2026 Kia Seltos vs Competitors: Complete Compact SUV Comparison Guide

Buying a compact SUV often requires balancing practicality and cost. The 2026 Kia Seltos has caught attention as a value-focused option worth considering. This compact SUV comparison for the 2026 model year examines how the Seltos measures up against the Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, and Subaru Crosstrek across the features that matter most when you're making this investment.

Performance and Powertrain: Power Meets Efficiency

The 2026 Kia Seltos offers two engine choices. The base 2.0-liter makes 147 horsepower, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter in the SX trim delivers 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That's more power than the Honda HR-V's 158 horsepower or the Nissan Kicks' 141 horsepower.

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid counters with 194 horsepower from its 2.5-liter flat-four engine combined with an electric motor, zooming to 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while the turbocharged Seltos makes its way to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the HR-V and Seltos offer it as an option. For Salem drivers who head into the Cascades, this matters.

• Kia Seltos: 147 hp (base) or 190 hp (turbocharged)
• Honda HR-V: 158 hp
• Nissan Kicks: 141 hp
• Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: 194 hp

Fuel Economy Battle: Every Mile Per Gallon Counts

Looking at the Kia Seltos vs Honda HR-V on fuel economy, the Seltos FWD achieves 28 city and 34 highway mpg. The HR-V gets 26 city and 32 highway. The Crosstrek offers 26 city and 33 highway mpg, while the Nissan Kicks marginally leads with 28 city and 35 highway mpg.

• Kia Seltos FWD: 28 city / 34 highway mpg
• Honda HR-V: 26 city / 32 highway mpg
• Nissan Kicks: 28 city / 35 highway mpg
• Subaru Crosstrek: 26 city / 33 highway mpg

Cargo Capacity: Room For More

The 2026 Kia Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with seats folded. That beats the Honda HR-V's 55.1 cubic feet and the Crosstrek's 55 cubic feet. The Nissan Kicks FWD offers 59 cubic feet, but AWD models drop to 50 cubic feet. If you're loading up camping gear or luggage for a weekend away, that extra space can really come in handy.

• Kia Seltos: 26.6 cu ft (seats up) / 62.8 cu ft (seats folded)
• Honda HR-V: 55.1 cu ft maximum
• Nissan Kicks: 59 cu ft (FWD) / 50 cu ft (AWD)
• Subaru Crosstrek: 55 cu ft maximum

Technology and Safety: Connected and Protected

The Kia Seltos base model has an 8-inch display, while upper trims get a 10.25-inch screen. The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen, and the Nissan Kicks SR includes a 12.3-inch display. The Crosstrek ranges from 7 inches to 11.6 inches. All models offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Crosstrek's standard EyeSight system and the HR-V's safety suite offer strong driver-assistance features.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models
• Display sizes range from 7 to 12.3 inches depending on model and trim
• Advanced driver-assistance features standard on all competitors

Rankings: How They Stack Up

U.S. News ranks the Kia Seltos third among subcompact SUVs with an 8.9 overall rating. The Honda HR-V sits at eighth with an 8.6 rating, while the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek both score 8.5. The Crosstrek earned recognition for reliability, with 97% of models from the last decade still running.

• Kia Seltos: Ranked #3, 8.9 overall rating
• Honda HR-V: Ranked #8, 8.6 overall rating
• Nissan Kicks: 8.5 overall rating
• Subaru Crosstrek: 8.5 overall rating, exceptional reliability record

Your Perfect Compact SUV Match

In this 2026 Kia Seltos review comparison, the Seltos leads with an innovative blend of space, value, and performance. Browse our 2026 Kia Seltos inventory and schedule a test drive at Power Kia in Salem.