Kia Seltos Vs. Kia Sportage: How Do The 2025 Models Compare?
Are you ready to upgrade your drive and are deciding between the refreshed Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage models? We agree it's a tough competition. The Seltos is a compact SUV with a bold new exterior and comfortable cabin; the Sportage is also considered a compact vehicle but is slightly larger, offering greater cargo space and rear-seat legroom. 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! Let's find a crossover SUV that checks all the boxes on your wish list with our in-depth Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage comparison.
2025 Kia Seltos vs. 2025 Kia Sportage Key Takeaways
- The Kia Seltos is a smaller SUV with two available engine options, while the Kia Sportage has one powertrain option for its gas-only configuration.
- The Sportage arrives with two more trim levels than the Seltos, but the Seltos has a lower starting price.
- A higher ground clearance can be found on the 2025 Sportage, which makes it more appealing for drivers interested in off-roading.
- Although both achieve excellent MPG values, the Seltos comes ahead with higher fuel economy ratings, making it the more fuel-efficient SUV.
Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage: Trims & Pricing
When deciding between the new Kia Seltos or Kia Sportage, drivers look for the model that gives them the features they love at a price they can afford. A quick glance at 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage price points shows that both are fairly accessible, although the Seltos has a lower starting MSRP. While the Sportage lineup has a higher MSRP, you get to enjoy more premium interior upholstery options, dual-zone climate control, and larger available touchscreen displays.
Shop our new Kia inventory online to find your favorite trim and see its pricing. If you're interested in a 2025 Kia Seltos, this restyled SUV is available in five trims:
- 2025 Kia Seltos LX
- 2025 Kia Seltos S
- 2025 Kia Seltos EX
- 2025 Kia Seltos X-Line
- 2025 Kia Seltos SX
Configurations for the 2025 Kia Sportage are more extensive, with seven high-tech choices available:
- 2025 Kia Sportage LX
- 2025 Kia Sportage EX
- 2025 Kia Sportage X-Line AWD
- 2025 Kia Sportage SX
- 2025 Kia Sportage SX Prestige
- 2025 Kia Sportage X-Pro
- 2025 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige
Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Engines & Performance
Drive a 2025 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 offering an EPA-estimated 24/27 MPG (City/Highway).1 Learn more about the new Kia Seltos specs in our guide.
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 25/32 MPG,1 but all-wheel drive fuel efficiency isn't far behind at up to an EPA-estimated 23/27 MPG.1 Both SUVs use a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, although the first three trims in the Seltos lineup have an Intelligent Variable Transmission.
Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage Specs Comparison Chart
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| Engine Options |
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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 Options | Intelligent Variable or 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) |
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Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Exterior Design
Comparing the exterior styling of the 2025 Kia Sportage vs. Kia Seltos is a contentious battle, as both SUVs are refreshed and modern. Yet, each model carries its own personality. The new Seltos trims are bold with an 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 Liftgate. 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 the Sportage, and most of those for the Seltos, and body-color door handles add to their sleek aesthetic.
Kia Seltos vs. Sportage: Interior Comforts & Seating
Another exciting comparison point between the Seltos vs. Sportage is interior design. Both SUVs offer comfortable cabins and plentiful luxurious 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 their sound-absorbing windshields.
Though the new Kia Seltos has a small footprint, its cabin is packed with upgraded technology. Expect an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and USB-C charging ports across both rows, depending on the trim. Upper editions add heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear shifters, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with Navigation, and Remote Start.
Inside a 2025 Kia Sportage cabin, you'll be greeted with features like a Day/Night Rearview Mirror and an optional driver's seat memory system. The entry-level LX trim gives you an 8-inch touchscreen 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 gear shifter, a 12.3-inch instrument display, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon® Premium Surround Sound System with HALOsonic. Learn more with our guide on the new Kia Sportage trim levels.
Both new Kia SUVs for sale can comfortably seat five occupants, but the Sportage model's larger dimensions give 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.
New Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage Size and Capacity
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| 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
You can also consider our comparison of the Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson to see how the Kia model stacks against the competition.
2025 Kia Seltos and Sportage: What Has Changed From the Previous Model Year
If you're in the market for a 2024 or 2025 model, knowing the differences between the model years is helpful. When comparing the 2025 to the 2024 Kia Seltos, the main differences are slightly increased fuel efficiency as well as a few new standard features like Reverse Parking Distance Warning for the EX and SX models, and the Smart Power Liftgate for the EX AWD and SX editions.
If you compare the 2024 Kia Sportage to the 2025 model, there are no major changes to report.
Shop Gunther Kia of Ft. Lauderdale for Your Next Kia SUV
We hope our 2025 comparison guide has helped you make your decision between the Kia Seltos versus Sportage. We know it's difficult to choose online; the true test is how each vehicle feels when you drive it. To get a hands-on experience with these new Kia SUVs for sale, contact our sales team and swing by our dealership for back-to-back test drives of our available models. We are conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and are proud to be South Florida's go-to resource for Kia vehicle needs.
If you want a Kia Sportage but prefer to buy pre-owned, consider one of our premium used Kia Sportage models that may be equipped with comfortable 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 2025 Kia Seltos is 172.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it an agile choice for parking in crowded parking lots. The Kia Sportage is 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide, which allows it to offer more interior and cargo space for passengers and their belongings.
What is the main difference between the Kia Seltos vs. Sportage?
The primary differences between these new Kia SUVs for sale are size and engine choice. The Sportage is larger and offers more interior space but has one powertrain option. The slightly smaller Seltos provides easier maneuverability in tight spaces and two engine configurations. The Kia Sportage generally costs more than the Kia Seltos but has a wider variety of features with two more trim levels.
Is the Kia Seltos or Kia Sportage better for off-road driving?
While both the Kia Seltos and Kia Sportage can handle rugged terrain, the Sportage offers more benefits for off-road escapades. It has a higher ground clearance ideal for navigating rocky or muddy roads, and its powerful engine packs a punch for getting through challenging road conditions. Both the Kia Seltos and Kia Sportage offer underbody skid plates, but only the Sportage has them on every trim.
What are the engine options for the Kia Seltos and Kia Sportage?
The 2025 Kia Seltos has two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder powertrain that provides 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque or a 1.6-liter turbo engine with up to 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The Sportage is configured with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that delivers up to 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Kia Seltos & Kia Sportage Reviews In Ft. Lauderdale
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1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.