia Seltos | 9,214 | 5,574 | +65% | 50,525 | 35,430 | +43% |
Comparing the 2025 and 2026 results, there’s been a significant change in fortunes for these two models. The Kona was easily outselling the Seltos last year, but the Kia has come out fighting in 2026, with a 43% increase in year-to-date sales. The Seltos was around 15,000 units behind the Kona this time last year, but it’s now 2,000 or so units ahead, and August sales suggest it will extend this lead.
The launch of the new Seltos has likely contributed to this change. It’s the newer, fresher vehicle here. While the Kona is still modern, it arrived for the 2024 model year in its current form, so it’s a more familiar sight.
Kia Seltos Vs. Hyundai Kona Pricing and Powertrain Specs
Cole Attisha/Autoblog
Hyundai
Despite being the newer vehicle, the 2027 Kia Seltos has a pricing advantage over the 2027 Hyundai Kona.
| Kia Seltos | Hyundai Kona |
| LX: $24,990 | SE: $25,500 |
| S: $26,390 | SEL Sport: $26,825 |
| EX: $28,390 | SEL Premium: $28,425 |
| X-Line S: $28,990 | Limited: $32,535 |
| X-Line SX: $32,790 |
Trim for trim, the Seltos is slightly cheaper. Both Seltos X-Line trims also come with standard all-wheel drive, whereas every Kona requires an extra cost to add AWD. Both models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, which produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Each vehicle is available with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine making a much more impressive 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, and here’s where it gets interesting.
Hyundai
You need to spend $32,790 on the Seltos X-Line SX to get the turbocharged engine. The Kona SEL Premium, meanwhile, is available with the turbo mill for $28,425. The Kona is also slightly more efficient, with up to 31 mpg possible in models with FWD and the 2.0L engine, which is 1 mpg better than the Seltos. We drove both these cars and found them to offer an effortless, if not exciting, driving experience. They’re also heavier than the previous-gen models, so even the turbo model feels adequate rather than quick.
Later in 2026, Kia will launch a hybrid Seltos, which will give it the efficiency edge over the Kona. However, buyers who want a more enjoyable driving experience with the turbo engine can save significantly by choosing the Kona over the Seltos.
Design and Features
Hyundai
Hyundai
Kia
Kia
These crossovers are both fashionable and distinctive. The new Kia Seltos looks a bit more rugged with its mini-Telluride proportions, while the Hyundai Kona looks like the perfect urban runabout for younger drivers. Both have high-tech interiors with an available dual-screen layout ahead of the driver.
Hyundai
The Kia has slightly more cargo space (27.8 cubic feet to the Hyundai’s 25.5), but each car has a similar amount of space when the back seats are folded flat. The Kona has slightly more front legroom but the Seltos has more rear legroom; both are spacious for subcompact crossovers, though. Here’s a look at the standard and optional features:
| Hyundai Kona | Kia Seltos | |
| Air conditioning | S | S |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control | O | O |
| Touchscreen | 12.3 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Driver’s display | 4.2-inch standard, 12.3-inch on top trim | 4.2-inch standard, 12.3-inch optional |
| Heated front seats | O | O |
| Upholstery | Cloth (H-Tex on top two trims) | Cloth (SynTex on top three trims) |
| Smart cruise control | S | S |
| Blind-spot warning | S | O |
| Forward collision warning | S | S |
The cars are nearly identical in terms of standard and optional features. Both can be loaded up with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and other features that make them feel surprisingly premium.
Final Verdict: The Sales Don’t Tell The Full Story
Hyundai
Kia
Even though the newer Kia Seltos is outselling the Kona, the best buy between these two crossovers is the Hyundai Kona SEL Premium. It gets you a decent selection of features and a much better turbocharged engine for $4,365 less than the only turbocharged Seltos. At this price point, that’s a huge difference.
If you’re buying a model with the standard 2.0-liter engine, the Kia is the slightly better choice. It’s newer, cheaper, and slightly more economical. For many drivers, the standard engine will be perfectly adequate. Current sales also suggest that buyers prefer the look and feel of the Kia, but the Hyundai is by no means outclassed by the newer Seltos.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog