2020 Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Kona vs. Honda HR-V: Which is the best?

The young but fastest-growing segment of subcompact crossovers in the car industry is becoming more exciting than ever. With a bunch of top-caliber automotive brands sending out their entries to the showdown scene, there is no wonder that we will not run out of choices when we opt to buy a car in this vertical.

Joining the battle for the best subcompact crossover SUV are the top two South Korean brands Kia and Hyundai, through their 2020 Seltos and Kona, respectively. Meanwhile, the Japan-made Honda HR-V is also ready to outlast its closest competitors in the same segment.

Kia Seltos was first locally introduced in November 2019 and was a product of the KIA SP Signature Concept. It was named after “Celtos”, the son of Greek mythological character Hercules. The 5-door SUV was distinctly made for the younger generation of motorists like the millennials who are known to be the youthful and tech-savvy buyers. 

On the other hand, another brand coming from the Land of the Morning Calm is claiming its glory in the subcompact crossover SUV scene. The Hyundai Kona debuted in June 2017 and was launched in 2018. Both of its electric and non-electric models were awarded as the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and dubbed as a historic success for a subcompact crossover SUV which is a definite counter-attack to the multi-awarded Honda HR-V.

Hailed as the 2019 Best SUV Brand for Teens by the U.S. News and World Report, Honda HR-V boasts a young and sleek design with safety features that are very compatible with the younger drivers. Although this car is one of the oldest subcompact crossover SUVs in the market, the automaker still never fails to amaze its fans with the revamps and updates to the car that was launched in 1999.

Although it seems to be a fair game for these three SUVs given its backgrounds, let us take a look at the spec-sheets of their best trims and see which will really stand out. In this article, we will be dealing with the 2020 Kia Seltos SX, Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T and Honda HR-V RS Navi CVT.

Dimensions

Apparently, the Kia Seltos is bigger in terms of the overall size than Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V. It also has a longer wheelbase tied with the HR-V. Meanwhile, if we will omit Seltos and compare Kona versus HR-V, the latter is longer and taller and has better ground clearance. It’s pretty obvious that Seltos leads the dimensions category while HR-V leads the off-road capability.

Engine and Chassis

• The Kia Seltos SX is equipped with 2.0L Dual-CVVT Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine that can fire up to 147 hp and 179 Nm torque. It shifts gears through an IVT or Intelligent Variable Transmission that performs continuous shifts to provide superior efficiency. On the other hand, the Hyundai Kona has the same Atkinson gasoline engine with the same maximum power and torque output as Seltos but employs a 6-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, the Honda HR-V has the 1.8 SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine that can fire only up to 140 hp and 172 Nm torque while shifting gears through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This means that in terms of power and torque output, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona are at par given that they have the same engine set-up.
• Both Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona has a 1999 cc displacement, hence, it is more powerful than the 1799 cc HR-V
• Even though Honda-HR-V is considered as less powerful than the two Korean SUV brands, it is still the most fuel-efficient given its record of covering 28 kilometers per liter.
• All three SUVs have the same size and type of tyres.
• All the cars have five doors and five-person seating capacity.
• All three have a Front-Wheel Drive train setup

Standard features on offer

• Aside from the more advanced features, Kia Seltos offers a stylish yet subtle approach in terms of its interior. It also employs ample cushioning and very impressive trunk capacity.
• On the other hand, Honda HR-V makes a great competitor for Seltos in terms of advanced technological features as compared to Hyundai Kona which seems to lack some unique features in its dashboard and also in some driver’s assistance inclusions.

Detailed price-comparison

When it comes to pricing, Honda HR-V R Navi CVT is the most expensive. It was only followed by the Kia Seltos SX leaving the sole trim of Hyundai Kona as the most affordable subcompact crossover SUV among the three.

What Kia Seltos offers over Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V: 

The bold, young, and very stylish Seltos sets its competitors behind through its various additional features. Apart from the included roof rack, it also has electrically adjustable seats and reclining full flat folding 60:40 rear seats. While the automatic climate control is a major plus already, the modern-looking digital touchscreen audio panel is also something to rejoice for. The LED daytime running lights and position lamps as well as the drive mode select feature are also impressive. When it comes to safety, the whole chassis design of Seltos was made even better. It features extensive use of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) throughout its structure. This ensures exemplary control, dynamic performance, and more enhanced occupant protection.

Other unique features added in Kia Seltos specs sheet are Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Rear Camera Display with Rear View Driving Function, and Rear Parking Distance Warning.

What Hyundai Kona offers over Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V:

Given its price, there is no wonder why the Hyundai Kona specs sheet consists of lesser unique features among the three SUV brands in spotlight. Kona has tire pressure monitoring feature as well as a steering wheel that controls both audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth. The extrovert styling of this SUV accentuates the funky interior layout and its urban driving compatibility.

What Honda HR-V offers over Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona:

The Honda HR-V is almost at par with Seltos when it comes to advanced driver assistance and safety features. One unique feature that Honda HR-V has is the Eco-Coaching System with Floating illumination RIng that is changeable up to 7 colors. The speed sensing power door locks and a multi-view reverse camera can set it apart from the two Korean SUVs. However, other than these,  there is no more wow factor available in the Honda HR-V specs sheet for potential car buyers.

Verdict

The overall size, trunk capacity, and advanced features of Kia Seltos make it a definite winner in this brawl. As for fuel efficiency, the Honda HR-V can be of great choice but may certainly lack in terms of driving performance and the price can also be a concern. Although Hyundai Kona has the same driving performance specs with Seltos, it still lacks numerous technology features and even lost its way in the entertainment and comfort category. Generally, its price is going to be its most unique selling point.

As millennials nowadays have obvious interest for more advanced technology and more comfortable drives, Kia Seltos is truly the best subcompact crossover SUV so far. Given that its price is in the middle of Kona and HR-V, this can be an ideal investment for the young drivers and car owner wanna-bes as well. Visit your nearest car dealer store and get a test drive today!

Also read: New Kia Seltos – All the details