Compare the2027 Kia Seltos VS 2027 Honda HR-V

The Seltos X-Line SX offers an optional 360 degree parking monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The HR-V only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Seltos and HR-V have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Seltos S/EX/X-Line S/X-Line SX has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The HR-V’s Cross Traffic Monitor doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Seltos and the HR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all-wheel drive and blind spot warning systems.

The Seltos comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The HR-V’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Seltos 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Honda covers the HR-V. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the HR-V ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Honda is rated lower.

The Seltos X-Line SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (190 vs. 158) and 57 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 138) than the HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Seltos X-Line SX 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Honda HR-V:

	Seltos	HR-V
Zero to 60 MPH	8.2 sec	9.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	23.7 sec	26 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	9 sec	9.6 sec
Quarter Mile	16.4 sec	17.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	86 MPH	85 MPH
Top Speed	132 MPH	115 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Seltos gets better mileage than the HR-V:

			MPG
Seltos
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	28 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	26 city/30 hwy
HR-V
	FWD	2.0 4-cyl.	26 city/32 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl.	25 city/30 hwy

For better traction, the Seltos X-Line SX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the HR-V (235/45R19 vs. 225/55R18).

The Seltos X-Line SX’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the HR-V Sport/EX-L’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Seltos X-Line SX has standard 19-inch wheels. The HR-V’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Seltos’ wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the HR-V (105.9 inches vs. 104.5 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Seltos LX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the HR-V LX/EX-L (7.5 vs. 7 inches), allowing the Seltos to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Seltos X-Line SX’s minimum ground clearance is .8 inch higher than on the HR-V Sport (8.1 vs. 7.3 inches).

The Seltos is 5.4 inches shorter than the HR-V, making the Seltos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Seltos uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The HR-V doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Seltos has 4.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the HR-V (103.4 vs. 98.7).

The Seltos has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear legroom, 6.6 inches more rear hip room and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the HR-V.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Seltos’ rear seats recline. The HR-V’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Seltos has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the HR-V with its rear seat up (27.8 vs. 24.4 cubic feet). The Seltos has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the HR-V with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 55.1 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Seltos’ power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Seltos’ power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The HR-V doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Standard on the Seltos uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The HR-V doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Seltos has a much higher standard payload capacity than the HR-V (1223 vs. 538 lbs.).

The Seltos has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the HR-V (1224 vs. 538 lbs.).

When two different drivers share the Seltos X-Line SX, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The HR-V doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Seltos X-Line SX’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The HR-V doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the Seltos and the HR-V have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Seltos is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The HR-V prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Seltos’ standard Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the HR-V only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Seltos’ driver power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The HR-V’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Seltos’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Honda only offers heated mirrors on the HR-V Sport/EX-L.

When the Seltos X-Line SX with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The HR-V’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Seltos X-Line SX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The HR-V doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Seltos’ optional (except LX) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Seltos EX/X-Line S/X-Line SX has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Both the Seltos and the HR-V offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Seltos offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The HR-V doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Honda HR-V, the Kia Seltos eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Kia Seltos’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the HR-V EX-L.