Hyundai TUCSON vs. Kia Seltos
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai TUCSON and 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 Hyundai TUCSON and the Kia Seltos.
When we compare the Hyundai TUCSON's and the Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Kia Seltos has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai TUCSON's and the Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the Kia Seltos is a better car than the Hyundai TUCSON.
Pricing: A used 2024 Hyundai TUCSON ranges from $26,134 to $37,565 while a used 2024 Kia Seltos is priced between $23,994 to $32,000. For a new model, the Hyundai TUCSON's price is between $28,937 and $39,829, with the Kia Seltos priced between $25,750 and $33,071.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai TUCSON loses 39.5 percent of its value and the Kia Seltos loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Seltos retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai TUCSON.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai TUCSON’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Kia Seltos base engine makes 146 horsepower. The TUCSON is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. The Seltos is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles.This gives the Kia Seltos the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai TUCSON the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai TUCSON, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Hyundai TUCSON and Kia Seltos are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai TUCSON has higher safety ratings than the Kia Seltos, with an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,937 - $39,829
Starting MSRP:
$27,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$25,750 - $33,071
Starting MSRP:
$24,490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$24,740
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$19,900 - $32,650
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,360
Price Range:
$26,134 - $37,565
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,425
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,971
# Good or Great Deals:
532
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,855
Price Range:
$23,994 - $32,000
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$29,059
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$23,526 - $38,837
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
871
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,379
# Good or Great Deals:
161
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,139
Depreciation %:
40.5%
Resale Value $:
$16,361
Residual Value %:
59.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$9,452
Depreciation %:
38.6%
Resale Value $:
$15,038
Residual Value %:
61.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
36.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
28% - 42.9%
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 Hyundai TUCSON
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Seltos
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
10.3 - 14
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.6 - 17.6
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
Hyundai TUCSON Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Kia Seltos Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
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:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 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 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 458 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:
AWD / FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 31 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
356 / 409 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
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
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
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
38.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 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:
126.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3346 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3108 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
63.4 inches
Length:
172.6 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:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Sea Metallic / Intense Blue Pearl
Gray
Hampton Gray Metallic / Portofino Gray Metallic / Titan Gray
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Curated Silver Metallic / Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Blue
Neptune Blue
Gray
Steel Gray
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
