If you’re on the hunt for a compact SUV that fits your adventurous lifestyle, tech-savvy needs, and family priorities, you’re in luck. The universe of compact SUVs is ever-expanding, and right now, two hot picks on everyone’s list are the Honda CR-V and the Kia Seltos. They’re trendy, packed with features, and don’t skim on performance either.
The burning question is, “Which one is right for you?” Well, we’re about to go into the nitty-gritty and find out. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive right in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature Category | Honda CR-V | Kia Seltos | Winner |
| Engine Performance | 1.5-liter turbo, 190 hp | 2.0-liter, 146 hp or 1.6-liter turbo, 175 hp | Tie |
| Fuel Efficiency | 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway | 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (base engine) | Honda CR-V |
| Interior Space | 39.2 / 75.8 cubic feet cargo space | 26.6 / 62.8 cubic feet cargo space | Honda CR-V |
| Tech and Infotainment | 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (optional) | 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (standard) | Kia Seltos |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing (optional) | Kia Drive Wise (optional) | Tie |
| Price | $25,000 – $35,000 | $22,000 – $29,000 | Kia Seltos |
| Warranty | 3-year/36,000-mile limited, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain | 5-year/60,000-mile limited, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain | Kia Seltos |
Performance and Handling: Who Takes the Lead?
Honda CR-V
When it comes to performance, the Honda CR-V isn’t shy about flexing its muscles. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the CR-V offers a smooth, responsive drive with solid fuel efficiency to boot.
It’s agile around corners and has sufficient zip when you hit the gas pedal. The all-wheel-drive option is a cherry on top, especially for those weekend getaways on less-than-perfect terrains.
Pros:
- Smooth and responsive drive
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Available all-wheel drive
Cons:
- Somewhat uninspiring base engine
- Less sporty compared to some rivals
Kia Seltos
Ah, the Seltos! A compact SUV with an appetite for a punchy performance. You get two engine options, including a turbocharged variant for those who crave more oomph.
The Seltos handles pretty well, and it’s nimble in city traffic. The driving position is elevated, providing a commanding view of the road.
Pros:
- Multiple engine options
- Fun to drive
- Elevated driving position for better visibility
Cons:
- Slightly less fuel-efficient than the CR-V
- The base engine could use more pep
Also Read: Differences Between Mastercraft Courser Trail HD And BFG KO2 Tires.
Interior Comfort and Tech: How Plush is Your Ride?
Honda CR-V
Let’s talk about interiors where you’ll be spending the bulk of your time. Honda CR-V doesn’t disappoint. The cabin is spacious, with room for five and a cargo area that’s among the best in the class. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and smartphone integration comes standard.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Excellent cargo space
Cons:
- Some interior materials feel a bit cheap
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not standard on base trim
Kia Seltos
On the other side of the ring, we have the Kia Seltos with a well-constructed interior. It’s modern and has a bit more flair in the design department compared to the CR-V. While not as roomy as the Honda, the Seltos does offer decent cargo space and a respectable list of standard tech features.
Pros:
- Modern interior design
- Decent cargo space
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Cons:
- Less spacious than the CR-V
- Optional tech can quickly drive up the price
Safety: Who’s Got Your Back?
Both the Honda CR-V and Kia Seltos come equipped with an array of safety features. Honda’s Sensing Suite offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. Kia’s safety package, on the other hand, includes lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor.
Honda CR-V Pros and Cons:
- Comprehensive Honda Sensing Suite
- High safety ratings
Kia Seltos Pros and Cons:
- Advanced standard safety features
- Slightly less comprehensive than Honda’s package
Key Differences Between Honda CR-V and Kia Seltos: A Closer Look
Alright, let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of what separates the Honda CR-V from the Kia Seltos. I mean, on the surface, they might look like they’re cut from the same cloth, but as they say, “The devil is in the details.” So, let’s tear off the packaging and see what’s underneath.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Honda CR-V
The CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 190 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) complements the engine’s performance, allowing for a smooth driving experience. Honda CR-V has long been celebrated for its fuel efficiency, typically averaging around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos gives you choices right off the bat. You can opt for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower or upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower. The fuel efficiency hovers around 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for the base engine. However, the turbocharged version drops the fuel efficiency a tad, averaging less than the base engine.
Key Difference: While CR-V offers one well-rounded engine, Seltos provides options. CR-V takes the cake in overall fuel efficiency, but if you want more power, Seltos gives you that option.
Interior Space and Comfort
Honda CR-V
Spacious is the word you’re looking for with the Honda CR-V. It offers more than enough room for five passengers, and the cargo space is generous—39.2 cubic feet, to be exact. You can extend that to 75.8 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats. The interior is a sanctuary of comfort with soft-touch materials and excellent ergonomics.
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos offers a stylish interior, but it’s not as roomy as the CR-V. You get 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet when you fold them down. While comfortable, the interior space is tighter compared to the CR-V, especially in the rear seating area.
Key Difference: If spaciousness is your game, CR-V wins hands down. Seltos, however, wins in the style department.
Tech and Infotainment
Honda CR-V
Honda offers a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a four-speaker audio system. However, these features are not standard on the base trim, which is a letdown for some buyers.
Kia Seltos
Seltos comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Kia really packs in the value in the tech department.
Key Difference: Kia Seltos offers more bang for your buck with standard tech features that you have to pay extra for in the CR-V.
Safety Features
Honda CR-V
Honda Sensing, Honda’s suite of safety features, offers collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. However, this suite is not standard on all trims.
Kia Seltos
Kia Drive Wise, Kia’s safety suite, includes lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Much like the CR-V, not all of these features are standard across all trims.
Key Difference: Both vehicles offer robust safety features, but none make these standard across all trims. It’s pretty much a tie in this department.
Price and Warranty
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V starts at around $25,000 and can go up to $35,000 for the higher trims. Honda offers a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos has a starting price of around $22,000, going up to $29,000 for the turbocharged variant. Kia’s warranty is where it shines: a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Key Difference: Seltos is more budget-friendly and offers a better warranty package than the CR-V.
Also Read: Differences Between Firestone Transforce AT And HT Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Kia equivalent to the Honda CR-V would be the Kia Sportage, although the Seltos is also a strong competitor in many aspects.
The Kia Seltos is comparable to compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.
The 2023 Kia Seltos faces competition from the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.
Kia has been rising in reliability rankings in recent years, and the Seltos is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle.
Historically, Honda has had a longer track record of reliability. However, Kia has significantly improved in this area, making them quite comparable.
In many aspects, like performance, design, and technology, Kia vehicles are increasingly on par with Honda. However, your choice may depend on specific priorities like space, reliability, or driving dynamics.
Final Thoughts
Both the Honda CR-V and Kia Seltos are fabulous compact SUVs that check most of the boxes for comfort, performance, and safety. If you want roomier interiors and a well-rounded package, the CR-V is your go-to. If you’re leaning towards a more modern design and better standard tech, then the Seltos could be your match.
So, there you have it. Each vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. Your final choice will come down to what matters most to you—be it space, performance, or tech features. Now, armed with this information, may the best SUV win your heart.
