2027 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona: Size, MPG and AWD
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Kona are two small SUVs that often end up on the same shopping list. They share similar engines, but the Seltos is bigger inside, with more rear legroom and cargo space. Here is how the 2027 Seltos and Kona compare on size, powertrains, fuel economy and ground clearance, so you can decide which fits your drive around Victorville.
27.8 cu ftSeltos cargo behind the 2nd row, vs 25.5 for Kona
39.0 inSeltos rear legroom, vs 38.2 for Kona
105.9 inSeltos wheelbase, vs 104.7 for Kona
190 hpAvailable 1.6L turbo in both
Seltos figures from Kia’s 2027 Seltos specifications. Kona figures from Hyundai’s current-generation Kona specifications.
Seltos vs Kona at a glance
| Spec | 2027 Kia Seltos | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 174.4 in | 171.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 104.7 in |
| Rear legroom | 39.0 in | 38.2 in |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 27.8 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 64.2 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft |
| Base engine | 2.0L, 147 hp, 132 lb-ft | 2.0L, 147 hp, 132 lb-ft |
| Turbo engine | 1.6L turbo, 190 hp, 195 lb-ft (X-Line SX, AWD only) | 1.6L turbo, 190 hp, 195 lb-ft (FWD or AWD) |
| Est. MPG, 2.0L FWD (city/hwy/combined)* | 28/33/30 | 28/35/31 |
| Est. MPG, 2.0L AWD (city/hwy/combined)* | 26/30/28 | 26/29/27 |
| Ground clearance | 7.5 to 8.1 in, by trim | 6.7 to 8.3 in, by drivetrain and wheels |
Space: where the Seltos pulls ahead
The 2027 Seltos rides on a longer wheelbase and is about three inches longer overall than the Kona. That shows up inside: Kia lists 39.0 inches of rear legroom and 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, compared with 38.2 inches and 25.5 cubic feet for the Kona, according to Hyundai. With the rear seats folded, the two are close, at 64.2 cubic feet for the Seltos and 63.7 for the Kona.
If you carry adults in the back seat or load up for weekend trips, the extra room in the Seltos is easy to notice.
Powertrains and fuel economy
Both SUVs offer a 147 hp 2.0L four-cylinder with a CVT-style transmission and an available 190 hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic. The difference is how they are packaged:
- On the Seltos, the turbo comes on the X-Line SX with standard all-wheel drive.
- On the Kona, Hyundai offers the turbo with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Kia also plans a Seltos Hybrid with available e-AWD, which Kia says is expected to arrive in late 2026.
Fuel economy is close. With the 2.0L and FWD, the Kona has a slight highway edge, while the Seltos does a bit better with the 2.0L and AWD.
Ground clearance and AWD in the High Desert
Kia lists 7.5 inches of ground clearance on the Seltos LX, 7.9 inches on the S, X-Line S and EX, and 8.1 inches on the X-Line SX. Hyundai lists 6.7 to 6.9 inches on FWD Konas and 8.1 to 8.3 inches on AWD models. For dirt roads or a trip up to the mountains, an AWD version of either works, and the Seltos X-Line trims pair AWD with added clearance.
For daily driving on paved roads around Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley, a front-wheel-drive Seltos covers most needs.
Which small SUV fits you?
Consider the 2027 Seltos if
- You want more rear legroom and cargo space
- You want a turbo with standard AWD in the X-Line SX
- You are interested in the upcoming Seltos Hybrid
Consider the Kona if
- You want a slightly shorter SUV for tight parking
- You want the turbo engine with front-wheel drive
Want the full Seltos story? Read our 2027 Kia Seltos guide, or, if you want a bit more room, see our 2027 Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson comparison.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the Seltos vs Kona?
Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Hyundai Kona?
Yes. The 2027 Seltos is 174.4 inches long on a 105.9-inch wheelbase, compared with 171.3 inches and 104.7 inches for the Kona. The Seltos also offers 39.0 inches of rear legroom versus 38.2 inches in the Kona.
Which has more cargo space, the Seltos or the Kona?
Kia lists 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row of the 2027 Seltos, compared with 25.5 cubic feet for the Kona, according to Hyundai. With the rear seats folded, the Seltos offers 64.2 cubic feet and the Kona 63.7.
Do the Seltos and Kona have the same engine?
Both offer a 2.0L four-cylinder with 147 hp and a 1.6L turbo with 190 hp. On the Seltos, the turbo comes only on the X-Line SX with AWD, while Hyundai offers the Kona turbo with FWD or AWD.
What MPG does the 2027 Kia Seltos get?
Kia lists estimated fuel economy of 28 city, 33 highway and 30 combined MPG for the 2.0L FWD Seltos, and 26 city, 30 highway and 28 combined MPG with AWD. Actual mileage will vary.
Does the 2027 Seltos come with AWD?
Yes. Kia offers AWD on the LX, S and EX, and it is standard on the X-Line S and X-Line SX.
More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.
Test drive the 2027 Seltos in Victorville
See the all-new Seltos at Valley Hi Kia, 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, or call (760) 955-0046.
*Seltos fuel economy is Kia’s estimate from its 2027 Seltos specifications. Kona fuel economy is EPA-estimated for the 2027 Kona. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. Seltos specifications from Kia; Kona dimensions, cargo, output and ground clearance from Hyundai’s current-generation Kona specifications. Hybrid timing from Kia and subject to change. Specifications may change. See Valley Hi Kia for details.
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