Meta description: Compare the 2027 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona side by side. See pricing, specs, and features at Emich Kia in Denver, CO. All-new Seltos starts at $24,990.

Suggested URL slug: /2027-kia-seltos-vs-hyundai-kona/

Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona: Which Compact SUV Wins in 2027?

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Service area: Denver, Colorado

How the 2027 Seltos and Kona Compare at a Glance

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos arrives as a fully redesigned second-generation model, and Denver shoppers comparing it against the Hyundai Kona will find meaningful differences in pricing, cargo space, available powertrains, and standard equipment that could steer the decision one way or the other.

Both vehicles offer a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter base engine producing 147 horsepower and an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 190 horsepower. Both offer front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. But the redesigned Seltos packages these shared building blocks with a lower starting price, a larger cargo hold, and an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission across all trims, while the Kona leads on standard driver-assistance features.

Pricing and Value Comparison

The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos LX starts at $24,990 with front-wheel drive, keeping it $510 below the Hyundai Kona SE in the Denver market. Step up to the Seltos LX AWD at $26,690 and you get all-wheel-drive traction for Front Range winters at a competitive price point.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona SE opens at $25,500 with FWD. Its upper trims, the SEL Sport and SEL Premium, range up to $30,050 with AWD. That puts the Kona's entry point above the redesigned Seltos, and its top trims well above the Seltos X-Line SX AWD when similarly equipped.

For budget-conscious Colorado buyers, the Seltos delivers a lower starting price combined with a larger, more capable vehicle. That price gap is real money whether you are a first-time buyer, a college student in the Denver metro, or a family adding a second vehicle.

Engine Performance and Powertrain

Both SUVs share the same two engine options from the Hyundai Motor Group parts bin. The base 2.0-liter Smartstream four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower and pairs with a new 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2027 Seltos. This replaces the previous IVT and delivers smoother, more responsive power delivery for daily commuting along I-25 or weekend errands around the Denver suburbs.

The available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine bumps output to 190 horsepower and also routes power through the 8-speed automatic in the redesigned Seltos X-Line SX AWD. This powertrain brings noticeably quicker acceleration and more confident passing power on mountain highway grades, an advantage that Colorado drivers will appreciate on routes like I-70 toward the ski resorts.

The Kona offers the same 190-horsepower turbo on its upper trims. In straight-line performance, the two vehicles are closely matched. Where they diverge is transmission tuning: the Seltos 8-speed automatic shifts crisply and feels engaging, while the Kona aims for a slightly softer, more comfort-oriented delivery.

2027 Seltos vs Kona Specs Comparison

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

The redesigned Seltos holds 27.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, giving it a 2.3-cubic-foot advantage over the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet. With 64.2 cubic feet available with the seats folded, the Seltos offers class-leading cargo capacity. That advantage translates to extra room for ski gear, luggage, or a weekend's worth of groceries for a Denver family. The Seltos is the more practical choice for hauling gear to trailheads along the Front Range.

The 2027 Seltos features a longer 105.9-inch wheelbase, contributing to best-in-class passenger space. Rear-seat legroom has improved over the previous generation, with enough room for adults on longer trips. The redesigned cabin uses upgraded soft-touch materials throughout, with a Telluride-inspired interior design that feels premium for the segment.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2027 Seltos now matches and surpasses the Kona in screen real estate with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a dedicated 5-inch climate display. This triple-screen setup creates a wide, connected dashboard experience that feels more integrated and upscale than the Kona's single-screen approach.

Both SUVs include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation. The Seltos offers an available Bose premium audio system on higher trims, while the Kona features a Harman Kardon option. For Denver commuters who spend significant time in the car on congested highways, both systems are responsive and easy to use with voice commands.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

The Kona has an edge in standard safety equipment: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go comes standard across the lineup, a feature that makes bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-25 through Denver considerably less fatiguing. The Seltos reserves full adaptive cruise for its upper trims, though forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system are standard on every Seltos.

Both models earn strong safety ratings and include a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems at upper trim levels, including blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning. For Colorado families prioritizing safety technology, either SUV delivers modern protection, but the Kona gives you more out of the box at the base level.

Why Choose Emich Kia in Denver

Emich Kia has served the Denver metro area for decades, building a reputation on transparent pricing, knowledgeable sales staff, and a service department that understands the demands Colorado roads and weather put on vehicles. When you buy a Seltos from Emich Kia, you are working with a team that can walk you through every trim level, demonstrate the AWD system, and help you configure the right vehicle for your daily commute or weekend mountain trips.

Emich Kia maintains a large Seltos inventory so you can compare colors, trims, and packages in person rather than ordering sight unseen. The dealership's location gives easy access to drivers across Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Aurora, and the wider Front Range. Emich Kia also offers competitive financing options and regularly updated service specials for ongoing maintenance.

Kia's industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides long-term peace of mind that few competitors match. Combined with the support of an established local dealership like Emich Kia, Seltos owners in the Denver area have reliable coverage and service access for years after purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2027 Kia Seltos bigger than the Hyundai Kona?

Yes. The all-new Seltos offers 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet. The redesigned Seltos also features a longer 105.9-inch wheelbase and a 174.4-inch overall length, which contributes to a more planted ride quality and best-in-class passenger space.

Which is cheaper, the 2027 Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona?

The 2027 Seltos starts at $24,990 for the LX FWD, which is $510 less than the Kona SE at $25,500. That price advantage, combined with the Seltos's significantly larger cargo area and redesigned interior, makes the Seltos the better value at nearly every comparison point.

Does the 2027 Kia Seltos come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. AWD is available starting with the Seltos LX AWD at $26,690. The X-Line SX trim includes standard AWD and pairs it with the 190-horsepower turbocharged engine and Torque Vectoring Multi-Mode AWD for maximum traction and performance in Colorado snow and mountain conditions.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Seltos or Kona?

The Kona has a slight fuel economy edge with its base FWD engine, estimated at 30 city / 35 highway mpg versus the Seltos at 28 city / 33 highway. The difference is approximately two miles per gallon, which amounts to a minimal difference in annual fuel costs for average Denver-area driving distances.

Is the Kia Seltos good for driving in Colorado winters?

The Seltos with available AWD handles Colorado winter conditions confidently. The system automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles when it detects wheel slip, providing stable traction on snowy and icy roads common along the Front Range from November through March.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have a turbo engine option?

Yes. The Kona offers the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as the Seltos, producing 190 horsepower. However, the turbo Kona trims are priced higher than the equivalent turbo Seltos X-Line SX AWD.

What warranty does the 2027 Kia Seltos have?

The Seltos comes with Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is among the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry and matches the Hyundai warranty exactly.

Where can I test drive a 2027 Kia Seltos in Denver?

Emich Kia in Denver maintains a full inventory of 2027 Seltos models available for test drives. You can browse current inventory online or contact the dealership to schedule a test drive at a time that works for you.