The Quick Answer
- Seltos for value: from $24,990 versus $28,990, and $26,690 versus $30,790 with AWD.
- Seltos for mileage (gas): 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 with AWD, versus 28 and 26 for the gas Sportage.
- Sportage for space: 41.3 in. of rear legroom versus 39.0, and 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat versus 27.8.
- Sportage for towing and hybrids: 2,500 lbs of towing (Kia doesn't rate the Seltos), plus a 41-mpg hybrid and a plug-in hybrid you can buy today.
- Same warranty and screen: both have a 12.3-in. touchscreen and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Seltos vs. Sportage: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Seltos | 2027 Kia Sportage | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $24,990 (LX FWD) | $28,990 (LX FWD) |
| AWD from | $26,690 (LX AWD) | $30,790 (LX AWD) |
| Top trim | $32,790 (X-Line SX) | $39,890 (X-Pro Prestige) |
| Engines | 2.0L, 147 hp / 132 lb-ft; 1.6L turbo, 190 hp / 195 lb-ft (X-Line SX) | 2.5L, 187 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Hybrid / plug-in | Seltos Hybrid announced; US details not yet released | Sportage Hybrid (232 hp) and Plug-In Hybrid (268 hp) on sale |
| EPA combined | 30 FWD; 28 AWD; 26 turbo | 28 FWD; 26 AWD; 24 X-Pro (Hybrid up to 41) |
| Max towing | Not rated by Kia | 2,500 lbs |
| Rear legroom | 39.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 27.8 / 64.2 cu ft | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 7.5–8.1 in. | 7.1 in. FWD; 8.3 in. AWD |
| Length / wheelbase | 174.4 / 105.9 in. | 184.4 / 108.5 in. |
| Where built | South Korea | West Point, Georgia (most gas models) |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K |
Kia specifications and MSRP as of October 2026, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. EPA estimates; actual mileage varies.
At the Same Price: Seltos X-Line SX or Sportage EX AWD?
For about $32,600 to $32,800, you can have a top-trim Seltos or a mid-trim Sportage with AWD. Here's what each gets you:
| Seltos X-Line SX ($32,790) | Sportage EX AWD ($32,590) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 190-hp 1.6L turbo, 8-speed | 187-hp 2.5L, 8-speed |
| EPA combined | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Highlights | Panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, 19-in. wheels, Terrain modes, power liftgate | Heated front seats, power driver's seat, smart power liftgate, blind-spot warning, 18-in. wheels |
| Rear legroom / cargo | 39.0 in. / 64.2 cu ft max | 41.3 in. / 74.1 cu ft max |
The Seltos gives you more features and a turbo; the Sportage gives you more room.
Size and Space
The Sportage is 10 in. longer, with a 2.6-in. longer wheelbase. That shows up in the back seat (2.3 in. more legroom) and the cargo area (11.8 cu ft more behind the rear seat and 9.9 cu ft more with the seats folded). The smaller Seltos is easier to park downtown and in tight garages.
Power and Fuel Economy
Most Seltos trims use a 147-hp 2.0L tuned for efficiency: 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 with AWD. The X-Line SX gets a 190-hp turbo, the better choice for I-70 climbs. Every gas Sportage has a 187-hp 2.5L rated 28 mpg FWD and 26 AWD.
For the best mileage in either size, the Sportage Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg today, and Kia has announced a first-ever Seltos Hybrid.
AWD, Towing and Colorado Driving
- AWD: a $1,700 option on the Seltos LX, S and EX and standard on both X-Line trims; an $1,800 option on the Sportage LX, EX and SX Prestige and standard on the X-Line and X-Pro Prestige.
- Clearance: up to 8.1 in. on the Seltos X-Line SX and 8.3 in. on an AWD Sportage.
- Towing: Kia doesn't publish a towing rating for the 2027 Seltos. The gas Sportage tows 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes.
- Loan interest deduction: most gas Sportages are built in Georgia and can qualify for the car loan interest deduction; the Korean-built Seltos doesn't.
Where the Sportage Wins
Where the bigger Kia comes out ahead:
- 2.3 in. more rear legroom and 11.8 cu ft more cargo space behind the rear seat.
- 2,500 lbs of towing.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions on sale now.
- An X-Pro trim with all-terrain tires.
- US assembly for most gas models, which can qualify for the car loan interest deduction.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Seltos if…
You want the lowest price, AWD for less, better gas-model mileage or a turbo with lots of features for under $33,000, and you don't need to tow.
Choose the Sportage if…
You carry adults in back, need cargo space for gear or a dog, want to tow, or want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Drive Both at Emich Kia
We stock both the Seltos and the Sportage, so you can drive them back to back in one visit.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Seltos vs. Sportage: FAQ
What's the difference between the Kia Seltos and Sportage?
The Seltos is a subcompact SUV that starts at $24,990; the Sportage is a compact SUV that starts at $28,990. The Sportage is 10 inches longer, with more rear legroom and cargo space, 2,500 lbs of towing and hybrid and plug-in versions. The Seltos gets better mileage than the gas Sportage.
Is the Seltos or Sportage better for a family?
The Sportage. It has 41.3 inches of rear legroom versus 39.0 and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat versus 27.8.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Among gas models, the Seltos: 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 with AWD, versus 28 and 26 for the Sportage. The Sportage Hybrid beats both at up to 41 mpg.
Do the Seltos and Sportage have AWD?
Yes. AWD is available on every Seltos trim and on every Sportage trim except the FWD-only SX.
Can the Kia Seltos tow?
Kia doesn't publish a towing rating for the 2027 Seltos. The gas Sportage tows up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes.
How much more is a Sportage than a Seltos?
About $4,000 to start: $28,990 versus $24,990 with FWD, and $30,790 versus $26,690 with AWD.
Compare the Seltos and Sportage in Person
Shop both in stock at Emich Kia in Denver and drive them back to back.
Shop Seltos Shop Sportage