2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Hyundai Kona Comparison

2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

We've rounded up a couple of the quirkiest, trendiest, and most exciting compact SUVs just in time for the changing of model years. Catch a glimpse of the ride of tomorrow when you expand your knowledge of these new cars today! Read up and take your pick between the new 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Hyundai Kona, and then visit Kia of Bedford for a stellar selection of new 2026 Kia compact SUVs available near you.

2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

Being products of Hyundai Motor Group, both the latest Seltos and Kona models put on their best show for 2026. These two compact SUVs are nearly equal in specs, so it all comes down to your preference in driving finesse. Drivers who have more of a playful side are sure to enjoy the 2026 Kia Seltos in Bedford with multiple chances to express their personality. On the other end of the spectrum, the Hyundai Kona is more serious with a sophisticated demeanor.

Vehicle Comparison

	2026 Kia Seltos	2026 Hyundai Kona
Starting Price	Starts at $23,690 MSRP	Starts at $25,350 MSRP
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6,200 rpm	147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Engine Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity	N.A.	N.A.
Maximum Payload	1,103 lbs	860 lbs
Cargo Space	62.8 cu ft	63.7 cu ft
Seating Capacity	5	5

Performance

The standard platform for the 2026 Kia Seltos is designed to get you around Bedford effortlessly and with grace. A 2.0L engine sits in your base model with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque to spare, but there's a sizable upgrade for those who want to take their Seltos to more exciting places. The upgraded 1.6L turbocharged engine boosts your output to 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque on an 8-speed automatic transmission for quality control. Make your Seltos ready for anything with the optional adaptive AWD system featuring Lock Mode for a capable drivetrain you can count on outside of town.

You'll be faced with the same big decision for the new Hyundai Kona's available powertrains. A standard 2.0L engine and an available 1.6L turbocharged engine, both mirroring the same horsepower and torque as the Kia Seltos. The difference? The Kona offers an available HTRAC AWD system that you can only get with Hyundai, and while that's a go-to feature for pleasurable drives, the Kia Seltos is more suited for off-roading with dimensions like 7.3 inches of ground clearance. As we mentioned earlier, Hyundai's vehicles are more geared towards sophisticated in-city driving.

Safety Features

When you can't help but get carried away in your swift and small compact SUV, top-tier safety features are essential in keeping you in line (both literally and figuratively). You'll gain up to 9 driver-assist features standard in the new 2026 Kia Seltos in Bedford, with support for intuitive systems like Auto Emergency Braking with Junction Turning Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind Spot Detection Technology. Whether you're backing out of a parking space, entering the freeway, or need to change lanes, you have a second pair of eyes and another set of hands on the steering wheel to help ensure your protection.

Hyundai SmartSense comes standard in every Hyundai Kona, and that's a fact. Just like the Kia Seltos is guaranteed to have a certain set of driver-assist features in every model, so does the Hyundai Kona. That's the sense of security that Hyundai Motor Group grants all of its brands. The Kona's optional add-ons also mirror what we've already discussed for the Seltos, so we can mark this category as an equal match.

Interior

The topic of safety features may be a draw, but the cabin quality is where the Seltos and Kona show their distinct colors. Cleveland drivers can't get enough of the 2026 Kia Seltos' outgoing nature, and that's apparent inside and out. The interior design is on theme with Kia's gravitation towards eccentric flair, and it alludes to everyday appeal in both an aesthetic and practical manner. Sound-absorbing glass calms the interior for maximum enjoyment when blasting your favorite tunes through the 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. Your robust music system amplifies your energy with a matching mood light that's on beat with your chosen genre. Over-the-air updates keep your tech staying fresh for the next few years and beyond.

While the Kia Seltos prides itself on being funky fresh, the Hyundai Kona is more demure with a minimalist aesthetic. H-Tex seating lies before a straightforward layout. Your dashboard displays a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, also supported by OTA updates. But while this ride may feel sophisticated, you may feel more inclined to let loose in the outgoing Kia Seltos that speaks to your vibrant personality.

Bottom Line

These two compact SUVs may seem like twins at first glance, but while they're both excellent choices, the 2026 Kia Seltos goes out to everyone in Bedford who's looking to have a blast in their brand-new car. Bold style, more ways to entertain, and everything else that you want in a fun everyday vehicle.

Take the 2026 Kia Seltos for a Test Drive!

Your 2026 Kia Seltos is waiting at Kia of Bedford! Call our friendly team today at (866) 344-0006 to schedule a test drive and have the time of your life. We're the place you can count on for new 2026 Kia vehicles in Bedford!

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Disclaimer

*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle information. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice. Prices and payments do not include tax, titles, tags, finance charges, documentation charges, emissions testing charges, or other fees required by law, vehicle sellers or lending organizations.

Based on 2025 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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