2024 Kia Seltos vs. 2024 Hyundai Kona

Where the compact SUV market is concerned, the newly released 2024 Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona are pitted against each other, raising an obvious question: which is better? Each model brings its unique set of features and capabilities. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona to determine which one stands out as the better choice for consumers.

2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos stands out with its array of engine options, including a 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder engine and a more robust 1.6L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine. It offers both Front Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive configurations, ensuring versatility for different driving preferences. The model features an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (8AT), catering to varying driving styles. Its exterior design is marked by options like 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting elements, including LED Daytime Running Lights and LED rear combination lamps.

The interior boasts comforts such as a 10.25-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster, LED interior lighting, and luxury touches like SynTex seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For safety, it's equipped with Dual front advanced airbags, a High Beam Assist system, and Driver Attention Warning, among other features​​.

2024 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Hyundai Kona, starting at an MSRP of $24,100, is a versatile and powerful small SUV. It's available with a 147-hp 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine and offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Kona emphasizes fuel efficiency with up to 35 MPG on the highway. Its sporty design includes 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, and LED Daytime Running Lights.

The interior features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury. It also offers a power tilt-and-slide sunroof in certain trims for an enhanced driving experience. The Kona's suspension includes MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, with an independent multi-link design for AWD models. Safety features include 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona: At a Glance

Engine: The Seltos offers a regular 146 hp 2.0L I-4 and a 195 hp 1.6L turbo I-4, whereas the Kona offers a similar engine lineup.

Fuel Consumption (City/Highway/Combined): The Seltos ranges from 8.3-9.4/6.8-8.7/6.8-9.4 L/100 km.

Drivetrain: Both models offer AWD and FWD options.

Safety: Standard safety features in both, including front and side airbags, ABS, stability control.

Infotainment: Both come with standard AM/FM Stereo, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, and smart device integration.

Interior

Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona accommodate five passengers, with both offering slightly similar front headroom (38.5" - 40" vs. 38" - 40") and legroom (41.5" vs. 41.7"). Both models provide comparable comfort and convenience features, including standard air conditioning, climate control, and heated front seats. The Seltos edges out slightly with more front shoulder room (55.5" vs. 57"). Infotainment features like AM/FM stereo, HD radio, and satellite radio are standard in both, with seamless integration for smart devices.

Exterior

In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is slightly shorter (171" - 173") than the Kia Seltos (173"), and the Seltos has a slightly larger wheelbase (103.5" vs. 102.5") for potentially better stability. The Kona is wider (72" vs. 71") and both vehicles are approximately the same height (64"). Both models offer similar ground clearance, with the Seltos at 7" and the Kona also at 7". The Seltos is lighter, with a base curb weight of 3,200 lbs compared to the Kona's 3,500 lbs.

Performance

The 2024 Kia Seltos, with its 1.6L turbocharged engine, produces 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, complemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. The Seltos' handling is characterized by a smooth but somewhat sluggish response from the transmission, especially during downshifts for sudden acceleration. It demonstrates composure and a refined chassis, but exhibits some body roll with low-effort steering, making it more suitable for everyday driving rather than sporty endeavors​​.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona, in its 1.6-liter turbo I-4 N Line trim, offers similar power with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The Kona features a conventional 8-speed transmission, delivering smoother performance compared to its previous dual-clutch system. However, its throttle calibration can be overly aggressive, causing power surges. While the Kona is quiet at highway speeds and offers advanced safety features, its ride quality receives mixed reviews, with some body roll and slow transmission response during spirited driving​​.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2024 Kia Seltos has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25/27 mpg city/highway for its turbocharged model. The added power in the 2024 model slightly decreased its fuel efficiency compared to the previous year​​.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line, with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24/29/26 mpg city/highway/combined. Both models showcase moderate fuel efficiency, with the Kona slightly outperforming the Seltos in highway driving​​.

Safety and Technology

Both the 2024 Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Seltos offers advanced airbag systems, ABS, stability control, a high beam assist, and driver attention warning, reinforcing its commitment to safety​​.

The Kona, particularly in its N Line trim, boasts advanced safety technologies like blind-spot warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, offering a safe and secure driving experience. In terms of technology, both vehicles provide robust infotainment systems, including AM/FM Stereo, HD Radio, and seamless smartphone integration, ensuring both safety and connectivity on the road​​.

Pricing and Value

The 2024 Kia Seltos starts at an MSRP of $24,390, offering a competitive entry in the SUV market. The price can rise up to around $29,990 for higher trims, like the SX Turbo AWD, which packs more features and a powerful engine​​​​​​​​​​. The base model, Seltos LX, priced at $25,715 including mandatory fees, comes with all-wheel drive as standard, enhancing its value proposition​​.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's base SE trim starts at $24,100, closely aligned with the Seltos' pricing. However, the top-end Kona Limited is priced at $31,650, indicating a higher ceiling for the fully-loaded version. This includes a $1,335 mandatory delivery fee, impacting the overall cost. The Kona offers a blend of style and features, justifying its price range, especially in higher trims like the N Line and Limited​​​​​​​​.

Choosing The Right Model For You

Choosing between the Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona depends on your priorities. If you value a balance of performance and sophisticated driving dynamics, consider the Seltos. However, if you prefer a slightly more aggressive throttle response with a touch of luxury in higher trims, the Kona could be a better fit. Both offer advanced safety and technology features.

Get Your Hyundai Kona at Granite Hyundai

Discover your perfect Hyundai Kona at Granite Hyundai. Visit us to explore a wide range of Kona models, including the sporty N Line and luxurious Limited trims. Experience the blend of style, comfort, and technology firsthand. Contact us today to learn about our latest promotions and test drive the Kona of your choice.