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Kia Sportage Vs. Kia Seltos: How Do The 2024 Models Compare?

Kia Sportage vs Kia Seltos Image

Are you ready to upgrade your drive and are deciding between the refreshed Kia Seltos vs. Sportage models? We agree it's a tough competition. The Seltos is a compact model with a bold new exterior and comfortable cabin; the Sportage is a larger vehicle that's futuristic and sleek with a smooth ride and excellent standard features. Both SUVs seat five passengers, are competitively priced, and perform well on the road. So which will you choose?

Thankfully, the Gunther Kia team is here to help! You can't go wrong with either vehicle, so let's find a crossover SUV that checks all the boxes on your wish list.

Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage: Trims & Pricing

When comparing the new Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage, drivers look for the trim model that gives them the features they love at a price they can afford. A quick glance at 2024 Kia Seltos vs. Sportage price points shows us that starting MSRPs are quite similar and increase gradually as you move through the trim lineup. However, the Kia Seltos has a lower overall starting price, and its top-tier trim shows a marked difference from the top-tier Kia Sportage trim.

Shop our new Kia inventory online to find your favorite trim and see its pricing. If you're interested in a 2024 Kia Seltos, this restyled SUV is available in five trims:

  • 2024 Kia Seltos LX
  • 2024 Kia Seltos S
  • 2024 Kia Seltos EX
  • 2024 Kia Seltos X-Line
  • 2024 Kia Seltos SX

Trim options for the 2024 Kia Sportage are more extensive, with seven high-tech options available:

  • 2024 Kia Sportage LX
  • 2024 Kia Sportage EX
  • 2024 Kia Sportage X-Line AWD
  • 2024 Kia Sportage SX
  • 2024 Kia Sportage SX Prestige
  • 2024 Kia Sportage Sportage X-Pro
  • 2024 Kia Sportage Sportage X-Pro Prestige

Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Engines & Performance

Drive a 2024 Kia Seltos, and you'll have a choice of two engines. The first is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that generates 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Though these aren't overly muscular specs, this engine runs efficiently to provide a stellar EPA-estimated 28/34 MPG (City/Highway)1 in FWD. The two upper Seltos trims house a 1.6-liter turbo inline four-cylinder option that ups your horsepower and torque to 195 each while still offering an EPA-estimated 25/27 MPG (City/Highway).1

If you prefer the slightly larger Kia Sportage, you'll enjoy a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that sends 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through its system. This engine gets its best gas mileage in FWD with an EPA-estimated 25/33 MPG,1 but all-wheel drive fuel efficiency isn't far behind at up to an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG.1 Both SUVs use a smooth-shifting automatic transmission.

While we're talking engine specs, if you're a driver who likes a powerful jump off the line, don't miss our Kia sedans for sale. A new Kia K5 gives you a 5.7-second 0-60 rate with its 311 pound-feet of engine torque while maintaining a noteworthy MPG, and a 2023 Stinger can take you from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.7 seconds. Although the Kia Stinger is in its final year of limited production, you can learn more about each of these Kia cars for sale in our Kia Stinger vs. Kia K5 comparison.

2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Sportage
Engine: - 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder
- 1.6L Turbo Inline 4-Cylinder
- 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder
Horsepower: 146 / 195 187
Torque: 132 lb-ft / 195 lb-ft 178 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD FWD or AWD
Transmission: Intelligent Variable or 8-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy): - FWD: 28/34 MPG1
- AWD: 25/27 MPG1
- FWD: 25/33 MPG1
- AWD: 23/30 MPG1

Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Exterior Design

Comparing the exterior styling of the 2024 Kia Sportage vs. Kia Seltos is a contentious battle, as both SUVs are refreshed and modern, and yet each model carries its own personality. The new Seltos trims are bold with a more aggressive front grille, giving this model year a confident flair. The new Sportage lineup is more futuristic, and its V-shaped LED projector headlights give it a contemporary vibe.

Both SUVs offer roof rails on most trims, but the Sportage gives you more opportunities to access a Smart Power Tailgate. The compact Seltos sits on 17- or 18-inch wheels, while the larger Kia Sportage also includes a 19-inch wheel option. Front and rear skid plates protect all trims of both models, and body-color door handles add to their sleek aesthetic.

Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Interior Comforts & Seating

Another exciting Seltos vs. Sportage comparison is interior design. Both SUVs offer comfortable cabins and plentiful luxury features. For example, all Seltos and Sportage trims provide dual-level cargo floors to maximize your trunk space or conceal valuables. You can also enjoy a quieter car ride because of the SUVs' sound-absorbing windshields.

Though the new Kia Seltos has a small footprint, its cabin is packed with upgraded technology. Expect an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and USB-C charging ports across both rows. Upper trims add heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear shifters, a larger 10.25-inch touch screen with Navigation, and Remote Start.

Inside a 2024 Kia Sportage cabin, you'll be greeted with features like a Day/Night Rearview Mirror and mood-setting interior lighting. The entry-level LX trim gives you an 8-inch touch screen for multimedia, while other trims upgrade your screen size to 12.3 inches and add Navigation. Heated front seats are available on the base model and are standard on all other trims.

Upper-trim features include SynTex upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Remote Start, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon® Premium Surround Sound System with HALOsonic.

Both new Kia SUVs for sale can comfortably seat five occupants, but the Sportage model's larger size gives it the edge in standard and max cargo capacities. Both SUVs boast 41.4 inches of front legroom so that even your taller passengers can stretch out and relax.

2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Sportage
Passenger Seating: 5 5
Cargo Capacity (Standard / Max): 26.6 / 62.8 cu ft 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft
Front Headroom: 38.5 - 40 in 37.8 - 39.6 in
Front Legroom: 41.4 in 41.4 in
Exterior Length: 172.6 in 183.5 in
Exterior Width: 70.9 in 73.4 in
Ground Clearance: 7.3 in 7.1 - 8.3 in

Shop Gunther Kia of Ft. Lauderdale for Your Next Kia SUV

We hope our 2024 comparison guide has helped you make your decision between the Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: 2024 edition. We know it's difficult to choose online; the true test, of course, is how each vehicle feels when you drive it. To get a hands-on experience with these new Kia SUVs for sale, swing by our dealership. Contact our helpful sales team to book your test drive of the 2024 Kia Sportage and the 2024 Kia Seltos today.

If you want a Kia Sportage but prefer to buy pre-owned, consider one of our premium used Kia Sportage models. Many of our customers love driving home in a later-model Kia Sportage LX that's equipped with the Popular Package because this add-on gives you upgraded cloth seat trim, power-folding outside mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Whether you take advantage of our Kia lease specials or apply for financing, we can help you find ways to save on your next vehicle. Ask our finance team about our current incentives and custom car loan packages.

After you drive home in your new or used Kia model, our full-service auto dealership will help keep your vehicle healthy with factory-scheduled maintenance appointments. You can trust our trained technicians for all things Kia automotive. From oil changes and tire rotations to larger repairs with genuine Kia auto parts, we've got you covered. We hope to see you soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: the Kia Sportage or Kia Seltos?

Choosing between the Kia Seltos vs. Sportage is a matter of personal preference. The best vehicle for you might be the larger Sportage SUV with its additional cargo space, while other drivers may prefer the agility of the smaller Seltos. Both models offer five seats, efficient four-cylinder engines with helpful highway gas mileage, and a competitive MSRP. Test drive both at our dealership.

Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Kia Sportage?

The Kia Seltos is actually smaller than the Kia Sportage. The 2024 Kia Seltos is 172.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide and offers a compact yet roomy interior with dynamic handling. It's also simpler to park. The Kia Sportage is 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide and offers more interior and cargo space, but it may be more difficult to park.

What is the main difference between the Kia Seltos vs. Sportage?

With similar fuel economy and on-road performance, the primary differences between these new Kia SUVs for sale are size and engine choice. The Sportage is larger but has one engine option. The slightly smaller Seltos offers easier maneuverability in tight spaces and two engine choices. The Kia Sportage generally costs more than the Kia Seltos, but offers more trim levels to give you more choices regarding your SUV's features.


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1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition. Learn more about Kia fuel economy at kiampginfo.com.