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2021 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2021 Kia Seltos

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2021 Kia Seltos contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2021 Kia Seltos.

When comparing the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Kia Seltos has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Kia Seltos is a better car than the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE.

Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $19,894 to $31,196 while a used 2021 Kia Seltos is priced between $17,714 to $24,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Seltos loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Kia Seltos retains 8.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Seltos base engine makes 146 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 526 miles. The Seltos is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles.This gives the 2021 Kia Seltos the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Seltos, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Hyundai SANTA FE
2021 Kia Seltos

2021 Hyundai SANTA FE
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2021 Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2021 Kia Seltos
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2021 Kia Seltos for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$27,000

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$21,990

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)

$22,058

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)

$18,750 - $29,100

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$25,004

Price Range:

$19,894 - $31,196

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

746

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

41,921

# Good or Great Deals:

273

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$21,269

Price Range:

$17,714 - $24,995

Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)

$21,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)

$17,501 - $28,440

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

582

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

48,015

# Good or Great Deals:

295

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Kia Seltos Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

8.2 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

20.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Seltos

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)

9.2

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)

7.3 - 11

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

8.3

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)

0.5 - 10

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 6

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 6

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

1 / 6

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 6

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 6

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $50k

1 / 6

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $50k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

2 / 6

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 27

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $50k

3 / 10

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

6 / 18

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 39

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

8 / 21

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

12 / 31

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

12 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 31

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

17 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

18 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

21 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

22 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 59

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

50 / 67

Kia Seltos Rankings

Subcompact SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2 / 20

Best Gas Mileage Subcompact SUVs

4 / 20

Best Subcompact SUVs for Tall People

5 / 20

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Subcompact SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 20

Most Affordable Subcompact SUVs

7 / 16

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

9 / 59

Best Off-road Subcompact SUVs

9 / 20

Most Comfortable Subcompact SUVs

9 / 20

Subcompact SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 20

Subcompact SUVs with the Most Horsepower

15 / 20

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

21 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

33 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

34 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

44 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

59 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

62 / 67

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL

2021 Kia Seltos Trim Levels

EX, LX, S, S Turbo, SX Turbo

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.052 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.050 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


25 / 28 / 26

Range (city/hwy):

470 / 526 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


29 / 34 / 31

Range (city/hwy):

383 / 449 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.3 inches

Cargo Space:

36.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

72.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

147.9 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.7 inches

Cargo Space:

26.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

62.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3649 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

188.4 inches

Wheelbase:

108.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.2 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2948 lbs

Width:

70.9 inches

Height:

64.2 inches

Length:

172 inches

Wheelbase:

103.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/55R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Twilight Black

Blue

Stormy Sea

Gray

Hampton Gray / Portofino Gray

Red

Calypso Red

Silver

Shimmering Silver

White

Quartz White

Orange

Not available

Yellow

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Cherry Black

Blue

Dark Ocean/Clear White Roof / Neptune Blue

Gray

Gravity Gray / Steel Gray

Red

Not available

Silver

Not available

White

Clear White/Black Roof / Snow White Pearl

Orange

Mars Orange

Yellow

Starbright Yellow/Black Roof

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black w/Blue Stitching

Gray

Not available

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