Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage

In Kia’s SUV lineup, the Seltos and Sportage offer distinct options for different driving needs. The Sportage is known for its spacious interior and modern design, making it a popular choice for those seeking versatility and comfort. Meanwhile, the compact, stylish Seltos provides impressive cargo space and value. Both models bring unique strengths to the table, which positions them as strong contenders. Today, let us at Pride Kia of Lynn in Lynn, Massachusetts, help you explore the differences between the two so you can decide which best fits your lifestyle.

Design and Styling

Both the 2025 Kia Seltos and Kia Sportage bring their own unique charm and cater to different preferences. The Sportage boasts a bold, modern look with wheel options ranging from 17-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish to the higher trims’ exclusive 19-inch black gloss alloy wheels. The exterior is accentuated by LED headlights, front and rear skid plates, and a sleek grille that’s accented by a black or silver trim.

On the other hand, the Seltos, slightly smaller yet equally stylish, offers 17- to 18-inch alloy wheels. Its two-tone roof option adds a distinctive touch. The Seltos’ exterior includes a rear spoiler and an all-black or chrome-accented front grille for an overall sleek and compact appearance.

When it comes to the interior, the Sportage features a spacious cabin with available two-tone color schemes. Its generous rear-seat legroom means adult passengers will feel comfortable, and a dual-level cargo floor enhances its 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, this SUV’s cargo capacity reaches a class-leading 74.1 cubic feet. High-quality materials and a digital dashboard display add to its appeal.

The Seltos’ refined interior ups the ante with ambient lighting on upscale models and enough room to accommodate eight carry-on suitcases. The folded rear seats expand the cargo capacity from 26.6 to 62.8 cubic feet, and features such as comfortable seating and an available smart power liftgate make this SUV ideal for daily use. Both vehicles offer quality interiors, but the Sportage leans more toward a spacious and luxurious feel, while the Seltos’ compact, practical design makes it ideal for those seeking style and functionality in a smaller package.

Performance and Handling

Kia equipped both 2025 SUVs with powertrains that make them capable vehicles. The Sportage pairs a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Seltos comes with a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that puts out 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbo model includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.0-liter engine works with an intelligent variable transmission.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Seltos takes the lead over the Sportage. The Sportage has EPA-estimated ratings of 32/25/28 mpg highway/city/combined (FWD) and 27/23/25 mpg (AWD). The 2025 Seltos received higher ratings of an impressive 34/28/31 mpg (FWD) and a respectable 31/27/29 mpg (AWD). On top of the Sportage’s smooth, comfortable ride, it serves up quality off-road capability with the X-Pro trim, whereas you’ll get a thrill from the Seltos’ sharper handling, especially when powered by the turbo engine. Both models provide robust all-wheel-drive systems that enable them to navigate challenging terrain.

Technology and Safety

Both the 2025 Sportage and Seltos feature advanced technology and safety systems. Most Sportage models come with a 12.3-inch touch screen with navigation and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Starting with the Sportage SX, a Harman Kardon sound system with superb audio quality replaces the standard six-speaker audio system. Meanwhile, select Seltos models feature a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, and a Bose premium audio system. In terms of connectivity, both SUVs have Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging options, and Kia Connect.

Regarding driver assistance and safety, the Sportage includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view monitor. The Seltos comes with standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving. Though neither 2025 model has yet been rated for safety, a look at their 2024 counterparts reveals that the Sportage has the advantage — it received a 2024 Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Pricing and Value

When considering the 2025 Kia Sportage and Kia Seltos, it’s important to look at their trim levels and pricing. Here are the starting MSRPs of the Sportage’s trim levels:

• LX: $27,190.
• EX: $29,290.
• X-Line AWD: $32,090.
• SX: $32,790.
• SX Prestige: $34,790.
• X-Pro: $36,290.
• X-Pro Prestige: $38,090.

These are the trim levels of the Seltos, along with their starting MSRPs:

• LX: $24,590.
• S: $25,090.
• EX: $26,090.
• X-Line: $29,290.
• SX: $31,090.

Overall Seltos has lower starting MSRPs than the Sportage, whether you compare their entry-level or top-tier trims. But while the Sportage has a higher price point, you get to choose from more trim levels and features. Between the Sportage’s wide array of options and the Seltos’ budget-friendly choices, you’ll find excellent value in both SUVs.

Target Buyer

When choosing between the 2025 Kia Sportage and Kia Seltos, consider your lifestyle and priorities. The Sportage’s larger cargo and passenger space makes it ideal for families who love exploring nature around Lynn, Massachusetts, or those who typically need more space and love advanced features. On the other hand, the Seltos’ compact design best serves individuals or couples seeking affordability and maneuverability for easier city driving, and it still gives tech lovers the features they crave. Its affordable nature also makes it an attractive option to many consumers.

Compare the Kia Sportage and Seltos at Pride Kia of Lynn

If you’re still uncertain which of the 2025 Kia Sportage or 2025 Kia Seltos is best for you, we’d love to hear from you. Our team at Pride Kia of Lynn values your questions and strives to make you feel welcome, and we’ll happily assist you in deciding between the new Sportage and Seltos. Come to our dealership to explore our new vehicle inventory, compare both SUVs’ features, and take each of them out for a test drive.