Kia Seltos vs. Toyota Corolla
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla 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 Kia Seltos and the Toyota Corolla.
In comparing the Kia Seltos's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Kia Seltos has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Toyota Corolla 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, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Seltos's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla is a better car than the Kia Seltos.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Seltos ranges from $23,994 to $32,000 while a used 2024 Toyota Corolla is priced between $21,997 to $28,247. For a new model, the Kia Seltos's price is between $25,750 and $33,071, with the Toyota Corolla priced between $22,800 and $28,407.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Seltos loses 37.3 percent of its value and the Toyota Corolla loses 26.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla retains 11 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Seltos.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Seltos’s base engine makes 146 horsepower, and the Toyota Corolla base engine makes 169 horsepower. The Seltos is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles. This gives the Toyota Corolla the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Seltos. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Seltos, a crossover/subcompact 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 Toyota Corolla, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Corolla has higher safety ratings than the Kia Seltos, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$22,800 - $28,407
Starting MSRP:
$22,050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
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:
550
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,623
# Good or Great Deals:
60
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,802
Price Range:
$21,997 - $28,247
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,859
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
18,533
# Good or Great Deals:
276
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$5,999
Depreciation %:
27.2%
Resale Value $:
$16,051
Residual Value %:
72.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
Kia Seltos Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Corolla Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Corolla
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.9%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Kia 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 / 67Toyota Corolla Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 43Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 24Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Seltos Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line
Toyota Corolla Trim Levels
LE, Nightshade, SE, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
169 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
32 / 41 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
422 / 541 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
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
Heated Steering Wheel:
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:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
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
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Cargo Space:
13.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
88.6 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2955 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Blue
Neptune Blue
Gray
Steel Gray
White
Snow White Pearl
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Celestite / Underground
White
Ice Cap / Wind Chill Pearl
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Macadamia/Mocha
Gray
Light Gray
