2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price increase. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which added a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model featured the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its visual appeal from the previous year, with its futuristic design elements like the flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer, enhanced interior space and road presence. The new N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel, with the drive selector relocated to a column beneath the wiper stalk. The 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbo engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it felt slightly flat at low revs. AWD was available across the lineup, offering a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the center console offered a tray for small items. The SX trim included a removable cargo cover for additional storage flexibility.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The drive selector's relocation created a spacious feel, complemented by ample in-car storage options. Upholstery varied by trim, with heated and ventilated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel for its infotainment display, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate settings. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The digital instrument cluster varied by trim, with a 12.3-inch display on higher trims. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while all trims included SiriusXM and HD Radio. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Kia Seltos included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, along with a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim included parking assistance features. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.