2021 Hyundai TUCSON vs. 2021 Kia Seltos
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON 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 TUCSON and the 2021 Kia Seltos.
In comparing the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON 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 TUCSON's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Kia Seltos is a better car than the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON.
Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai TUCSON ranges from $17,838 to $26,437 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 TUCSON loses 39.5 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Seltos loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Kia Seltos retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON’s base engine makes 161 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Seltos base engine makes 146 horsepower. The TUCSON is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 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 TUCSON the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Seltos, with an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
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:
$21,785
Price Range:
$17,838 - $26,437
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
552
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
47,987
# Good or Great Deals:
191
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:
501
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,202
# Good or Great Deals:
206
Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 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 TUCSON
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.8%
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:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
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 TUCSON Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 59Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Kia Seltos Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 59Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Hyundai TUCSON Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, Sport, Ultimate, Value
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):
4.68 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
161 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
150 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 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 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 28 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 459 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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
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
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
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
Parking Sensors:
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
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Cargo Space:
31 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
61.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.2 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:
3309 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
64.8 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ash Black / Black Noir Pearl
Blue
Aqua Blue / Dusk Blue
Gray
Coliseum Gray / Magnetic Force
Red
Red Crimson
Silver
Stellar Silver
White
White Cream / White Pearl / Winter 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
