kia seltos info blog

Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona in a split image

Why the Kia Seltos Is a Better Choice Than the Hyundai Kona


Shop the Kia Seltos at Hilltop Kia in Richmond, CA

For the best selection of brand-new Kia Seltos Models for sale, shop Hilltop Kia in Richmond, CA, near Walnut Creek and Oakland. Our friendly sales team will be happy to show you our inventory, and get you behind the steering wheel for a test-drive.

Why the Kia Seltos Beats the Hyundai Kona as a Compact SUV

The 2025 Kia Seltos delivers standout value, packing more in standard capabilities—including available All-Wheel Drive on most trims, and a larger gas tank that yields a longer EPA-estimated driving range: approximately 383 miles versus Kona’s 335-mile range.

When Richmond drivers choose the Kia Seltos over the Hyundai Kona, they get a subcompact SUV that’s spacious, well-equipped, and comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—giving peace of mind that edges out the Kona every time.

Performance: Why the Seltos Outshines the Kona

The Kia Seltos offers an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD for a more confident grip on Richmond’s varied roads.

The Seltos’ AWD system with Lock Mode enhances traction and control in California’s changing weather conditions, and can be set to distribute the power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels—all at the push of a button.

Technology & Safety: The Seltos Comes Out Ahead

The Seltos features a dual 10.25-inch digital cluster and infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto (on higher trim levels), along with practical features like a power liftgate, wireless charging, and Highway Drive Assist—not offered in the Kona base models.

The Seltos comes with a host of standard and available Kia DriveWise driver-assist features including Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go.

Interior, Comfort & Space: Seltos Leads the Kona

The Kia Seltos leads the Kona in headroom and cargo capacity, meaning there’s more room for people and gear. An expansive available power sunroof in the Seltos offers open-sky views and creates an airy feeling for driver and passengers.

Choose the Seltos’ available Dual Panoramic Display with Navigation and intuitive touchscreen interface for an immersive experience in entertainment, convenience features, and more. Available heated and ventilated front seats are perfect for colder and warmer California days.

Test-Drive the Kia Seltos at Hilltop Kia in Richmond, CA

For Richmond-area drivers looking for a compact SUV with a strong performance, a comfortable interior, and smart tech plus proven safety features, the Kia Seltos stands out. Backed by Kia’s respected warranty, it’s a much better option than the Hyundai Kona.

Visit us at Hilltop Kia in Richmond, CA and we’ll get you behind the steering wheel of the new Kia Seltos for a test-drive.