2021 Kia Seltos vs 2020 Honda HR-V

The relatively new subcompact crossover segment brings the best of both worlds: the space and comfort of a compact SUV and the efficiency and maneuverability of a sedan. Due to the meteoric rise in popularity this class has experienced in the last few years, now drivers have more choices than ever, which makes picking the right fit an arduous task. To help you in the decision-making process, at Moritz Kia we have put together a side-by-side comparison between the 2021 Kia Seltos and the 2020 Honda HR-V.

The 2021 Kia Seltos is the newest addition to the Kia family, and it boosts the lineup with a unique combination of style, capability, and technology. Despite its budget-friendly starting price, this model goes beyond the segment standards, challenging renowned rivals such as the Honda HR-V. But don’t take our word for it. Keep reading this comparison to find out what each model has to offer and which one takes the win in this competition.

What Makes the 2021 Kia Seltos So Unique?

At first glance, it might seem the 2020 Honda HR-V offers the best deal, with a $1080 lower starting price than the 2021 Kia Seltos. However, this last model comes standard with a stronger powertrain and a larger list of features, most of which can only be found in the HR-V when upgrading to higher trim levels. In fact, the all-new Seltos outperforms the 2020 Honda HR-V in every aspect.

For starters, the Kia Seltos gives you two powertrains to choose from. Standard on the base trim sits a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower, while higher grades get powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 175 horsepower. The Honda HR-V, on the other hand, makes use of the same 1.8-liter 4-cylinder powertrain no matter which trim level you choose, delivering a horsepower rating that falls short compared to the Seltos.

One of the most remarkable traits of the 2021 Seltos is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive, an unusual thing to find in most competitors. In fact, if you wish to add this drivetrain to the 2020 HR-V, its staring price increases $1,500, clearly surpassing the cost of the Seltos.

Another difference comes up when looking at both vehicles’ technology. While the Seltos is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, and a six-speaker audio system no matter which trim you choose, the HR-V comes standard with a 5-inch color LCD screen without smartphone compatibility.

When it comes to trunk space, the 2021 Kia Seltos doesn’t disappoint either. When all seats are in place, drivers can make use of 26.6 cubic feet of room for cargo, which expands to 62.8 cubic feet when folding down the reclining second-row seats. The 2020 Honda CR-V, in contrast, only offers 24.3 cubic feet of standard space and 58.8 cubic feet of total cargo space.